When someone first holds a hedgehog, they wonder whether it is truly prickly and spikey, or if it is soft enough to hold .One might ask why anyone would have a pet that could not even be picked up or cuddled. The owners of hedgehogs across the world are aware that their pets can be handled if they handle them properly.
What Is The Best Way To Handle A Hedgehog?
Hedgehogs have relaxed quills when they’re at rest. In this case, a hedgehog can be held without worrying about its sharp quills. Its shaggy back and sides are covered in flat quills pointing towards its hind legs. If you don’t rub the sharp tips (pet them backwards), you are not at risk of getting poked.
A scared or angry hedgehog, however, tends to hold its quills high and point in all directions. Bringing a hedgehog into contact with this state can result in a stinging experience, so be prepared to protect your hands by wrapping a thick towel around them or wearing gloves.
Hedgehogs like to cuddle?
Every hedgehog enjoys being held or cuddled differently. Hedgehog behavior varies depending on how much handling he or she has received in the past. Hedgehogs like to cuddle up to their human companions, but others are shyer or prefer to explore and move around rather than remain still and cuddle. Hedges tend to tolerate being held, but prefer to snuffle around and explore (or find a quiet corner for a nap on the couch) over being held. Even though it can be difficult to predict a hedgehog’s personality, most hedgehogs can at least be held with patience.
Hedgehog quills and fur
There is soft fur on the belly of the hedgehog, but stiff quills on its sides and back. It is estimated that hedgehogs have approximately 3,000 to 5,000 quills, so they are spiky! When a hedgehog feels threatened, its quills stand up to defend itself. Hedgehog quills are not sharp like porcupine quills. Quills that are relaxed lie flat. The undersides of hedgehogs are also protected by a curled-up ball when threatened.
It’s just a hedgehog ball covered in quills (an effective defense mechanism).While they are in this state, hedgehogs don’t get damaged too much (very few hedgehogs have had their skin broken by being poked). It is best to avoid getting your fingers trapped by a hedgehog rolling into a ball, since hedgehogs are extremely strong and being poked and squeezed at the same time can cause extreme pain!
