Socialization

For info on what to do when your hedgehog first comes home, click here.
Getting your hedgehog to be friendly can take a while, but it is worth it.

Step 1: Don’t interact with your hedgehog the first few days after you get it. Make sure it has food, water, and toys, but don’t play with it. This will give it time to adjust to its surroundings. Don’t be too worried if your hedgehog doesn’t eat the first day. Many hedgehogs go on strike when they are first moved.

Step 2: Place an old T-shirt or shirt that you have recently worn in the cage so that your hedgehog can get used to your smell.  Make sure that there are no loose threads that hedgehog feet can get stuck in.

Step 3: Take your hedgehog out. Just hold it in a towel and wait for it to un-ball. You can even take it out while it is sleeping and carry it around with you so it can get used to your smell. The hedgehog will most likely wake up and huff and pop, but you should hold it anyway. It may fall back asleep, it may wake up, and it may keep huffing. Whatever the case, keep holding it and talk to it quietly so it can get used to your smell and voice. 

Step 4: Let the hedgehog run around. After you have made sure that the room is hedgie-proof (see hedgie-proofing your house) you can and should give it play time every day.

Treats are also a great way to get your hedgehog socialized. For examples of treats check the feeding page. At first, just put the treats in a "treat bowl" to make sure your hedgie likes it. Then you can offer the treat to your hog during playtime. Eventually the hog will associate you with treats, and will enjoy being around you more.

The following information has been copied with permission from "The Hedgehog Primer" by Antigone Means-Burleson. For more information on The Hedgehog Primer click here.

There are four basic hedgehog personality styles:

-Snugglers: These hedgehogs like to be held. Some will curl up at your neck, others like your lap or the crook of your arm. They are usually calm and content to be held quietly. They may also let you pick them up with spines completely down.

-Scaredy Cats: These hedgehogs may unball and snuggle or may explore, but it seems like the slightest thing scares them and they instantly snap into a ball at the tiniest noise or movement. They need a lot of patience and understanding, and with time may learn to be a runner or a snuggler, though most will always retain that high-strung tendency.

-Runners: These hedgehogs just don't want to sit still. They are perpetual motion machines, and squirm like crazy when you try and hold them in your hands. They do well with lots of things to climb on and under, and lots of room to roam. They usually think you're pretty neat to climb, and may want to sample your hair. They stay busy and are a lot of fun to watch or let roam over you like terrain.

-Hermits: Some hedgehogs just want to be grumpy and hide, no matter what. They may be out and about comfortably, but run and hide or ball up the moment they notice a human is about. Some may even bite to let you know that they don't appreciate being handled. They typically have a feisty, fun spirit, but it takes some understanding and patience to learn how they want you to behave. They are not hedgehogs who will voluntarily seek you out, though they may learn to tolerate your presence.

Along with all of this, if you are nervous when handling a hedgehog they may become nervous too. Some hedgehogs have a combination of these personalities, or even a different one, but if you are looking for a hedgehog expect to find one of these.