How to help a grumpy hedgehog be more friendly

Hedgehogs, similar to humans, each come with their own personality. That is what makes hedgehogs interesting, and fun pets. Naturally some hedgehogs will be more friendly and open to being handled than others. Others will feel more defensive and ball up, taking longer to open up. If your hedgehog is on the grumpier end of the spectrum, is all hope lost? Not exactly. 

Here are some tips & tricks to help your hedgehog become more comfortable being handled:

• Share your scent. Leave a small piece of an old worn shirt in their cage with your scent on it (this is also helpful when bringing a new hoglet or hedgehog home)
• Give them an adjustment period. If your hedgehog just arrived home and/or is quilling (getting adult quills and losing baby quills - think of teething!), give the hedgehog some grace. This is a big transition. Try to limit handling for the first week home while they adjust to their new surroundings and/or complete the quilling process.
• Short, daily handling, and build up the amount of time each day. Start with just 30 seconds of calm, secure, handling (no gloves). I recommend holding them next to your body, in your open palms and standing still. The goal is to make them feel  secure and that your scent is associated with safety. If they do not open up, do not poke them around the face or poke at their quills, just gently place them back in their cage after a small amount of time. Gradually work up the amount of time each day and soon they should feel more and more comfortable with you.
• Let them hang out with you while you watch TV, work, etc. Sweatshirts with front pockets are great little hideaways for your hedgehog. After they have adjusted to being home and you have handled them daily, let them lounge in your sweatshirt or a blanket with you on the couch or while you work. 

Please keep in mind, every hedgehog is different and will react differently. Some may always be grumpier than others. This isn't a guaranteed method to help your hedgehog become more friendly, but certainly can help. 

If you're looking for a hedgehog, you also can always ask the breeder how often the babies are handled, and which hoglets in the litter are the most friendly. At Penny's Prickly Pigs, we strive to breed friendly adults, which generally leads to more friendly hoglets. 

Have you had a grumpy hedgehog? What tips and tricks worked for you?