VlogsOfBee they aren't doing it because they don't like you, hedgies hiss because they are scared. It takes a lot of bonding to finally make her feel comfortable
my hedgehog is super friendly and loves being handled. It doesn't like sleeping in a home though, it always pushes them over, or trys to. I put an old shirt that I grew out of years ago in there, and she loves sleeping under it.
@@jennsmitt5441 my hedgehog is super friendly and loves being handled. It doesn't like sleeping in a home though, it always pushes them over, or trys to. I put an old shirt that I grew out of years ago in there, and she loves sleeping under it.
I'm in the process of convincing my parents to get a hedgie!! Your channel was so helpful in my research about these cute little critters! So I really thank you for putting these videos out on the internet, they are so helpful. :)
I just wanna say that your videos about hedgehog really helped a lot when I was a beginner in taking care of them and even before buying one. Keep up the good work. I really enjoy your vids because it just shows the practical tips and tricks on handling them and not just the cute stuff only. Hope this inspires you to do more of these :)
Thanks for taking the time to share. We have a new buddy named Spike. She, after watching different videos seems to be none grumpy. Just normal, wake me up attitude, grumpy from time to time. The shirt idea is definitely going to happen and next time my daughter is up she can feed her some freeze dried bugs. Thanks for the ideas.
Help please!! I bought a hedgehog off kijiji and he seemed really friendly when i met him, but the day after i brought him home he started becoming very grumpy and scared of me. Although i don't have any trouble picking him up, he curls up into a ball every time i try to go near him. I play with him every day for about 30+ minutes, but im wondering how long it will take for him to like my company? and also its been over a week and hes starting to smell bad but he's still completely scared of me so im afraid to give it a bath cause i feel it will roll into a ball when i put him in the sink.. I watched your "how to handle a grumpy hedgehog" video but it doesnt seem to be working for me.. any tips? please and thank you
Oh my goodness she's so cute! I love her little teefies. My Henry is grumpo, but he's bonded to me and my students pretty well! I've loved having him for a pet!
Hi I've been doing allot of work learning what i can about the hedgehogs. I love them so. I've watched most of your videos and would really love to purchase a hedgehog from you. Yours are sweet and very out going and big and that's what i want for my first. Are you planning on doing any breeding anytime soon ?? There are a few breeders in my state. If not can you highly recommend someone you know. I'm in Michigan. BTW prayers for your girlfriend I'm sure she'll do fine especially if your taking care of her !!
I think I'm getting there with my hedgehog, I've had him around a month now. If anyone needs any tips: start of holding them in a blanket in the evening on your lap while doing something else then after about 2 weeks or so of that, gradually try putting them on their back in the blanket and sliding them onto your hand so you are holding them on their back (you get used to the quills don't worry, just do it in baby steps little by little) make sure you regularly talk to them in a very calm soothing voice
Great video! Only thing I’d like to mention is that wearing gloves isn’t always the best idea because then the hedgehog can’t get used to your scent, and you can’t get used to holding them, quills and all. If you own a hedgehog, you should get used to holding them without gloves for their sake and yours.
That's mostly just an old wives tale. Gloves are just fine during the first weeks or months of owning until the hedgehog is more calm during handling. Remember also to always handle before buying a pet. Don't support bad breeders who sell too early without properly socializing their animals. This just lets them keep neglecting and breeding just for money. Pets should be calm and tame upon purchase.
Earthling1984 I agree! I meant in more of a long term sense :) at some point you do have to get used to holding them. I appreciate your videos, they’re very helpful
Today i just got a hedgehog im new to hedgehog care but i been watching and researching about hedgehog care after saving but we got one im am really happy
Great video! But had to laught at the throw in shoes, well not shoes“ part soo hard haha just imagine throwing in shoes what the hegie would think hahah like ,,wtf is wrong with you humans my home is not a freaking shoe closet’‘😂😂
Yeah, any animal with a mouth can bite. I've kept and bred over 50 hedgehogs. Never a single bite. Always handle a pet before purchasing. Quality breeders will provide quality pets. I know lots of people want to 'save' any pet/animal they see. BUT, buying from a poor quality breeder/store/whatever, just lets those bad breeders keep selling, which in turn means they keep breeding & abusing animals, not socializing them, and selling them too early when they are still babies and should still be learning and socializing with their families (hedgehogs should not be sold to a new home until at least 10 weeks). Always make sure you either buy from a quality breeder with calm and tame pets, or, adopt an older animal that needs a home. Never 'adopt' or 'save' an animal from a breeder or store (that just means they got a sale, and will replenish their stock with more abused animals).
Hi! I have an 8 month old hedgehog, named Redgie, that was re-homed to me at 6 months and he isn't quite adapted to me yet. How often do you interact with your hedgehogs? And for how long? I handle him nicely and I baby him more than a mother does a newborn but I don't let him get away with shinanagins. I was told by the previous owner that he was very nice and interacts well but he is mostly grumpy any time I try to spend time with him
I have one question (I am getting there with my hedgie but I'm still watching videos like these for tips because I'm still not 100% there yet) with the clothing that smells like you, I put a t-shirt in his cage a few days ago but do I keep putting clothing that smells like me in for a few days/weeks or is it a one time thing?
The Lubinskyj Brotherz If your hedgehog is not moving (i know this was a year ago but just for anyone else) he could be hibernating- in which case you need to warm him up desperately. Use a hairdryer and wrap him up under your shirt. Hedgehogs have to be kept around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hey Earthling! I was looking into getting a hedgehog and I was wondering if those colored, see-through igloos they sell in pet stores are good as a hedgehog home/hiding space or would you want something that is a solid color?
hello! i recently got a new hedgehog and when i met him, he was very nice with his old owners but i haven't been able to get him out of his pouch since we've been home. any tips you can give me are greatly appreciated!
Do you have or need a heating source for your hedgehogs? I heard you should have a heat emitter to keep the temp ~80deg F. Or is general room temp okay too?
Never use a heatpad. You do need around 77F. Anywhere from 75F to 82F is good. A ceramic heat emitter, or, red reptile heatlight work great. Be sure to test temperature. Don't just put a light above the cage and call it good. Raise or lower the light to achieve proper temperature.
Mine is nice but he's really shy. I've had him for about a year and he's a sweet little boy. He loves his towel but if I ever try to pick him up with my bare hands he goes into spike mode. He doesn't like when I wear gloves. He's just a little timid. I got him from a breeder when he a was a baby. Idk, maybe he's just odd lol.
I just bought my first hedgehog and I’m in love! We just got it home! How can I tell if it’s a boy or girl?! I’m sure that’s probably a dumb question lol I am so in love! Thanks for the great content!
We just bought a three month old male, what do you recommend for bathing, how often should I bathe ours and should I use some sort of wash or just water?
Hey I don't know if you can get back to me, but in the beginning of this video I noticed how her breathing was more of a whistle and not quiet. When my hedgehog wakes up he will make those noises but will also sneeze a bit and lick his nose a lot. but it will go away. I did take him to the vet about it because I'm quite a paranoid person. She said it could be allergies but it could also be a URI. so she treated him for a URI. He is on day 3 of the antibiotics, but I'm wondering if the whistling breathing is normal. Thanks :)
xxiSabrinaxx I notice some noises, usually nothing to worry about. I never have had a sick hedgehog so I am unsure if yours is or not. Maybe sick, or maybe vet just wanted to make more money :P
Haha, thank you for getting back to me so quick! He's fine, it's not like he's super noisy most of the time, just when he wakes up usually. Then it goes away Yeah probably vets trying to be vets :P
Hi, I just got my hedgehog around 3 weeks ago and I've found that he has two sores on his left front arm and behind his left ear. The vet said he was perfectly fine, but he also has crusty (I don't know how else to explain it) stuff on his genitals. He's 9 weeks old so I'm not sure what this could be. Any help you can offer is greatly appreciated. :)
Hi! I have a question. I bought a hedgehog yesterday and I haven't seen he eat today, I don't know if they only eat late in the night because likes to sleep all day or if is because we had to travel like 10 hours to arrive home, so may be stressed.
Elizabeth Diaz Don't worry about it.. New home and such will cause some time to adjust. And what food are you using? Quality cat food should be the main food.
Have had our hedgehog for two weeks... we bought from a breeder who told us she was super friendly. She’s been a terror. She hisses, bites, balls up. It’s been so awful we have trouble even cleaning her cage. We put in shirts to get her used to us, and nothing has made any difference. It’s super upsetting and actually makes me want to cry seeing such a sweet hedgehog. This is the bond I hoped we would have.
i have 2 feral hedges for the winter. i handle them barehand and if they bit i just blow gently on their nose to release. they allready start to learn biting equals blow which they dont like so they stop. also dont handle them near their shelter, they get terretorial. Never forgett, they cant really hurt you.
I gave my hedgie a couple old shirts, and he sleeps under them, but he still doesn’t like me much just yet lol. He’s really grumpy, I got him at a year old from a rescue, so even though he’s grouchy he’s not really aggressive, he just needs to warm up to me.
Do you need a heater for a hedgehog? I'm only looking to have one, but i'm wondering if I NEED a heater. Some say its to keep from hibernation, and others say you don't need one, What's your opinion?
+Lizzie O Hedgehogs need to be kept over 70F, preferably over 72F. So, you need a heat light (not a heater/heatpad, has to be a light) of low wattage 25w to 50w max to raise the temp a few degrees if you are under 70F where the hedgehog is. I personally don't use any heaters for my hedgehogs; however, my hedgehogs are kept in my pet room, which is kept closed and has lots of reptile lights and other heating for other animals in there. So my pet room stays around 75F year round.
I was given a hedgehog from a friend's mom because she didn't have time for him. so he is very cranky and I can't pick him up without him going in a ball and any small movement he freaks what can I do to get him to calm down and relax
Steph Myers Basically all you can do is keep trying to handle daily, and give treats out of the cage. It may take weeks or months but he should come around.
I never put any shirts or clothing in my hedgehogs cage. So, you don't have to at all. Some people think it's a good idea to help your hedgehog get used to your smell. You can do it for as little or long as you want if you want to. I never had a need to do that.
i bought a hedgehog earlier today. since i got home he doesnt seem to respond i tried putting food and water he just curls up into a ball and when i get closer it looks likes hes putting tension on his body. hes 3 months old. is it too late to tame him? i tried to hold him for me to transfer him in a bigging container but when i tried he got mad, really mad he like "barked" (thats the soud that i kinda heard) what should i do? should i leave him alone for atleast a day o two? im kinda worried.. pls respond
Let him get used to the cage for a day or two then start trying to handle again. It sounds like you got him from a breeder who didn't socialize him at all. You can still tame him, but, it may take months.
Best video I seen on trying to hold one I just got one first one I tried picking him up that really hurts and I went under his belly had him on my lap I'm am afraid he will night me he attacked my watch lol but I like a challenge so wish me luck any tips let me know
Hello~! I love your videos, and I'm definitely planning to get a hedgehog, and your videos have definitely been helping in my research. I just have a question. I'm going to get a storage container bin as a cage for him. I was wondering if a 113 quart storage container tub is big enough for a hedgehog? The dimensions are as follows: 35.98"L x 16.81"W x 14.24"H In case I don't get that one, what size do you think is the minimum requirement for a hedgehog? Thank you! ^^
Earthling1984 Hm, I noticed that I can't quite find many storage container bins that are bigger. If I may ask, where do you get your storage containers? Thank you!
hai,thanks for all inforrmation abt hedgie. i just bough hedgie 3 wks ago and keep bitting me😅. wat should i do ? everyday i pick him up and play with him, and yet he keep biting me while he walk around in my arms.thanks for help😉
Hello!! I have a question... I'm going to purchase a hedgie from a group called Suncoast Hedgehogs. They seem very good and wonder if you have an opinion about them. Also, I was wondering how often do I need to feed them?
I don't know of that group. Best to always handle a pet before buying so you know it is tame and calm and friendly. Too many people buy small animals that are mean/bite/scared. You wouldn't buy a cat or dog that bites you. So just keep that in mind and handle first. As for feeding. My hedgehogs get dry cat food daily. I also give insects and veggies/fruits at least once a week.
I just got my hedgehog(her name is Astrid) and I put my shirt that I wear to bed sometimes, few days later she didn’t mind me holding her cause she knows my scent(ish). So now I need to cut her nails cause there long so this video is helpful:)
Thanks for the video! My hedgehog turn 2 years old tomorrow and she is having flaky/dry skin. Can you please give me any advises what to do for dry skin!! thank you and keep up the good work!
+Michael Fabregas Give bathes less often, they can dry skin, especially if you are using anything more than just plain water. Soaps and shampoos will dry them out. I would suggest making sure you are feeding a high quality cat food. Something like blue buffalo, royal canine, or instinct.
hmm. damn that is pretty much what I would suggest and you already have done it all. I may just suggest stop washing. Not sure how often you wash your hedgehog but once a month tops.
I love your videos but when you started petting the hedgehog it seemed pretty annoyed also what if my hedgehog is afraid of anything that moves like the breeder I got her from had barking chihuahuas and and two chimps -__- but now she is afraid of absolutely everything! Help?
With calm daily handling your hedgehog should get used to you and trust you. Just keep working with your hedgehog daily. Calm, quiet handling is best. Hedgehogs don't like fast movements or loud noises.
i have two hedgehogs and i wouldn't advise using gloves bacuse they may become more aggresive later on if you use then offen but a one time thing should be ok but i dont advise using them
I’m about to adopt a three year old male hedgie, I was wondering if he will still bond with me or would he have a stronger bond with his original owner? The owner said that her hedgie is usually okay around new people and is okay with being handled. Just want to know if his age would play a factor in bonding? Thank you!
Deery Luhan If the hedgehog is nice and easy to handle it should be a smooth transfer. It's only really harder at older ages if the hedgehog isn't tame yet.
Earthling1984 I just finished bringing him home but when I tried to pick him up, he made this growling noise? And his spines were really sharp. When I was with his previous owner he didn’t act like this at all, actually the exact opposite. He was friendly and did not make any noises. Was it because I had woken him up? It’s about 7pm where I live.
Deery Luhan It may take some time ( a few days ) for the hedgehog to settle into his new home. Be very calm and patient. Hedgehogs don't like fast movements, loud noises, or being forced to do anything. Why did the previous owners want to get rid of their hedgehog?
Earthling1984 they were moving out of state. They also told me he used to have mites so they already finished treating him and he’s growing back his quills that he lost.
i have 3 hedgehog that i bought online (4 days ago) i do use your technique in handling them but still didn't work and they are angry and spiked me several times. thank you. - Richard from Philippines.
Not normal. Hedgehogs from good breeders (like the ones I sold) were calm and tame upon purchase and the new owners could handle their tame hedgehogs instantly. That being said, most breeders don't put in the time and effort needed to properly socialized. So, some work will need to be done.
So I've had a new hedgehog for a couple weeks and she is getting used to me. She is not mean but very squirmy and poops on me and wherever she goes constantly when out of her cage! Help! It makes it hard to want to hang out!
The fact that the hedgehog is pooping a lot while being handled means it is nervous or scared. This is common with most animals. In time the hedgehog should learn everything is safe and not do that as much or at all. Calm daily handling is what it is going to take. Take out the hedgehog as often as you can during the day (be it for 5minutes or 30minutes). You may want to have more holding sessions that are shorter so the pooping happens less out of the cage. Be calm and patient. She should come around.
Awh, she is so precious! But I have a question about the cage. I'm so used to having Chinchillas and being in my knowledge they should be kept in an enclosed cage. Why aren't hedgehogs kept in an enclosed cage as well?
Hedgehogs can't jump, like at all. They can barely climb. They are very clumsy. As long as you don't have something they can climb on and get out of the cage with, they are easily contained in a tall container with no lid.
I was told everywhere I go that gloves aren't a good idea for picking up your hedgehog, but you've been doing this for so long that I trust your judgement. But I worry sometimes because alot of sources tell me not to do this.
Hey I just got a hedgehog today from a breeder and they said she was really friendly but she won’t even let me touch her! I’m not sure what to do! She’s hissing and in a ball and I’m just so confused! Found someone help me on what to do?
Hedgehogs are solitary animals and often will be scared in new places. Did you handle before buying? I bred over 50 hedgehogs, and, mine were always nice and tame when sold. Never a single person called back to say they were acting scared or mean after sale. So, the breeder may have not been a good breeder. Hedgehogs do not like to be forced to do anything. You have to be very calm and patient. In time, the hedgehog should learn that you are a source of food and entertainment. Most important is to offer quality food. I feed mainly high quality dry cat food (don't use any crap brands, must be high quality; I usually use Blue Buffalo's Wilderness variety, or, Royal Canin adult cat - Blue Buffalo has some lower quality options, like Blue Basics, don't use that). In the dry cat food I mix freezedried insects (these are low cost and can buy in bulk online, from Amazon or elsewhere). For treats, I usually would bake a few chicken breasts and cut them up into small pieces (I would put some in the fridge, some in the freezer, and use as needed). Hedgehogs will eat some fruits and veggies, but, they do not need to be a huge part of their diet, more of a snack from time to time. This was my hedgehogs main diet; every hedgehog I kept lived over 6 years, and, a few over 8 year. Also, remember they must be kept between 75F and 82F. Any lower than 75F is unsafe and can cause symptoms that appear like wobbly hedgehog syndrome, but, is just that they are too cold. They will get weak and die eventually if kept too cold. Getting a little too hot won't harm them (I mean of course 200F would, but, even up to 90F they would be fine). I keep my hedgehogs around 77F. Keep being patient and working with your hedgehog. Get a large shoe box (or other container about this size) and watch tv or a movie with your hedgehog next to you. Don't bother the hedgehog, let them watch and learn that you are close to them and causing no hard. Offer treats during this time too, but, don't overly try to handle the hedgehog; at least for the first week or so. A good thing to do is just place your hand in the box, but, don't touch the hedgehog. Just keep your hand in there for 5 to 10 minutes, a few times during your tv watching. Keep your hand mostly still. Being close and causing no harm to the hedgehog should show them over time that you are no threat. I hope this helps, any other questions send them my way!
Angelina Of course he's shy. He should have had another month and 3 weeks to learn and grow with his hedgehog family. Again, horrible breeder. Also, as a buyer you should have researched at what age they should be sold/bought.
You said they don't really bite. Mine does. She is four months old and always bites me and draws blood. As soon as she sees skin.... CHOMP!!! Not just my skin either. Don't know what to do. I spend a lot of time with her everyday. I'm not going to give up. She is going to get lots of loving no matter what!
Lisa Hutchins Hutchins Why did you buy a hedghehog that bites? You wouldn't buy a cat or dog that is biting you. Always handle before buying. If an animal is mean, scared, or aggressive, it means the person who bred them did a very poor job. They didn't socialize proprly and are probably just breeding for a quick buck. Buying pets like this just lets those bad breeders keep abusing and mistreating their animals. If nobody bought from bad breeders, they wouldn't have a reason to keep breeding. I've had over 50 hedgehogs. Never a single bite. Properly raised hedgehogs will never bite. Good luck and I hope you don't give up and keep being patient, calm, and handle often. Use gloves for now, if needed.
Earthling1984 She was 6 weeks old and the people that bought her only had her for three days. She was biting at that time. They thought she was just mean and we're going to dump her in the woods. I heard about this and said I would take her. So I rescued her. I have a heart ❤️ for any neglected or abandoned animal. I will still love her even if she stays a biter.
Lisa Hutchins Hutchins Horrible. Hedghehogs shouldn't leave the breeder until 3 months! They need time to grow and socialize! Horrible breeder just in it for the money and abusing animals. A buyer should know not to buy these pets until they are at least 3 months. Bad buyer and bad breeder. Sad. At least you got the hog now. Good luck.
Earthling1984 it is sad and upsetting. So many people get pets for their children. Once the novelty wears off the pet becomes neglected. And because this little girl bites she was going to be dumped. Sooooo upsetting! She now has a forever home and gets lots of love and attention. I hope in time the biting will become less. She loves to cuddle with me. :)
Ayub Hussein ... what??? Of course you handle all the babies to socialize them. But, wait till 10 days to handle. Then, yes, take just one out for a couple minutes. Put back in and leave cage alone for 24 hours. If all is well, you can now handle them all.
I'm considering getting a hedgehog, but I'm concerned about the diseases they carry such as salmonella and AIDS. Is this true? Love your videos very thorough and insightful.
So my hedgehog is really mean I’ve had her for a few days and I knew when I got her she was mean because she was with a bad breeder and my friend ended up getting her and couldn’t work with her so I ended up taking her and I’ve made some progress but I know it’s gonna be a slow process she is also really sharp I’ve worked with many hedgehogs and she is the worse I’ve ever met when it comes to how sharp they are She has even made me bleed a few times
Dear, Earthling1984 I have a few questions like why are you handling your hedgehog with gardening gloves. If any new hedgehog owners are watching this, if you are nervous with your hedgehog use a blanket your hand and if you have to, GARDENING GLOVES.... When you use gardening gloves, your hedgehog doesn't get your event that will cause for your hedgehog to most likely to be afraid of you and never get used to your scent. But leaving a peice of your used short like you said is a great idea 💡 Please know when you are using gardening gloves to handle your spiky friends that they may not ever get used to your scent, the same with nail polish or lotion. Please know this before buying a hedgehog Thank you - Ellie The Hedgechog Girl
Hello earthling 184 i think i figured out why oliver my hedgehog is biteing me i think he has a skin infection. What would the symptoms be if he had one he has been scratching himself and he is looseing quills but no bald spots yet.
How old is the hedgehog? Have you bathed him; and if so, we did you use anything other than water (if so what)? Is your hedgehogs cage kept between 77F and 82F? What food are you feeding?
@@jenniferalexander780 Don't use soap, only water when bathing. Also, that is not good food. Nothing at Walmart is any good for hedgehogs (or cats). You need to get dry cat food. I suggest Royal Canin, Instinct, or Blue Buffalo's Wilderness or grain free varieties (don't get other varieties of Blue Buffalo, only those 2 types). Mix freezedried mealworms (or other freezedried insects with their dry cat food). Make sure cage temp is between 77F and 82F (use a 25 to 50 watt red reptile heatlight and test temperature - raise or lower light to get temperature correct. Never use a head pad, or, any type of under tank heating, only above tank lights and make sure to test temperature). Use aspen bedding; never use pine or cedar.
@@jenniferalexander780 Side note. Potatoes are not good for hedgehogs. They need basically no fruits or veggies; and, many fruits and veggies are harmful to them. Always at least do a google search like, "are potatoes ok for hedgehogs" before you feed them anything new.
