Set up the cage before you bring home your hedgehog. It’s okay to talk to your hedgehog for a few minutes, but don’t try to touch it. You may notice the hedgehog hiding for a while, but that’s normal.
A shirt that you got sweaty will work best because it will carry more of your scent. Don’t cover the entire surface of the cage. Instead, cover a portion of the cage.
You might make noise as you walk or say something like, “Who’s a cute little hedgehog?”
Don’t attempt to handle your hedgehog at first. Just let it sniff you. If your hedgehog huffs or hisses, remove your hand and back away from the cage. Sit near the cage and speak calmly to your hedgehog. However, don’t try to reach into the cage again.
Say things like, “It’s okay,” or “I’m not going to hurt you. ”
This will help your hedgehog get comfortable with you and learn that you aren’t a threat. After your hedgehog gets used to you, it’s okay to try to handle it while it’s crawling on you.
It’s best to wear as few scents as possible so your hedgehog can smell your natural scent. Your hedgehog needs to smell you, so don’t use gloves when you handle it. Gloves will mask your smell.
Your hedgehog may hiss or huff when you put your hand inside the cage. This behavior can become a habit if you continue to put your hand in its cage before the hedgehog is okay with it. It’s okay to handle your hedgehog in its cage once it gets comfortable with you.
After your hedgehog gets to know you, it might start to enjoy getting scratched between its quills. However, don’t ever rush this process—wait until it’s very comfortable with you!
It’s important to clean your hands before you handle your hedgehog to get rid of any food smells, which can make it bite you. Use an unscented soap to help your hedgehog get used to your smell.
Let your hedgehog come to you so it doesn’t get scared. Don’t be nervous! Hedgehogs are great at sensing fear, and if you’re scared and nervous, it will be scared and nervous, too.
There are 2 ways to pick up a hedgehog. As 1 option, slide your fingers under your hedgehog’s belly, then lift it up. Alternatively, scoop up your hedgehog by sliding your hands sideways under your pet. Press the sides of your hands together, then lift your hedgehog. If you’re having trouble picking your hedgehog up, use the side of its cage to roll it into your hands. Don’t let your fingers meet in the middle of your hedgehog’s belly or you’ll get pricked if it rolls into a ball.
Keep a firm grip on your hedgehog so it won’t fall. However, don’t squeeze your hands around it.
If your hedgehog continues to be agitated, put it back in its cage and wait a bit. Some hedgehogs have been well socialized or have better temperaments, and they should unroll pretty quickly. However, some are not so great and require more time. Keep your hands flat and let it wake up and get used to everything. Once its quills are down and it’s looking around and sniffing, it’s comfortable.
If your hedgehog walks forward, continuously shift your hands so that you always have 1 hand in front of it. If it’s comfortable enough with you, scratch your hedgehog between its quills with your free hand.
Be sure to carry your hedgehog by the fur and not its quills!
Watch for signs of stress, such as hissing and huffing, twitching and shaking its head, and frantically running away. If your hedgehog displays any, put them down.
You want your hedgehog’s routine to be as close to normal as possible.
Provide several blankets if you’re traveling during the wintertime when it’s cold. Additionally, put hand warmers or a hot water bottle under the blankets and cover the cage with a blanket to keep in the warmth. You can use a plastic or soft carrying case. You will need a plastic case for air travel. However, you can use either when traveling by car. A plastic case is sturdier, but a soft case is more comfortable for your pet. Choose a pet carrier designed for small animals. You can even find 1 made just for hedgehogs. The minimum cage size for a hedgehog is 16 in (41 cm) by 16 in (41 cm). However, it’s best to pick a carrier based on your pet’s weight. Hedgehogs like a lot of space, so a larger carrier can work for them. However, keep in mind that it may feel more secure during travel in a small carrier. [12] X Research source
Don’t put the case on the floorboard, which will be extra bumpy and hot. Your hedgehog will likely get sick or overheated.
Your hedgehog won’t be placed in the plane’s regular cargo compartment. There’s a special area for pets.
Carry the certificate of health while you’re traveling. You’ll likely need to show it when you check in for your flight.
You can make your labels using regular printer paper.
