Understanding Hedgehog Behavior: What Your Pet Is Trying to Tell You

Image by Amaya Eguizábal from Pixabay

Understanding Hedgehog Behavior: What Your Pet Is Trying to Tell You

Hedgehogs may be small and covered in spikes, but they are full of personality and have a unique way of expressing themselves. As a hedgehog owner, learning to recognize and understand your pet’s behavior is key to meeting their needs and ensuring their well-being. Hedgehogs, like all animals, communicate through body language and vocalizations, so paying attention to these signals can help you better understand how they’re feeling. In this guide, we’ll explore common hedgehog behaviors and what they might be trying to tell you.

1. Quills Up: Feeling Threatened or Anxious

One of the most noticeable behaviors in hedgehogs is their ability to raise their quills when they feel scared, threatened, or anxious. If your hedgehog’s quills are standing up, this is a clear sign that they are feeling defensive.

• What it means: Raised quills usually indicate that your hedgehog is feeling frightened or unsure of their surroundings. This is a natural defense mechanism to protect themselves from perceived threats.
• What to do: Give your hedgehog some time to relax and adjust to their environment. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could further stress them out. You can also try gently talking to them to reassure them that they are safe.

2. Huffing and Puffing: Warning Signs

If you hear your hedgehog making huffing or puffing sounds, it’s a warning that they’re feeling annoyed or irritated. Hedgehogs will often make these sounds when they want to be left alone or when they feel overwhelmed.

• What it means: Huffing and puffing is a defensive behavior and a way for your hedgehog to say, "Back off!" They might make these sounds if they’re startled, in an unfamiliar environment, or simply not in the mood for interaction.
• What to do: Respect their space and give them time to calm down. If you’ve just woken them up or approached them too quickly, try slowing down your interactions. Allow your hedgehog to come to you when they’re ready.

3. Balling Up: Maximum Defense Mode

Hedgehogs are known for their ability to roll into a tight ball when they feel scared. This is a classic defensive posture that allows them to protect their vulnerable belly by using their quills as a shield.

• What it means: If your hedgehog balls up, they’re feeling very frightened or insecure. This behavior is common in new hedgehogs that haven’t yet bonded with their owner, but even a well-socialized hedgehog might ball up if they’re startled.
• What to do: Be patient. Allow your hedgehog to unroll on their own time without forcing them. You can place them in a safe, quiet space to help them feel more secure. Over time, as your hedgehog gets more comfortable with you, they should start to ball up less frequently.

4. Exploring and Sniffing: Feeling Curious and Confident

When your hedgehog is happily exploring their environment, sniffing around, and moving with purpose, this is a great sign that they feel safe and curious. Hedgehogs love to investigate their surroundings, especially when they’re comfortable and in familiar territory.

• What it means: This is a sign of confidence and curiosity. Your hedgehog is feeling secure and engaged with their environment.
• What to do: Encourage this behavior by providing enrichment activities like tunnels, toys, and opportunities for exploration. Allow your hedgehog time out of their enclosure in a safe, supervised area to explore.

5. Licking and Biting: Marking Territory or Testing

Hedgehogs will often lick objects (and sometimes even you!) before taking a nibble. This behavior can mean several things, from testing something new to marking their territory.

• What it means: If your hedgehog licks you and then gives a gentle bite, they’re likely just testing the waters or getting used to your scent. However, repeated biting could also indicate stress, fear, or discomfort.
• What to do: If the licking and biting are gentle, it’s usually harmless curiosity. If your hedgehog is biting harder or more frequently, examine whether they’re feeling stressed. Make sure your hands are clean of any strong scents, like food or soap, which might confuse your hedgehog.

6. Anointing: A Quirky Hedgehog Habit

One of the most unique hedgehog behaviors is "anointing," where they create a frothy substance from their mouth and spread it onto their quills. This strange behavior often happens when they encounter a new or unfamiliar smell.

• What it means: Anointing is a hedgehog’s way of dealing with strong scents or tastes. It’s thought to be a self-defense mechanism, though the exact reason hedgehogs do this is still debated by experts.
• What to do: Don’t worry—this is completely normal! There’s no need to intervene. If your hedgehog is anointing, just let them do their thing. You might find them anointing after trying new foods or coming across unfamiliar smells.

7. Running on the Wheel: Staying Active

Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, and one of their favorite nighttime activities is running on their exercise wheel. If your hedgehog is regularly running on their wheel, it’s a great sign that they’re healthy and happy.

• What it means: Running on the wheel is a sign that your hedgehog is feeling energetic and wants to stay active. It’s an important part of their daily exercise routine.
• What to do: Make sure your hedgehog has access to a solid-surface wheel that’s large enough for them to run on comfortably. Encourage this behavior by keeping their wheel clean and in good condition.

8. Hiding or Burrowing: Feeling Safe

Hedgehogs naturally love to burrow and hide. Whether it’s in their bedding, under fleece blankets, or inside hideouts, burrowing is a sign that your hedgehog feels safe and secure in their environment.

• What it means: Burrowing is a hedgehog’s way of creating a cozy, secure space. It’s a natural behavior that reflects their need for comfort.
• What to do: Provide plenty of soft bedding materials like fleece or paper bedding so your hedgehog can indulge in this behavior. Having a few hideouts or caves in their habitat will also help them feel more at ease.

Conclusion: Listening to Your Hedgehog

Understanding your hedgehog’s behavior and body language is key to building a strong bond with your pet. By learning to recognize when they feel scared, confident, or curious, you’ll be better equipped to meet their needs and make them feel secure. Every hedgehog has a unique personality, so it’s important to spend time observing your pet and learning their individual quirks. With patience and attention, you’ll soon be able to decode what your hedgehog is trying to tell you!

By creating a safe, enriching environment and responding to their behavior with care, you’ll help your hedgehog live a happy, healthy life.

Written by Heather, from Quills and Cuddles at Setareh Hedgehogs. 🌿✨
For more hedgehog care tips, fun stories, and updates, be sure to check out our website at Setareh Hedgehogs. Don't forget to follow along on Instagram @setarehhedgehogs to see more adorable hedgie moments. We can’t wait to share the quill-filled fun with you!