Difference between revisions of "Bond With Your Hedgehog"
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Bonding Through Touch === | === Bonding Through Touch === | ||
| − | #Wash your hands before you pick up your hedgehog. Use the same soap each time you wash your hands. Your hedgehog will begin to associate that scent with you and be more comfortable. Do not wear gloves when you handle your hedgehog. Your hedgehog will not be able to smell you.<ref>http://www.westcoasthedgehogs.com/files/hedgehogbook/PetAfricanHedgehogs2-byKimberlyGoertzen.pdf</ref> | + | #Wash your hands before you pick up your hedgehog. Use the same soap each time you wash your hands. Your hedgehog will begin to associate that scent with you and be more comfortable. Do not wear gloves when you handle your hedgehog. Your hedgehog will not be able to smell you.<ref name="rf1">http://www.westcoasthedgehogs.com/files/hedgehogbook/PetAfricanHedgehogs2-byKimberlyGoertzen.pdf</ref> |
#*Hedgehogs may also be frightened by the smell of gloves and begin to bite. | #*Hedgehogs may also be frightened by the smell of gloves and begin to bite. | ||
#*If you do not want to use your bare hands, use a blanket instead. If you do use a blanket, use the same one each time and wash it with the same detergent. | #*If you do not want to use your bare hands, use a blanket instead. If you do use a blanket, use the same one each time and wash it with the same detergent. | ||
| − | #Pick up your hedgehog delicately. Place your hands on both sides of your hedgehog and scoop him off the ground. Allow your hedgehog to find a comfortable position in your hands. You want him to feel supported and safe.<ref | + | #Pick up your hedgehog delicately. Place your hands on both sides of your hedgehog and scoop him off the ground. Allow your hedgehog to find a comfortable position in your hands. You want him to feel supported and safe.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*It is best to pick up your hedgehog when he is belly down. | #*It is best to pick up your hedgehog when he is belly down. | ||
#*You can hold your hedgehog in your hands or place him on your lap. | #*You can hold your hedgehog in your hands or place him on your lap. | ||
| − | #*Your hedgehog may ball up when you pick him up. This is completely normal.<ref>http://hedgehogheadquarters.com/secure/handling.htm</ref> | + | #*Your hedgehog may ball up when you pick him up. This is completely normal.<ref name="rf2">http://hedgehogheadquarters.com/secure/handling.htm</ref> |
#*Do not handle your hedgehog right after you eat, touch something with a strong smell, or handle another animal. Your hedgehog will not know that it's you and may bite you or huff and ball up. | #*Do not handle your hedgehog right after you eat, touch something with a strong smell, or handle another animal. Your hedgehog will not know that it's you and may bite you or huff and ball up. | ||
#*Wash your hands thoroughly to get rid of the smell. | #*Wash your hands thoroughly to get rid of the smell. | ||
| − | #Give your hedgehog time to unroll. Your hedgehog may be shy and take a long time to unroll. You can let him relax under a blanket until he unrolls, or you can let him rest on your lap. Your hedgehog will learn that your lap is a safe, comfortable place to sleep and relax.<ref | + | #Give your hedgehog time to unroll. Your hedgehog may be shy and take a long time to unroll. You can let him relax under a blanket until he unrolls, or you can let him rest on your lap. Your hedgehog will learn that your lap is a safe, comfortable place to sleep and relax.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*Always be gentle when you are holding your hedgehog. Being too rough or impatient can damage the relationship you are trying to build. | #*Always be gentle when you are holding your hedgehog. Being too rough or impatient can damage the relationship you are trying to build. | ||
#*Feel free to watch TV or use your computer while your hedgehog rests in your lap. | #*Feel free to watch TV or use your computer while your hedgehog rests in your lap. | ||
| − | #Pet your hedgehog from head to tail. Always pet your hedgehog in the direction the quills lie. Petting in the opposite direction will be uncomfortable for both you and your hedgehog. When your hedgehog is relaxed, his quills will lie evenly. If your hedgehog feels threatened, the quills will become more spread out and sharp to the touch.<ref>http://www.hedgehogcare101.com/d0-hedgehogs-hurt-to-touch-or-hold/</ref> | + | #Pet your hedgehog from head to tail. Always pet your hedgehog in the direction the quills lie. Petting in the opposite direction will be uncomfortable for both you and your hedgehog. When your hedgehog is relaxed, his quills will lie evenly. If your hedgehog feels threatened, the quills will become more spread out and sharp to the touch.<ref name="rf3">http://www.hedgehogcare101.com/d0-hedgehogs-hurt-to-touch-or-hold/</ref> |
#*Avoid petting your hedgehog when he feels threatened. | #*Avoid petting your hedgehog when he feels threatened. | ||
#*Your hedgehog may not enjoy being petted until he trusts you. Go slow with the petting at first. | #*Your hedgehog may not enjoy being petted until he trusts you. Go slow with the petting at first. | ||
=== Bonding Through Scent === | === Bonding Through Scent === | ||
| − | #Place your t-shirt in his cage. Hedgehogs have a strong sense of smell. Your hedgehog must be able to smell you and associate your scent with safety. This will help him become more outgoing and comfortable with you handling him. Place a t-shirt that you have worn for the whole day in your hedgehog's cage.<ref | + | #Place your t-shirt in his cage. Hedgehogs have a strong sense of smell. Your hedgehog must be able to smell you and associate your scent with safety. This will help him become more outgoing and comfortable with you handling him. Place a t-shirt that you have worn for the whole day in your hedgehog's cage.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*Do not wash the shirt before you place it in the cage. | #*Do not wash the shirt before you place it in the cage. | ||
#*The shirt should not have any loose threads. | #*The shirt should not have any loose threads. | ||
#*Your hedgehog will use your shirt as a blanket. | #*Your hedgehog will use your shirt as a blanket. | ||
| − | #Sleep with a fleece. Sleep with a fleece that is the size of your hedgehog's sleeping area for 2 or 3 nights. Once the fleece has your smell, place it in your hedgehog's sleeping area. If your hedgehog uses a sleeping bag, you can sleep with the sleeping bag for a few nights before you allow your hedgehog to use it.<ref>http://hedgehogheadquarters.com/secure/bonding.htm</ref> | + | #Sleep with a fleece. Sleep with a fleece that is the size of your hedgehog's sleeping area for 2 or 3 nights. Once the fleece has your smell, place it in your hedgehog's sleeping area. If your hedgehog uses a sleeping bag, you can sleep with the sleeping bag for a few nights before you allow your hedgehog to use it.<ref name="rf4">http://hedgehogheadquarters.com/secure/bonding.htm</ref> |
#*A baby receiving blanket can be used as well. | #*A baby receiving blanket can be used as well. | ||
| − | #*Fleece and vellux fabrics are preferred because you do not have to worry about fraying or loose threads.<ref | + | #*Fleece and vellux fabrics are preferred because you do not have to worry about fraying or loose threads.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Be careful with new scents. Any time you use a new lotion, perfume, or soap, you are introducing a new smell. Your hedgehog may be confused and not recognize you. Try to be consistent with the scents that you wear. | #Be careful with new scents. Any time you use a new lotion, perfume, or soap, you are introducing a new smell. Your hedgehog may be confused and not recognize you. Try to be consistent with the scents that you wear. | ||
| − | #*If your hedgehog likes a new scent, he may begin to anoint (i.e. froth from the mouth and spread the foam on his quills).<ref | + | #*If your hedgehog likes a new scent, he may begin to anoint (i.e. froth from the mouth and spread the foam on his quills).<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*Your hedgehog may also react to a strong scent by becoming irritated. | #*Your hedgehog may also react to a strong scent by becoming irritated. | ||
=== Bonding Through Sound === | === Bonding Through Sound === | ||
| − | #Talk to your hedgehog. Talk to your hedgehog any time you hold, feed, or bathe your hedgehog. This helps him get used to your voice and associate your voice with comfort and safety.<ref | + | #Talk to your hedgehog. Talk to your hedgehog any time you hold, feed, or bathe your hedgehog. This helps him get used to your voice and associate your voice with comfort and safety.<ref name="rf4" /> Always use a calm reassuring tone. |
#*If your hedgehog balls up or raises his quills, you may be speaking too loudly. | #*If your hedgehog balls up or raises his quills, you may be speaking too loudly. | ||
| − | #*Talk to your hedgehog when you give him a treat. This will help him associate your voice with something positive.<ref>http://www.hedgehogsaspets.com/handling-your-pet-hedgehog/</ref> | + | #*Talk to your hedgehog when you give him a treat. This will help him associate your voice with something positive.<ref name="rf5">http://www.hedgehogsaspets.com/handling-your-pet-hedgehog/</ref> |
| − | #Play soft music in the background. Your hedgehog will enjoy the sound of music and find it soothing. Having music in the background helps your hedgehog adjust to his new environment as well. If there is a constant stream of music, your hedgehog will not be as startled by new sounds. If your hedgehog is accustomed to silence, he will be more afraid of sudden noises.<ref | + | #Play soft music in the background. Your hedgehog will enjoy the sound of music and find it soothing. Having music in the background helps your hedgehog adjust to his new environment as well. If there is a constant stream of music, your hedgehog will not be as startled by new sounds. If your hedgehog is accustomed to silence, he will be more afraid of sudden noises.<ref name="rf4" /> |
| − | #*If a noise is loud to you, it is probably too loud for your hedgehog as well.<ref | + | #*If a noise is loud to you, it is probably too loud for your hedgehog as well.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #*Observe the sounds your hedgehog is making towards you as well. If he is purring, he is happy and content.<ref | + | #*Observe the sounds your hedgehog is making towards you as well. If he is purring, he is happy and content.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Introduce new sounds slowly. Your hedgehog will become overwhelmed if you introduce too many new sounds to him at once.<ref | + | #Introduce new sounds slowly. Your hedgehog will become overwhelmed if you introduce too many new sounds to him at once.<ref name="rf1" /> If you are talking to him, try to talk without the TV or any music in the background. If you are watching TV, just let the television be the only sound that your hedgehog hears. |
#*If you have frequent visitors or there are multiple people in your house, your hedgehog will have to get used to their voices as well. | #*If you have frequent visitors or there are multiple people in your house, your hedgehog will have to get used to their voices as well. | ||
#*Even sounds such as opening and closing doors can be irritating to your hedgehog. | #*Even sounds such as opening and closing doors can be irritating to your hedgehog. | ||
=== Understanding Your Hedgehog's Personality === | === Understanding Your Hedgehog's Personality === | ||
| − | #Recognize signs of being threatened. It is easy to tell if your hedgehog becomes scared, angry, or feels threatened. It is important that you take steps to calm your hedgehog when you see this behavior. Rock your hedgehog back and forth in your hands, stroke his quills, speak to him softly, or just leave him alone. Here are the signs you should look for:<ref>http://www.secthedgehogs.com/care-behavior</ref><ref>http://www.hedgehog-rescue.org.uk/documents/pygmy_hog_care.pdf</ref> | + | #Recognize signs of being threatened. It is easy to tell if your hedgehog becomes scared, angry, or feels threatened. It is important that you take steps to calm your hedgehog when you see this behavior. Rock your hedgehog back and forth in your hands, stroke his quills, speak to him softly, or just leave him alone. Here are the signs you should look for:<ref name="rf6">http://www.secthedgehogs.com/care-behavior</ref><ref name="rf7">http://www.hedgehog-rescue.org.uk/documents/pygmy_hog_care.pdf</ref> |
#*Erect quills | #*Erect quills | ||
#*Huffing and hissing | #*Huffing and hissing | ||
| Line 48: | Line 48: | ||
#*Rolling into a ball | #*Rolling into a ball | ||
#*Shaking | #*Shaking | ||
| − | #Know a snuggler. A snuggler loves to relax. He will enjoy cuddling and sleeping in your lap. These type of hedgehogs enjoy being handled and like a lot of interaction. This is the best type of hedgehog for a new hedgehog owner.<ref | + | #Know a snuggler. A snuggler loves to relax. He will enjoy cuddling and sleeping in your lap. These type of hedgehogs enjoy being handled and like a lot of interaction. This is the best type of hedgehog for a new hedgehog owner.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Know an explorer. Your hedgehog may be an explorer if he likes to roam around when you take him out of his cage. He does not like to be still and cuddle but prefers to explore and get into things.<ref | + | #Know an explorer. Your hedgehog may be an explorer if he likes to roam around when you take him out of his cage. He does not like to be still and cuddle but prefers to explore and get into things.<ref name="rf6" /> If your hedgehog has this type of personality, you may want to bond with him during play time. |
#*Supervise the play, speak softly and reassuringly, and enjoy watching the hedgehog play. | #*Supervise the play, speak softly and reassuringly, and enjoy watching the hedgehog play. | ||
| − | #*An explorer will like walking on your hands. Be sure to move one hand in front of the other as your hedgehog walks.<ref | + | #*An explorer will like walking on your hands. Be sure to move one hand in front of the other as your hedgehog walks.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #Know a shy hedgehog. Some hedgehogs are extremely shy. They are not very social, but will not curl up or hiss when you try to hold them.<ref>http://www.hedgehogcare101.com/hedgehogs-as-pets/</ref> If your hedgehog is shy, he is very happy in his cage alone and does not require a lot of interaction.<ref | + | #Know a shy hedgehog. Some hedgehogs are extremely shy. They are not very social, but will not curl up or hiss when you try to hold them.<ref name="rf8">http://www.hedgehogcare101.com/hedgehogs-as-pets/</ref> If your hedgehog is shy, he is very happy in his cage alone and does not require a lot of interaction.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Know a grump. If your hedgehog prefers to be left alone in his cage, he may just be grumpy. When you do hold him, he is likely to ball up or hiss at you. Your hedgehog may change if you continue to be patient and try to bond with him.<ref | + | #Know a grump. If your hedgehog prefers to be left alone in his cage, he may just be grumpy. When you do hold him, he is likely to ball up or hiss at you. Your hedgehog may change if you continue to be patient and try to bond with him.<ref name="rf1" /> |
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
*If your pet happens to bite you, do not pull away. Blow on his face. This will shock him and he'll let go of you. This will not scare him. After a while, he'll learn that that biting is wrong. | *If your pet happens to bite you, do not pull away. Blow on his face. This will shock him and he'll let go of you. This will not scare him. After a while, he'll learn that that biting is wrong. | ||
