Hedgehogs are quite interesting to keep. The New York Times reports that the popularity of hedgehogs as pets has increased 50-70% in the last three years. However, the hedgehog's adorable face is inversely proportional to its bite. There are several ways to identify the reasons for and prevention of a hedgehog bite.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Reacting to Hedgehog Bites
Step 1. Don't overreact
You can hurt your hedgehog if you react too strongly. As a result, the hedgehog may be thrown off by it. Try to stay calm.
Step 2. Don't hit or flick the hedgehog
You are not only hurting the hedgehog, you are also teaching him to be afraid.
Step 3. Avoid verbal reactions
Verbal reactions such as “Aw!” or "Ouch!" will verbally condition the hedgehog that you will respond to the bite. This will teach the hedgehog to bite you harder.
In addition, verbal responses will frighten your hedgehog
Step 4. Blow air on the hedgehog after you are bitten
This is a subtle way to curb the hedgehog's behavior. The hedgehog won't get hurt and learns not to bite.
Distract if the hedgehog tries to bite you. Try moving your hand slowly or attracting her attention with subtle verbal cues. Remember, hedgehogs are very curious and love to explore. Therefore, do not mistake the fowl with the bite
Step 5. Return to normal behavior
Do not immediately put the hedgehog into the cage. This will teach you that the hedgehog can return to its safe place after doing something bad.
Step 6. Don't withhold the hedgehog's food or drink as punishment
This is cruel and can damage the hedgehog's health. Hedgehogs should always be properly fed and watered.
- Hedgehogs should always be given clean water to drink.
- Hedgehogs should be fed a diet rich in protein and low in wheat.
Part 2 of 3: Understanding Hedgehog Behavior
Step 1. Know when your hedgehog isn't feeling well
Hedgehogs may bite when they feel unwell. Learn how to identify a sick hedgehog by looking for the following symptoms:
- Sluggish
- thorns fall
- Bumps on or under the skin
- Shaky when walking
- Loss of appetite
- Green poop
- Red or itchy skin
- Torn ear
Step 2. Identify the hedgehog's emotional response
Hedgehogs may bite because they feel sad. There are many stimuli that can startle a hedgehog into biting you.
- Loud and sudden sound
- New, strong odors, e.g. lotions, other animals, perfumes, etc.
- Wrong time. Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals (active at night) so if they are awakened during the day, the hedgehog can bite.
- Fear. Hedgehogs will bite if they are not yet tame and used to you.
- Sudden changes in temperature. Hedgehogs should be kept in a warm ambient temperature (23-26 degrees Celsius).
Step 3. Understand the hedgehog's behavioral responses
Hedgehogs can "learn" to bite if conditioned by their master. Be careful not to let your hedgehog learn to bite.
- When you respond verbally after your hedgehog bites you, your hedgehog will learn to accept a similar response if he continues to bite.
- If you use treats for practice, your hedgehog may bite to eat the camlian. Be careful not to reward your hedgehog for bad behavior.
Step 4. Train the hedgehog to be tame
Your hedgehog will bite less and less the more he gets used to being around you.
- When holding a hedgehog, speak slowly and move slowly.
- Avoid quick and sudden movements so that the hedgehog doesn't startle.
- Give treats if the hedgehog is behaving well. Don't reward bad behavior, but you can give treats (like worms) to earn your hedgehog's trust.
Step 5. Recognize the difference between biting and nibbling
Hedgehogs are curious animals that use their strong sense of smell to identify their surroundings. One way to do this is by nibbling or licking unfamiliar places. It's important to recognize the difference between biting and nibbling in order to train a hedgehog's behavior.
- Biting is usually followed by licking and non-pressing teeth.
- Hedgehogs bite quickly, sharply and painfully. Bites can be caused by stimulation.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Hedgehog Bites
Step 1. Make sure your hedgehog is getting enough food
If you eat and drink enough, the hedgehog will not bite because he is hungry or thirsty.
Step 2. Keep the hedgehog healthy
A healthy hedgehog will reduce stress on you and on him. Thus, the hedgehog bites less and less.
Step 3. Handle the hedgehog carefully
Always hold your hedgehog gently. Do not squeeze or grip too tightly. Do not lift the hedgehog from above because there is a risk of falling and hurting the hedgehog.
Step 4. Respect your hedgehog
Hedgehogs also have moods. Hedgehogs also want to sleep, eat or move. Don't interrupt your hedgehog's daily routine just because you want to hold him. Hedgehogs can get annoyed and bite you.
Step 5. Try changing lotions or soaps that contain fragrance
Hedgehogs have a very strong sense of smell. Therefore, do not use soaps, lotions, or bath soaps that smell too strong for a hedgehog's nose.
Step 6. Learn how to read a hedgehog's body language
Based on the tips above, you should be able to recognize a hedgehog's behavior before it bites. Watch your hedgehog and study its personal behavior to find the right time to hold your hedgehog.
