Hedgehogs are adorable pets, but their peculiar behaviors can sometimes leave you puzzled or even frustrated. Whether it’s the way they roll into a tight ball when scared or their habit of making strange snuffling noises at night, these little creatures have plenty of quirks. While some of these habits may seem odd or annoying, they are entirely natural and part of a hedgehog’s unique nature. Here, we’ll uncover 12 hedgehog habits that might drive you crazy as an owner but are completely normal.

1. Their Self-Anointing Habit

A peculiar behavior of hedgehogs is their “self-anointing.” When they come across a strong scent, they lick it, creating a frothy saliva in their mouth. They then apply this froth to their quills and fur, covering themselves in the scent. While this may look strange, it’s entirely normal. Experts still aren’t entirely sure why hedgehogs do this, but it is believed that they might be marking themselves with the scent, or it could be a way to protect their quills. If you notice your hedgehog doing this, there’s no need to worry—it’s just another quirky hedgehog behavior.

2. Noisy Hedgehogs at Night

Despite being small and somewhat solitary creatures, hedgehogs are surprisingly noisy, especially when they’re out hunting at night. If you have a hedgehog, you may hear them snuffling around as they explore their surroundings. This behavior is linked to their excellent sense of smell and hearing. Although they have poor eyesight, they use their heightened senses to navigate their environment. If you hear your hedgehog making snuffling sounds in the middle of the night, don’t be alarmed—it’s simply their way of searching for food.

3. Hedgehogs Rolling Into a Ball

If you’ve ever tried to approach a hedgehog, you may have noticed that when threatened, it curls into a tight ball, spiking out its quills. This defense mechanism is completely normal and is how hedgehogs protect themselves from predators. Their quills, which are modified hairs, serve as a protective barrier. If your hedgehog feels cornered or scared, it will likely roll up into a ball, awaiting the threat to pass. This is a sign of their instinct to stay safe. However, even though this behavior is a defense strategy, some determined predators, like foxes, may still attempt to open them up.

4. Hedgehogs Can Get Stuck in Things

Hedgehogs are curious creatures, and one of their endearing habits is sticking their heads into tubes or containers. While this may seem harmless, it can lead to them getting stuck in places like toilet paper rolls or yogurt cups. Some owners find it amusing to watch their hedgehogs parade around with a container stuck to their heads, but this can be a dangerous situation if not monitored. To keep your hedgehog safe, always supervise playtime and cut a slit in tubes or containers to help them escape easily. This quirky habit, although funny, requires a little extra care.

5. Hedgehogs Have a Tendency to Roam

Another interesting behavior you may notice with your hedgehog is their tendency to roam over large distances. In the wild, hedgehogs often travel 2 to 4 kilometers each night in search of food. In a domesticated setting, you might see your hedgehog exploring its enclosure or even climbing small obstacles like stone walls or fences. This behavior comes from their natural instinct to forage. As long as your hedgehog is in a secure and safe area, this behavior is entirely normal. If you’re setting up a play area, consider providing your hedgehog with different textures and obstacles to climb.

6. The Need for Hibernation

Hedgehogs are known to hibernate in the wild when food becomes scarce during the winter months. If you live in a colder climate, your hedgehog may attempt to hibernate as well. This behavior can be alarming to some owners, but it’s natural. Hedgehogs hibernate in a specially prepared nest, known as a hibernaculum, where they curl up and reduce their body temperature. They rely on fat reserves built up during autumn to sustain them through the winter. However, if your hedgehog is kept indoors, it’s crucial to monitor the temperature of their environment.

7. Hedgehogs Are Experts at Hiding

One thing you’ll quickly learn about hedgehogs is their love for hiding. If you’ve ever tried to find your hedgehog in its cage, you know they can be masters of concealment. They love burrowing into bedding or retreating into small hiding spots. This behavior is completely normal and speaks to their instincts as solitary creatures. If you can’t find your hedgehog right away, don’t panic. It’s likely tucked away somewhere comfortable. Just be sure to check their sleeping space regularly to ensure they’re safe and sound.

8. Handling Hedgehogs Can Be Tricky

Handling a hedgehog can be a bit of a challenge, especially if your pet is still getting used to you. Hedgehogs are often timid and might roll into a ball when you try to handle them for the first time. Over time, with gentle and consistent handling, they can become more accustomed to human interaction. It’s essential to keep in mind that each hedgehog has its unique personality. Some may take longer to warm up, while others might be more outgoing from the start. Patience is key when forming a bond with your hedgehog, and rushing the process can lead to stress for both you and your pet.

9. The Quirky Eating Habits

While hedgehogs are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, their diet can sometimes drive owners crazy. Hedgehogs enjoy a mix of insects, plants, and small animals, but they can be quite particular about what they eat. They may show a preference for certain types of food over others. For example, many hedgehogs are partial to insects like mealworms or crickets. While some owners feed their hedgehogs cat food, it’s important to provide a balanced diet to ensure their health. Their diet is essential for their well-being, so make sure you’re providing them with the right nutrients.

10. Hedgehogs Are Masters of Escape

One more habit that may frustrate hedgehog owners is their surprising ability to escape from enclosures. Despite their small size, hedgehogs are determined little creatures and can sometimes find ways to escape their cages or pens. They are skilled at climbing over obstacles, especially when motivated by food or curiosity. To prevent your hedgehog from making a great escape, ensure that their habitat is secure with no gaps or openings they could squeeze through. You may even need to place a lid or secure the sides of their enclosure to keep them safely contained.

11. Hedgehogs Can Be Messy

While hedgehogs are fairly easy to care for, they can be a bit messy at times. They often scatter bedding around their enclosure as they dig and forage, which can make cleaning up after them a regular chore. If you’re not keen on cleaning up frequently, consider using a more absorbent bedding material to reduce mess and ease cleanup. Despite this, it’s important to remember that your hedgehog’s messiness is just another aspect of their natural behavior, and it’s easy to manage with a little extra care.

12. Hedgehogs and Their Seasonal Changes

As your hedgehog settles into its routine, you may notice certain seasonal behaviors that can catch you off guard. During autumn, hedgehogs begin to eat more to prepare for the colder months. This period of extra eating, followed by hibernation during the winter, can lead to changes in your pet’s activity and appearance. They might be more sluggish or appear to sleep more than usual as they enter a pre-hibernation state. Even though hedgehogs kept as pets may not hibernate in the traditional sense, their energy levels and behavior can fluctuate with the seasons. 

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