hyper behaivor

[kelloggs]

I just got my hedgehog 4 days ago. Today, I decided to let the hedgehog run free in one corner of the room, using my legs as a wall for each side. I placed her tp and wheel in there too. After about 15 minutes, she went on the wheel for about 2 minutes or so. Unlike her usual slow movements, she started to act hyper after she got off the wheel. She would climb over my knees, but after she got over, I would place her back in the corner. She tried to craw under my knees too. During all this, she would sniff at a rapid speed, and she would make these really tiny chirping noises (almost like she was wimpering). But I wasn't sure if she was uncomfortable or upset or happy, because her quills were completly flat, and she wasnt rolling into a ball. Has anyone else had this kind of experience? Or does anyone know what this behavior means? thanks

[paris26]

How old is your hedgehog? All of my hogs(ranging from 4 months- 1 year) run like crazy when they're in a new environment. New smells and lots of places to check out.
If you've only had her for 4 days, I would say this is normal behavior.

[kelloggs]

well, its not the smelling or the running that worried me. its the small chirping/wimpering noise that i was unsure what it meant. i'm just curious if it means he happy or not.

[Love4Hedgies]

Normally it means they are happlily exploring. I call them their happy noises. :)

[kelloggs]

Normally it means they are happlily exploring. I call them their happy noises. :)

really?
:love: oh good. i was so worried that they were wimpering or unhappy

[giry76]

Yeah those noises are the good ones! I love when Doris "chirps". She doesn't do it all that often though. Mostly she just purrs or clicks when she is content.

[Ododad]

Sounds to me like she was having the time of her life exploring. Hedgies are by nature very curious and most love to explore. Sounds like you have a happy hog there. I would suggest giving her more room to explore. Block off all exits and anything she can get stuck under or get into trouble with. Kinda like making a play pen. Then put in some small boxs, her tp tube, her wheel and a bowl of food and water. Dim the lights and watch her go! I also put one of my dirty tee shirts on the ground and watch one of mine tunneling in and out of it. They love this and it lets them smell my scent and that's how they know that I am close by and everything is cool. You have to keep an eye on her though, it's amazing how they can climb and get into something in the blink of an eye. I have noticed that during "freedom time" like this, sometimes one or all of mine will cuddle into that shirt and take a quick nap and then are at it again. If she is out playing like that and then goes into a box or something and stays there, give her about 30 minutes and I bet she will back out and at it again.