need advice

[shirleytx]

For some time now I have wanted to adopt a hedgehog. I have been doing extensive research and feel confident I can provide all that is needed for excellent care. Last week I spotted a classified add for a family who are looking to find a home for their two year old female hedgehog. I am going to meet the hedgie this week to see if she likes me, apparently the owner says she puffs up at people she doesn’t like. How do I get here to like me? This is kind of a one shot deal if hedgie puffs up at me the person may not let me bring her home. I love my animals like my children and have numerous small creatures, guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters, but I have never held a hedgehog.
From what I have read a lot of hedgies puff up as a defense thing and that this is a common reaction when they are startled.
Any advice on how to handle this?
:|

[Kalandra]

For starters try not to be nervous and just relax. Don't make sudden movements, and try to talk in a calm, light voice. I find that with my hedgehogs if you are nervous, upset, loud, or otherwise acting bothered, they will react in a timid manner towards you. Chances are the owner will help show you how the hedgehog likes to be held. It may sound funny, but with mine, each one likes to be held a little differently.

[Ododad]

To ball up is normal and she will probably do this. Like Kalandra said, just stay calm, hold her in one hand next to your chest and cover her butt with the other to give her a sense of security and talk softly to her. Good luck, and let us know how it turns out!

[jules_77]

i agree with ododad, and kalandra, good luck

[teela1342]

:( It sounds like the owner doesn't have a lot of hedgie knowledge. It is unreasonable to expect a hedgie to immediately "perform" for a total stranger. :(

You should walk in there armed with all the good research you have done. Ask intelligent questions about her diet and routine. Ask about past vet visits. Take the lead and ask the owner to turn down any noises like T.V., dim the lights, and sit by the cage for a minute and talk softly while the hedgie registers that there is a new person in the area. When you scoop her out, expect some hissing and popping. DO NOT let it bother you. Just proceede as if you do this all the time. It really is more startling than painful. If she has a blanket or hedgie bag in her cage use this to scoop her up in that as you pick her up. She will feel more secure, and you will look like an old pro. Keep talking softly and try lightly stroking the quills on her back. You may want to bring along some mealworms to bribe her with. Again, it makes you look like you have done your homework. Which you have!

Just exude calm confidence. You will win over the old owner and the new hedgie friend. Good luck. Tell us how it goes. :)

[Ododad]

:( It sounds like the owner doesn't have a lot of hedgie knowledge. It is unreasonable to expect a hedgie to immediately "perform" for a total stranger. :(

You should walk in there armed with all the good research you have done. Ask intelligent questions about her diet and routine. Ask about past vet visits. Take the lead and ask the owner to turn down any noises like T.V., dim the lights, and sit by the cage for a minute and talk softly while the hedgie registers that there is a new person in the area. When you scoop her out, expect some hissing and popping. DO NOT let it bother you. Just proceede as if you do this all the time. It really is more startling than painful. If she has a blanket or hedgie bag in her cage use this to scoop her up in that as you pick her up. She will feel more secure, and you will look like an old pro. Keep talking softly and try lightly stroking the quills on her back. You may want to bring along some mealworms to bribe her with. Again, it makes you look like you have done your homework. Which you have!

Just exude calm confidence. You will win over the old owner and the new hedgie friend. Good luck. Tell us how it goes. :)
Outstanding advice! :applause: :applause:

[shirleytx]

If she has a blanket or hedgie bag in her cage

Thanks guys, I doubt she has anything much in her 10 gallon aquarium.

[Ododad]

Take a small towel or washcloth or something like that with you. Just be careful there are no loose threads that little toes can get caught up in. If she is rolled up in a tight ball, and you think you can stay calm while doing it, try picking her up with your bare hands. I never use anything but my bare hands when handling a new hedgie but then again I am ready for the hissing and popping and maybe even a nip.
Here is how I handle a new hedgie that dosen't know me.
After the soft talking like Teela said I approach the balled up little spitting and hissing bundle of quills with her butt towards me. I gently roll her over onto her side and scoop her up with one hand and quickly bring her to my chest keeping her balanced in one hand then cover her butt and back with the other hand and just hold her for a short while talking to her. Then I gently start stroking her quills in the direction that they lay in. If you do this, you must be ready for the popping that she may do and even a nip and just stay calm. Some people are startled at first so only attempt this if your quite sure that you won't jump or maybe drop her. Only attempt doing this if your very sure your ready for it. If not, then go with the towel or washcloth or whatever you brought with you for this purpose. Don't be nervous, your going to do great! The new hedgie may even take up with you right off the bat. I have had this happen before too. When Dar first picked up Marco at the shelter, even though I know he was terrified he took to her right off of the bat and has been a mommy's boy since. He balled up and hissed at me but unballed at once when I passed him to Dar.
I anxiously await your triumphant " My new hedgie is home!" thread! :)

[shirleytx]

I am not afraid as such I have many small critters, 7 guinea pigs, 6 hamsters, 2 rabbits and a gerbil. I used to foster many more guinea pigs when I volunteered at the local rescue. I have handled many a sick & scared creature, just none with quills. I'll keep you posted.

[Kalandra]

Shirley... You may find a hedgehog easier to handle than other scared small animals. My personal opinion is that a quill ball is easier to handle than a hamster that is scared and trying to bite to get away. Relax, and I'm sure you will do fine.