It's a BOY!!!

[dizknee]

I am now the proud owner of a male African hedgie. His name is barbapic (brom the cartoon Barbapapa). Hi is about 5 months old and absolutely adorable.

My question for you is ... Is it normal that he is really grumpy when he is woken up? He is generally very affectionate, curious and active when awake but OH Boy! Wake him up and you are in for some huffing and the spipnes go immediately in the air.

Should I continue to wake him up and get him active during the day or should I just let him go about his daily behaviour?

Thanks alot everybody.

Rob

[Nancy]

It's completely normal for them to be grumpy when woken. Best thing to do is talk to him for a few minutes before reaching in to him. Make sure he is awake before you touch him so you don't startle him.
Usually once they get themselves awake they are fine. You can get him up for short plays during the day. Just don't try to keep him up for hours at a time. :)

[Ododad]

Frodo and Marco are grumpy when woken up but Odo gets REALLY po'ed! She balls up, pop's and hisses and clicks and tries everything she can think of to run me off. She always calms down after she realizes that I am not scared of her.
Congrats on your new hedgie! I know you must be very exicted!! Can't wait to see some photo's~ :applause:

[teela1342]

Frodo and Marco are grumpy when woken up but Odo gets REALLY po'ed! She balls up, pop's and hisses and clicks and tries everything she can think of to run me off. She always calms down after she realizes that I am not scared of her.
Congrats on your new hedgie! I know you must be very exicted!! Can't wait to see some photo's~ :applause:

Odo and Jake are not "morning people" :laugh: Jake is so crabby when he gets up. He eventually gives up when he sees that he can't escape from snuggle time.

I have to dim the lights and talk softly to Jake before I try to get him out of his house. It helps a little.

Waking them up for short periods during the day is not harmful. But it probably isn't the best time for long bonding/playing time. I know I would start to resent some big jerk waking me up at 3 am and expecting me to be friendly. :rolleyes:

[Ododad]

I know I would start to resent some big jerk waking me up at 3 am and expecting me to be friendly. :rolleyes:
:laugh: :laugh: That's a very good way to put it!
I love how you use words!! You always make me laugh, and usually just when I need a laugh the most! :applause:

[dizknee]

:laugh: :laugh: Well ... ummm .... I don't really comsider myslef a jerk but the rest is accurate. :laugh:

Thanks for the replies everybody. I will definitely get some Pics up soon. I am having a great time with the little bugger. I peeled a quarted a grape earlier and he ate it right from my hand. I was subsequently annointed by saliva but it was worth it.

I now know why some people end up with a dozen or so hedgies.

Thanks again.

Rob

[Ododad]

Ahhh, the joys of hedgiehood. I believe your adventures are just beginning! :)

[HedgieSpirit]

Congrats on the new hedgie! During the day, I usually just snuggle with Chloe (in her hedgie bag or blankie), I play with her at night. I can't wait to see pics!

[Sonya]

Congrats! Best wishes for you and your new hedgie!

[dizknee]

He is great.Still a little cranky :angry: because I wake him for snuggle time. It is sweet the way he snuggles up to me. He still hisses and snuffs when confronted with a new sound or sudden movement. I guess that's too be expected. He seems to sleep all day and evenings. :sleep:

I bought him a wheel this morning (no wires or mesh... it is a solid plastic running surface. He is pretty good at using the kitty litter and last night ... well ... he pooped on me :laugh: :laugh:

Would I be messing up his sleep cycles if I wake him up everynight around the same time?

I Luv's my little Hedgie. :hedge1: