I feel really dumb for asking, but...

[Bumblebean]

I realized I don't know as much about hedgehogs as I thought :laugh: My little lady seems to be quilling, she's dropping little tiny quills left and right, and upon closer inspection of her skin there's TONS emerging. Does this make their skin tender? Is she in pain? She is VERY grumpy with me today and I'm wondering if this is the culprit. If so, is there anything I can do to help ease her discomfort? How long will this last?

[PrettyHate]

Dont feel dumb :) I did so much research before getting my first boy- and thought I had all the bases covered. Then when I did end up getting him, I felt like I knew nothing! Experience is the best way to learn :)

Yes, 99.9% of hedgies are very grumpy during quilling. Can you blame them? It must be soo uncomfortable to have those quills growing up through their skin! I wouldnt say she is in pain, but I would definently bet that she is uncomfortable, and just generally unhappy with how those incoming quills are feeling.

If youre noticing that she is super irritable, and seems to be just plain miserable due to the quills, you can try giving her a nice warm bath with oatmeal in the water. This will help soothe the skin, as well as open up the pores to allow the quill to penetrate the skin easier :)

All you need to do is fill up a bowl, or the skin with some warm water (make sure it isnt too hot! Anything that feels too warm for you will be even warmer for your hedgie). You can also add a few drops of oil (Vitamin E, or otherwise)in the water, or you can wait until after she is out to add some directly to her skin- or both!
Take an old sock and fill it with some oatmeal, and place that in the water. Get your little girl, and place her in there as well. Some hedgies love baths, others hate it- just go with the flow. I usually wring the water out of the sock with oatmeal over my guys backs a few times. After a few minuts, rinse her off with some clean water, wrap her up in a towel, and cuddle and lover her until dry :)

Good luck!

[Bumblebean]

Thanks so much for the suggestions, I'll be sure to try that tomorrow night. Do you have any idea how long quilling lasts?

You know, I thought I had all my bases covered too, what with already owning an adult hedgehog, and doing as much research as I could online, but babies are such a different story! Even though I had learned all I *thought* I needed to know, I've only had her since Sunday and I'm bewildered :laugh: Oh well, good thing I have you guys :)