New Hedgie Owner-is this 'normal'

[Gidget]

My hedgehog Gidget is a 10 weeks old. And, she hates me, or at least that is what I gather from her hissing and snorting when I come near her. When I take her out of her cage and let her run around on the bed she loves it and then gets super mad at me when I place her back in her cage. Is she ever going to like me? Or is it just a phase? Oh and can anyone point me in the direction of a company or something that produces 12" metal wheels?

[shirleytx]

I do not know very much about socializing young hedgies but I would say to give it time and keep handling her and she will get used to you. read this (http://www.mihog.org/socialize.phtml) it has some good information. with the wheel you should get a solid wheel some people here sell them Teasels mom does i believe. And there was a post (http://www.chins-n-quills.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75527) about a week ago from nefarious.

[PrettyHate]

She doesnt hate you- she is just scared. I got Bosco when he was 8 weeks old- and he was exactly how you describe your hedgie. He would huff and puff at the slightest movement, when I would touch him he would growl at me jump around on my lap like pop corn.

It took MONTHS of handling EVERY DAY before I even started to notice any changes in his behaviour. While he still is huffy puffy, he has come a loooooong ways, and can actually be quite sweet :)

Make sure to spend some quiet time with your new hedgie every day. Give them a blankie or hedgie bag or hide in or under, and talk to them quietly. I would pat Bosco through the blanket until he finally began to relax. Doing it while watching tv (with the tv on low) or while on the computer works great. Sometimes having the lights dimmed slightly will also help them relax some.

You can also help win them over with little goodies that you hand feed (especially after a cuddle session so they associate that with you).

Another idea is to wear a t shirt to bed for a couple nights, and then give that to your hedgie to sleep in so they get used to your scent. Just make sure there are no loose threads on there for them to catch their toe nails on :)

Good luck!

[PrettyHate]

Here is the link for Nancy's page (aka Teasels mom) . I ordered a bucket wheel for Murdoc from her and it is absolutely wonderful. The design is solid, and it is silent. I highly recommend her wheels!

http://www.freewebs.com/thehedgieden/

[paris26]

Keep in mind that at 10 weeks your little hog is probably also quilling. That makes most hogs cranky for a few weeks. If you just recently acquired Gidget, she's probably a little stressed from the change of environments.
Patience is key!

[hedgehog69]

get yourself a hankercheif or something and put it in your pocket all day and put it in your hedgies nest box to let him/her get use to your scent