Hedgies.. good pets?

[Kayla1984]

So I've been doing a LOT of research on Hedgies the past little while and have been looking for one for some time as well but I am looking for the perfect little guy yah know.

However I do have 2 chinchillas which aren't that cuddly but everyonce and awhile want snuggle, I have 4 bunnies that are all cuddly. A puppy that shares a bed with me and a beardie , well he's a lizard. So I do have lots of experience with pets espcially exotics.

I am just wondering though, pet store hedgies aren't that friendly (I wouldn't be either if I was stuffed in a tank with tons of people poking at me during my sleeping time *daytime*) but what are these animals like as a daily pet.

My old neighbour had a hedgie when I was about 10 years old *so about 12 years ago* and I've had a fascination for them since and have always wanted one. But really what kind of pet are they. How sociable are they, friendly, ect. Any info would be great.

Thanks! :hearts:

[Super Chin]

Just like with chinchillas, hedgehogs each have their own personality. Some love being held, some like exploring, some are always scared, etc... I would suggest buying one from a breeder. That way you have a chance to meet the different personalities and pick the one that is right for you.

[hijo]

It TOTALLY depends on the hog. Some will LOVE snuggling and others will love exloring or sleeping. THey are excellent pets to watch and they are fascinating. I'll just lead you to an article that describes many of the good aspects of having them...

Introduction To Hedgehogs (http://www.hedgehogcentral.com/introduction.shtml)

Hope this helps a bit!!!! :)

[Nancy]

Personality all depends on the individual hedgehog. There are shy, grumpy, runners, cuddlers and some that like to run around but still like a cuddle.

Not all pestore hh's are grumpy. My most friendly ones are petstore. When ever I am taking hedgehogs to show what they are like it is the petstore ones that go with me because they can be handed from person to person without a reaction. Of course not all of them are like that. Of my 4 horribly grumpy ones, 2 are petstore, 2 breeder.

Chances are if you get a friendly one to begin with it will stay friendly. The busy explorer types when you first meet them usually stay busy. Cuddlers stay cuddly. Shy ones and grumps often improve when they are comfortable with you but often it is just in their nature to be cautious. :)

[Kayla1984]

Thanks guys. It's just so hard to find the perfect hedgie. Seems even harder being as I'm in Canada as well! :(

[hijo]

yeah, I found that problem too, since I live in Canada. I ended up buying one from a petstore and shes getting pretty cuddly! And, Off-topic, do hedgies like to be stroked,? Is that a good way to get them used to you (start on their back and progress to their neck)? Thanks! :)

[lil22]

I've found that social hedgies like to be strokes, but shy or grumpy ones don't until they become more social. Also, it seems like a lot of people on here are from canada! Is it really that much harder to find them up there? It's not too easy some places down here, either :)

[Kalandra]

Nancy, Are you doing educational stuff? If yes, take a grumpy one with you. That way if people get interested they have a full understanding of what a grumpy hedgehog is like.

[Nancy]

I'm from Canada and yes they can be hard to find especially good breeders. Many of the breeders in my province have retired.

Julie, mostly I'm just taking them into stores like pet stores, the fabric store and the post office so people I talk to all the time can see them. Problem with the grumpy ones is they get everyone else upset thinking there must be a reason to huff and pop and act like a hysterical ball of quills.

[hemi_mygirl]

yeah, I found that problem too, since I live in Canada. I ended up buying one from a petstore and shes getting pretty cuddly! And, Off-topic, do hedgies like to be stroked,? Is that a good way to get them used to you (start on their back and progress to their neck)? Thanks! :)

My girl seems to enjoy being stroked. I started at the middle of her back when I was first 'taming' her, since she didn't get startled as easily if I petted around her neck, or closer to her rump. It took a little bit of work, but now Hemi loves having her face rubbed and stroked. (She also came from a petstore)