New Hedgie Bites Ouch!!!

[gam29]

I got a new hedgehog about 2 weeks ago and was told that he was between 3 and 4 weeks old. I read that it's a good idea to put a worn t-shirt in his house so he learns my scent and opens up to me. I've noticed in the past few days that he has been biting me A LOT. He started out biting my fingers and he wouldn't let go. Then, today, I held him up to my face today, and he bit my cheek and wouldn't let go until i started hitting him over the head. I wish I didn't have to do that, but that's the point it came to. My cheek is actually a little bloody right now. I am wondering why he is doing this. I have never done anything to warrant this kind of hostility from him. Is it possible that he's quilling and in a bad mood? One other observation that I've noticed is that sometimes when i take him out of his house, he is biting onto my worn shirt that i put in there. is it possible that he thinks because it's ok to bite that worn shirt, that it's ok to bite me as well? please let me know so i can figure out what to do with this guy. thanks.

[gam29]

I'd also like to note that instead of licking his water bottle, he bites the ball at the bottom of it for some strange reason. is it possible that he's just a biter?

[Tails]

I have only read a bit on hedgehog breeding but I don't think they are supposed to leave until 6-8 weeks old!!! I also believe quilling doesn't start until they are a bit older then that? :dunno: Hedgies like all pets sometimes just don't take to their owners period, others will open up with lots of work and attention. It really depends on the hedgies, some are just friendly from the get-go.

I'm worried about your hedgie and if he's ok? I don't know what you mean by hitting him over the head? Like hard? If so I'm not even going to say what I'm thinking.

[gam29]

no, not hard, like tapping him on the head, but my cheek did bleed from his bite. he's fine. he's been up and eating and walking around fine...his poop is still dark brown too.

[Vampira_666]

I have to agree with Tails--A Hedgehog should NOT leave it's mother untill at least 6 weeks old! (and thats even pushing it)-- I would also be worried about tapping the hedgehog weather it be lightly or hard-- it could have been resolved by lightly blowing in the hedgehogs face -- and usually this is enough to make them let go!-- It will also take time for your hedgehog to come around-- you have only had him for 2 weeks and he is still not used to you-- also if your hedgehog is indeed that yound - he may be teething and they do like to bite and chew on things to soothe their teething pain! They also bite/chew ont hings with new smells- so if you had any sort of different smell on your hands or even your face-- that would certainly intrigue the hedgehog to "taste"!

Where abouts did you get your hedgehog? do you have any pictures?

[gam29]

I was unaware of the blowing technique. I will remember that for the future. I really didn't want to have to do that, but I was in serious pain. I could be incorrect about his age. The people in the pet store didn't really know much about his actual birthday, they just gave me a ballpark estimate. but are there any ideas about getting him to stop the biting given my description of his behavior?

[gam29]

here's a picture of him

[Vampira_666]

One thing you can try is to use unscented soap-- it may stear him away from biting if there isn't any scent on your hands-- everytime he goes to bite or does happen to bite- blow LIGHTLY into his face-- he will get the idea that the blowing (which is unplesant to him) is associated with biting!-- he looks a little big to be only 3-4 weeks-- maybe more like 3-4 months which could mean he is quilling and may explain his biting also!! It could also be something else bothering him-- has he seen the vet lately? -- BTW he is a cutie!!:D whats his name?GOOD LUCK!

[gam29]

ya, i noticed this evening after he bit me, i held him for a while and let him run around on my desk and i had to pick up a few quills. so maybe he's just starting? i have not taken him to the vet because aside from this strange behavior, he seems fine, he doesn't scratch himself a lot (no mites) or anything apparent. and i also just got him 2 weeks ago, so i'm assuming he should be in good health. i couldnt' make up my mind so i decided to call him two different things. i thought it would be funny to address him as sir, so one of the names i use for him is Sir Sonic (i know sonic's cheesy, but i used to love that video game when i was a younger). The other name I like to call him is Erizo (the spanish word for hedgehog). You really think I need to take him to see a vet? Thanks for all the help btw.

[Vampira_666]

I'd recommend seeing a vet- just for a wellness check-- I take all of my new pet to see a vet shortly after coming home-- just to be safe!!

I also just noticed you said you got him forma pet store-- this might also have some influence on his behavior- in pet stores- the animals usually dont get handled very often- so he may not be used to human contact! you could try getting him a snuggle bag and let him sit in it on you lap- he will probably just sleep on your lap- but it'll help get him used to your scent- he will relize your not going to hurt him and hopefully stop biting!