Getting hedgie out of small places?

[hedgiesrluvd]

Hi guys,

I'm having a bit of a problem getting Ci Wei out of small places like his hedgiebag and other areas. I know hedgies like small spaces and being warm, and Ci Wei loves to sleep in his hedgiebag or in the pocket of my jacket while I write/watch tv/read, etc. The problem comes when it's time for him to go back into his cage. If I try to reach into the hedgiebag (not over his head, as I usually put it sideways while he sleeps) he does his best imitation of a sea urchin, telling me to back off... he likes being in there. In small spaces where I can't jerk away, I sometimes get some awfully painful pricks! Last night was a really bad one, so I figured I'd post about it since I'm surely not the only one with this dilemma. I've tried just tilting whatever he's in towards the opening and letting him come out, but I kid you not, sometimes that takes ten minutes! He just likes to be warm and cozy, and he likes the security of small spaces, so he makes is difficult for me when I need to get him out. Also, I've considered taking him to church softball games this summer so folks can meet him, but I realize now I would probably have a similar dilemma in getting him out of whatever he's in. I'd like to have him in a pocket of sorts (i.e. his hedgiebag or the inner pocket of my zip-up jacket) so kids aren't staring at him or scaring him, and he can have a safe spot to be placed where he can calm down or sleep, but I also need to be able to get him out of the pocket or hedgiebag when need be. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

-Brooke and Ci Wei

[hedgehog69]

try to lure him with a treat mealwoms work great or try something that he likes

[hularious]

My Monty does the same right now...I get him out of his bag by peeling the bag around him until he's out. When he balls up, all I have to do is point the opening of the ball downwards, and he'll automatically uncurl.

Treats will work well, but it has to be consistent for them to be conditioned...

I'm also wondering if it just takes time to realize who I am and that I mean no harm (like hemi)...until then...that's about all I can offer.

[incrovaj]

My Monty does the same right now...I get him out of his bag by peeling the bag around him until he's out. When he balls up, all I have to do is point the opening of the ball downwards, and he'll automatically uncurl.

Treats will work well, but it has to be consistent for them to be conditioned...

I'm also wondering if it just takes time to realize who I am and that I mean no harm (like hemi)...until then...that's about all I can offer.

I am fairly new as well, although I have had a hedgehog before Daisy. Daisy would sometimes do this, but since I often bring her to school, and the other teachers and myself are constantly pulling her out for the kids or just to dote on her, she has gotten over it. It did not take very long, but that is because of all the work we have put into getting her as socialized as she is. It will happen, in time, so have faith. :sunrise:

[hemi_mygirl]

I've found that Hemi loves being in my pocket as well, but I've since learned that open-ended hoodie pockets work great. That way, I can reach in from behind her, lift her up, and pass her forward into my other hand.

To get Hemi out of her bag when she's pretending to be a cactus, I turn her onto her bag, and gently pull the bag from around her. Eventually, she's laying on top of the bag, and I can flip her back onto her tummy.

If you're having a big problem getting your hedgehogs out of bags and whatnot, try putting a hand in there (with a treat) and talking quietly to them. They'll learn to associate your voice with yummy things and comfort. This worked wonderfully for Hemi... as soon as she hears my voice, she visibly calms down. If she's hissing, she stops as soon as she hears my voice.