forever huffy?

[HogMom2B]

Quick question:
For those of you who have had your hedgies for awhile now, and they are used to you...do they still huff and pop when you try to pick them up and touch them? Do any of you get no reaction from your hedgie when you pick them up, or are they just the kind of animal that will always get a little startled at first??

[hemi_mygirl]

When Hemi was younger, she'd hiss and huff whenever I tried to pick her up. She'd stop as soon as she realized it was me. Now, it depends on the day. if I'm rushed and I don't talk to her a bit before picking her up, she hisses. If I talk to her, she doesn't make any reaction. But, she never did pop at me, not even as a baby.

I think it depends how aware they are of your presence. Talk to Rosie before you pick her up, and put your hand in her bag for her to smell. Let her know you're there, and she might not make so much of a reaction. I do think they're the type of animal to be easily startled though, so slow and steady is key.

[razzle]

Razzle acts pretty much the same as Hemi. Some days, he is moodier than others. But any "surprise attack", and Razzle will hiss and prickle-out at me. If he's hiding away in his igloo (which he usually is), I talk to him first to let him know I'm there and what is coming (me picking him up). If this happens too early in the day during his normal "left alone" hours, he will still hiss and pop no matter what. But usually by 7pm, he's ready to be disturbed and looking for some dinner!

[groovychic]

Herbie has popped maybe once in his life and that was when he was little and we had family over and they were all looking at him. He is so calm now and rarely even quills up when we touch him. We can even touch him in his cage, while he's eating.....he doesn't care. Alan's twin nephews and neice (all 2 years old) even got to pet him a few times. He didn't care and they loved him!

Kahlua on the other hand hisses and pops everytime we have her out. Even when I move things in her cage (fill water, food, etc.) she will pop. She's my little grumpy girl and I don't think she will ever change. She was raised poorly (we adopted her) and wasn't handled very much before we got her, so I can't blame her.

Good luck on your little one. She will come out of her shell. Give her time and lots of patience. The more you have her out and cuddle and play with her the more she will get used to you and trust you. :hearts:

[HedgieMate]

It's been almost 6 months since we adopted Geoffrey and he has come a long long way... He now splats himself on us and even allows us to gently stroke his chin or give him a backrub. Yet, he is still *very* skittish; he huffs and raises his visor at any big sound or sudden movement. He pops if he is very startled too. But he is definitely mellowing out. For example, every morning when I slide my hand under his bag for temperature check, he huffs but it's more of a token huff. Even when he pops, we gently blow in his direction letting him smell us, then he uncurls and calms down in a few seconds. They don't have good eyesight, so things get a bit scary at times, so they have to hear your voice and/or smell your scent, I think.

I'm sure Rosie will come around in time too. Just remember that many hedgehogs are by nature skittish. Geoffrey may never stop huffing, but that doesn't mean he doesn't trust us, so don't be discouraged by your hedgie's huffing. :)

[HogMom2B]

Rosie is doing better and better everyday. I am very impressed. I actually think she likes me :) She calms down really quickly and plays peek-a-boo with me...it is really cute. Plus I am starting to actually get used to her quills and am having a much easier time picking her up!

[paris26]

I have 2 hogs that huff and puff religiously regardless of who picks them up. They are the crabby pants of my crew. The rest of them may pop once or twice, but generally recognize me right away and settle in. Lots of patience and daily handling is key!

[HedgieMate]

Rosie is doing better and better everyday. She calms down really quickly and plays peek-a-boo with me...Aww...that's so sweet... I'm glad that you two are doing better. Keep up the good work!