Do pet hedgehogs spike you?

The quills tend to lay down flat along the back and sides of the hedgehog, all pointing towards their rear end, so as long as you don't push against the sharp tips of the quills (pet them backwards) they pose no problems or chance of being poked.
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Do pet hedgehogs poke you?

Not if you are handling the hedgehog correctly. As a side note NO they do not shoot their quills and no their quills do not stick you like an American Porcupine. Their quills are more like a human's hair. Its THERE and stays there.
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Do hedgehogs spike humans?

Hedgehogs have quills, which may poke you. This is exactly like pricking your finger with a needle when you are sewing on a button, or whatever. You do not have to do anything. Wash the poked area with soap and water and then move on.
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What happens if a hedgehog spikes you?

Hedgehogs will generally try to run away from people or if shocked will curl up in to a spiky ball. They have sharp needles all over their backs which can penetrate the skin. It will often itch if a needle does and may cause a rash.
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Are pet hedgehogs spiky?

But the hair on the back of a hedgehog is a thick layer of spikes (or modified hairs) known as quills. These quills are made of keratin, the same stuff our hair and fingernails are made of. Hedgehogs can be white or light brown to black, with several shades found in bands along their quills.
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How to Handle & Tame a mean / aggressive / scared hedgehog

Are pet hedgehogs sharp?

A hedgehog is covered by approximately 3,000 to 5,000 quills, so that makes them pretty spiky! These quills are sharp (though, unlike a porcupine's quills, they are not barbed) and are controlled by a series of muscles, so when a hedgehog feels threatened the quills are raised to stand on end.
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Do pet hedgehogs like to be held?

Young hedgehogs are generally curious and do not mind being held. Adults (especially males) tend to resist handling and usually will not choose interact with humans no matter how much they were handled when they were young. Hedgehogs are very sensitive to smells.
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Are hedgehog spikes harmful?

Hedgehog quills can penetrate skin and spread bacteria which could lead to illnesses in pet owners. If you get a puncture wound from a hedgehog quill be sure to clean your hands and the puncture area thoroughly, then monitor the area carefully for signs of infection.
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Why does my pet hedgehog bite me?

Biting may start when they are quilling as a means to express their discomfort. Hedgehogs that normally don't bite are even more inclined to have a stress or pain that they are trying to communicate. Illness or pain, or uncomfortable environments are things to check for right away.
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Do pet hedgehogs cuddle?

That said, if you get your hedgehog while it is very young and take enough time to very slowly get your new pet used to being handled, hedgehogs can be quite playful although they may never reach the status of cuddly.
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Is it safe to touch hedgehogs?

Keep in mind. Always wear gloves if you have to handle a hedgehog, as they can carry diseases like ringworm and salmonella bacteria which can be passed to humans. Don't handle the hedgehog any more than you need to because contact with humans will be stressful for them.
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Do hedgehogs have chlamydia?

Different microorganisms have already been reported in hedgehogs, including bacteria (Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Coxiella burnetii, Mycobacterium spp., Corynebacterium spp., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., Leptospira spp., Chlamydia psittaci and Streptococcus spp.), protozoa ( ...
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How do hedgehogs show affection?

The average hedgehog is content to do its own thing and may not show any outward sign that it cares about its owner's existence unless you have a treat in your hand. Despite their somewhat solitary nature, they can become very affectionate with their owners and will even enjoy snuggling on your lap.
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Do hedgehogs carry diseases?

Hedgehogs can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings while appearing healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread to their bodies, habitats, toys, bedding, and anything in the area where they live.
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Can you kiss your pet hedgehog?

“Don't kiss or snuggle hedgehogs because this can spread salmonella germs to your face and mouth and make you sick,” the agency warned. No deaths have been reported and one person has been hospitalized, the C.D.C. said.
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Why did my hedgehog hiss at me?

Keep your distance from a hissing hedgehog, just like you would from a hissing snake. When a hedgehog hisses, it means he is really annoyed and wants you, other hogs or other animals to clear off. Hedgehogs will often make the hissing noise if their nest is disturbed or if they are cornered or approached by a predator.
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How do you bond with a pet hedgehog?

One of the most important ways to bond with your hedgehog is to spend time handling them - we recommend at least once a day in a relaxed setting for 20-30 minutes. This is the bare minimum time you should spend handling and engaging with your hedgehog each day. As with any relationship, time invested matters.
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How long do hedgehogs live as pets?

Hedgehogs are fun, friendly, inquisitive pets. They prefer to sleep during the day and are active at dusk and in the evenings. With proper care your hedgehog should live approximately 6 years or more.
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Why shouldn't you touch a hedgehog?

Hedgehog quills can penetrate the skin and spread bacteria that may lead to illnesses in pet owners. If you get a puncture from a hedgehog quill be sure to clean your hands and the puncture area thoroughly.
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Why do people like hedgehogs as pets?

It's not every day you meet someone with a hedgehog, so they're great conversation starters. Plus, they're nocturnal, so if you're a night owl, you'll have a buddy up with you during those late-night TV binges. Another cool thing about hedgehogs is they're relatively low-maintenance compared to some pets.
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Are hedgehogs high maintenance?

Pet hedgehogs are typically quiet, active, and low maintenance. Furthermore, they are nocturnal, which makes them a good pet for someone who works a regular nine to five job. These animals prefer to be alone and may fight another hedgehog if it's brought into their environment.
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What states are hedgehogs legal in?

Different countries have different laws about keeping hedgehogs, but in the United States you can legally own a pet hedgehog in all states except Georgia, Hawaii, California, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., and five New York City boroughs.
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Are hedgehogs quills sharp?

The west European hedgehog is the UK's only spiny mammal. An adult hedgehog's body is around 20-30cm long and covered in sharp spines, each of which is around 2-3cm in length. The spines are made up of keratin; the same material as human hair and nails.
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