Is hedgehog a smart animal?

Hedgehogs are quite smart and can be trained to use a litter box. With treats and patience, you might also have success getting your hedgehog to come when called or to climb up your arm. You will have more success training a young hedgehog than an older one.
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How intelligent are hedgehogs?

The intelligence of a hedgehog is to that of a hamster, they may learn certain behaviors through positive reinforcement or conditioning but only at a very basic level. Hedgehogs are known to be very communicative when it comes to their needs, and often make a low purring sound when they are happy or content.
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Do hedgehogs recognize their owners?

This can shock him, you want to put him on your skin or chest and slowly warm him with your body heat. Be committed! Hedgehogs tend to bond with their owners. They will remember your voice, your smell, and even your appearance.
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Are hedgehogs friendly to humans?

Every hedgehog has a unique personality, but most aren't interested in human affection. Caretakers note that it takes a lot of time and effort to get a hedgehog to tolerate being held. Like porcupines, hedgehogs have sharp, prickly quills that they use to fend off predators.
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Does a hedgehog make a good pet?

Hedgehogs can be a fun and low-maintenance pet for your household, but they do need some special care. They have sharp quills that can make handling difficult. Consistent and proper daily handling will help them relax and feel comfortable with you.
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Pros and Cons of Hedgehogs as Pets

Is it OK to touch a hedgehog?

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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Can you cuddle a pet hedgehog?

It depends on the personality of the individual hedgehog and how much handling the hedgehog has had in the past. Some hedgehogs do seem to like to snuggle up to their human companions, while others might be shyer or simply prefer exploring and moving about over sitting still and cuddling.
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Do hedgehog bites hurt?

Although hedgehogs do bite, their tiny teeth are unlikely to cause you very much pain. The force of a hedgehog bite is typically linked to what your pet is feeling. An angry hedgehog could cause a bite that hurts a bit.
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What is the lifespan of a pet hedgehog?

On average, when kept as a pet, the hedgehog lifespan is about 4 to 6 years — with some domesticated hedgehogs living about 8 years. “Hedgehogs can be prone to mites and parasites, certain cancers, heart disease, and obesity,” Dr. Jones told The Dodo.
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Do 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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Do hedgehogs like to be rubbed?

Once your hedgie doesn't run off your hands like they're on fire, you can try to flip them onto their backs and touch the belly this way. Not all hedgehogs will allow you to touch or rub their bellies, some of them just don't like it.
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What is a hedgehog's favorite thing to do?

Like many pocket pets, hedgehogs love to explore mazes and tunnels. This will keep Hedgie active, and offer him mental stimulation. You can buy labyrinths, or make your own out of shoeboxes or PVC pipe. To make your pet's explorations even more fun for him, hide a snack at the end of the tunnel.
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How much do hedgehogs cost?

The initial purchase can cost anywhere from $300 to $500. But, the annual cost can be as much as $200 to $500 in general care food and veterinary costs (if required).
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What are 5 interesting facts about hedgehogs?

15 hedgehog facts for kids
  • Hedgehogs are nocturnal. ...
  • They are called hedgehogs for a reason. ...
  • Hedgehogs can hibernate. ...
  • Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant. ...
  • They weren't always called hedgehogs. ...
  • A hedgehog's long snout is useful. ...
  • Hedgehogs don't use their eyes to hunt. ...
  • There isn't just one species of hedgehog.
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Is a hedgehog cuddly?

If you get a hedgehog when it's young and slowly acclimate it to being handled, they can be playful, but they may never become cuddly. Once your hedgehog is comfortable being handled, you can stroke their quills, let them climb on your arms, and explore under your supervision.
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Are hedgehogs messy pets?

This is why cleaning their cage safely is so important. In the wild hedgehogs are known to have bowel movements while they run, leaving their feces behind them. In a household setting they still do this however they do this while on their wheel, due to this your hedgies boots can get very dirty quite often!
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Are hedgehogs high maintenance?

Hedgehogs can make an ideal companion for someone who is looking for a low-maintenance yet entertaining house pet. Typically, hedgehogs only need to see the vet once a year for a check-up, which helps save you time and money on vet visits.
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Are hedgehogs friendly?

Due to their spines, hedgehogs aren't very cuddly animals. However, they are very friendly and playful pets.
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What do hedgehogs eat?

The most important invertebrates in their diet are worms, beetles, slugs, caterpillars, earwigs and millipedes. As well as these, they also eat a wide range of other insects. More infrequently, they will take advantage of carrion, frogs, baby rodents, baby birds, birds' eggs and fallen fruit.
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How to tell if a hedgehog is angry?

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.
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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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Can you let a hedgehog roam the house?

Don't allow hedgehogs to roam freely in areas where food is stored, prepared, or served, like kitchens or dining room tables. Keep Your Hedgehog's Environment Squeaky Clean – Clean and wash toys, enclosures, and supplies outside of your house when possible.
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Is it OK to kiss a hedgehog?

Kissing or hugging hedgehogs can spread Salmonella germs to the face, the CDC warns.
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Can my hedgehog sleep with me?

Let them sleep in a large pocket or curled up in a blanket on your lap if they're tired (or frightened) after playing. Being next to you and hearing and smelling you will help familiarize your hedgehog with you and the rest of your family.
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