The hedgehog is known for its distinctive pointed snout, round ears and spikes with which it is covered. It can be a fantastic pet; however, before you can enjoy everything your prickly little friend has to offer, you need to tame him, which is to teach him to feel comfortable and comfortable when he is with you. Fortunately, there are several ways you can earn his trust and affection: get him accustomed to your smell, reward him with treats, and make him feel safe.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Get used to your smell
Step 1. Pick it up every day to get it used to your scent
Hedgehogs don't have good eyesight, so they rely heavily on smell to identify people and other animals. Once he gets used to your scent, he will begin to recognize you and feel calmer in your presence.
- To pick it up, place a hand under his abdomen and gently lift him. After that you can hold it in your hand or sit and put it on your lap.
- Hold it in your hand for at least half an hour every day.
Step 2. Avoid wearing protective gloves while holding it
You would make it harder for him to smell you and thus get used to you. Its quills aren't sharp enough to hurt you, so you can safely handle it without gloves.
If you are afraid of getting stung anyway, you can only put on the gloves when you take him out of the cage and take them off once he has relaxed in your hands
Step 3. Put your old piece of clothing in the cage
It must be used and not washed; a shirt or shorts will do. The aim is to help the hedgehog get used to you by making your scent a constant presence inside the cage.
It is important that the clothes do not have zippers, buttons or laces with which the hedgehog could injure himself
Step 4. Avoid using scented products while taming it
The key to making him feel comfortable with you is getting him used to your scent, and the traces of perfume would confuse him. Avoid wearing perfumes or using scented shower gels, creams, or hair products until the hedgehog has become accustomed to your presence.
Look for cosmetic or hygiene products that have a neutral smell
Part 2 of 3: Give him tidbits
Step 1. Give him treats every time he unrolls
When they are frightened or feel threatened, curls curl up on themselves. If your hedgehog leaves that position when you hold it in your hand or on your lap, it means that it feels safe. Reward that behavior with food; in this way he will learn to associate the time spent with you with a feeling of security and a reward.
Keep the treats handy when you pick up the hedgehog so you can be quick to reward it
Step 2. Give him the foods he loves
One of the best ways to gain his trust and affection is to offer him tidbits that he likes and wants to eat more. Since hedgehogs are insectivorous ("insect-eating") animals in nature, cold-dried crickets or worms are good options.
- You can buy them online or at a pet store.
- Alternatively, you can give him small pieces of fruit and vegetables, such as corn, apples, and carrots.
Step 3. Don't overeat
Curls are prone to obesity, so you should be careful not to give them too many tidbits. Give her a maximum of 2-3 for each pampering session.
- If you feel like she's gaining a lot of weight, cut back on the daily amount of morsels.
- If you can still see the muzzle, ears, or legs when he rolls up, it means he is overweight.
Part 3 of 3: Avoid Scaring Him
Step 1. Don't cast your shadow on him when you pick him up
Since their eyesight is poor, curls are very sensitive to bright lights and shadows. When you catch him, try not to cast a shadow on him, or you might scare him.
Pay attention to nearby light sources. For example, if there is a lamp near the cage, avoid standing in front of it when you have to pick up the hedgehog
Step 2. Avoid making noise when you hold it in your hand
Curls are very sensitive to loud noises, just like light and shadows. Try to remain as calm and quiet as possible while holding it, so as not to frighten it.
Avoid screaming, listening to loud music, slamming doors or furniture doors, or dropping objects
Step 3. Let him get used to you with his rhythms
Trying to speed up the taming process will only make it take longer. Don't force the hedgehog to pay attention to you; they may be scared or threatened. Instead, give him all the time he needs to get used to your scent and presence. There will come a time when he will feel safe with you!
