Would you like to know about hedgehog pet quills?
The first time I felt the quills of a hedgehog pet was simultaneously the first time I touched a hedgehog, and it was a sensation of bliss that I will never forget. Many people who have never handled a pet hedgehog are unsure if they are spiky or soft enough to be handled. I’d want to inform you additional information about hedgehog pet quills, which have smooth spines on their coats similar to brush bristles. I’d like to propose my post on Types of Hedgehogs, which will tell you the finest hedgehogs to have as pets
Here we go
How To Deal With Hedgehog Pets With Quills
Hedgehog quills or needles are modified hair found solely on the back of the animal; the nose and abdomen are covered with normal hair.
When a hedgehog is comfortable, its spines are relaxed. You may maintain a hedgehog at this time without worrying about sharp needles. As long as you don’t push on the sharp points of the quills, they don’t represent an issue or risk.
The needles of a terrified or furious hedgehog are erect and tend to point in all directions. Attempting to grasp the hedgehog in this protective stance would almost certainly result in a prick, and is normally done using a large towel or gloves to protect the hands. When frightened, the hedgehog not only makes its quills stand on point but also rolls into a ball to protect its delicate bottom. As a result, all that is shown is a hedgehog ball covered in needles which serves as an effective defensive mechanism. Even in this stage, you can touch the hedgehog without causing too much harm. However, don’t get your fingers trapped in the hedgehog’s trap of rolling into a ball, since they are powerful and it will hurt to squeeze and push at the same time!
Do Hedgehog Quills Have Venom
These creatures do not produce poison or distribute it along their spines. The quills are not poisonous, but they are certainly not clean because lots of dirt, flea droppings, and microbes can be present in quills
The spines are not deadly or sharp but the sting from this pet may be terrible.
Indeed, the victim’s skin may itch and flush after being pricked with a hedgehog needle. Such an allergic response might be triggered by the fact that the needle’s tip frequently remains exposed.
Try as much as possible to handle your pet carefully even if it does not have venom
Do Hedgehog Pet Quills, Hurt
Many individuals who have never held a pet hedgehog ask if they are spiky or sharp, and if they are soft enough to grasp. They are perplexed as to why someone would own a pet that they are unable to pick up or embrace. Fortunately, hedgehog owners all over the world are aware that their beloved pets can be handled properly.
Some people assume that Hedgehog quills are harmful, although this is not true. These are hollow hairs packed with keratin, which permits them to be tough and stiff.
Depending on the species, the spines can easily penetrate the skin, break within, and inject harmful compounds. Contact with its spikes produces severe pain, stinging, and sometimes additional symptoms depending on the species.
However, if you are pricked by your pet’s quills, please take the following precautions.
- First, you must extract the spikes from the affected area using a sterile needle.
- The wound must then be properly cleaned and disinfected.
- If the spikes cannot be extracted easily, the affected area should be softened with warm water and salt
- If this is still not possible, it is best to consult a podiatrist to proceed with surgical removal of the spikes and determine whether it is necessary to be vaccinated against tetanus after a hedgehog sting.
Are Hedgehog Pet Quills Sharp
The quills are sharp and when the hedgehog feels threatened, the quills stand up at the tip, which is regulated by a system of muscles. The quills remain flat while the muscles are relaxed. When frightened, the hedgehog curls up into a ball to protect his delicate belly, in addition to increasing its quills. The quills stay firmly attached to your pet and even though the quills are not sharp, it doesn’t mean you will not handle your pet with care as the needles protect your pet from danger by hiding its unprotected muzzle and exposing its needles
Does Hedgehog Pet Loose Quills
Quilling is the process of shedding or quills and typical hedgehogs do it as newborns and juveniles. The first time a hedgehog quill is around two months old Hedgehogs lose their finer infant quills and grow in their thicker, longer quills during this initial quill loss. The second quilling happens about four months of age and can be painful, similar to when a human youngster is teething.
The new quills must push up through the old quills’ openings, which can be difficult for certain larger quills to pass through, especially when a large number of them are pressing through at the same time. Your hedgehog will continue to lose quills throughout his life approximately 90% will be replaced at some time but significant volumes of quills should not be lost all at once as an adult.
Stress which could be due to recent moves or changes in cages is one of the most prevalent causes for hedgehogs to lose their quills as they get older. Hedgehog cannot shoot off a thorn, just as a human cannot take off a hair without the assistance of hands. The needles themselves fall off every 18 months or so, although not all at once, but one at a time. As a result, hedgehogs are never left vulnerable.
Other causes of excessive quill loss include a poor diet (find out what your hedgehog should be eating), hormonal imbalances, allergies (make sure you wash his bedding in fragrance and dye-free detergent and avoid using fabric softener), or living in a very dry environment
Do Hedgehog Pet Quills Grow Back
Yes, slowly but surely because the needles alter unevenly over time, the hedgehog keeps the needle cover throughout its life
The hedgehog’s quills are modified hairs that are 2 to 3 cm long and 2 mm in diameter, with a sharp tip. They are implanted in the skin of his back, much like any other mammal’s hair. They meet in all directions and point in every way.
The hedgehog sheds a set amount of needles. When the hedgehog comes out of hibernation, it loses roughly a third of its needles, and new ones sprout out in their stead. As a result, the animal is not vulnerable. If a hedgehog’s spines fall out quicker than they grow back, he’s probably unwell.
Can Hedgehogs Feel Their Quills
Hedgehog certainly feels their quills. The intriguing feature of these hedgehogs is that they have a system of muscles on their backs that allow them to hide and remove their spines as needed. Also, in reality, when threatened, its rear muscles are triggered, allowing it to roll up on itself and straighten all the thorns. Hedgehogs can also feel its spiky fur in the case of a fall. Because the spikes are individually incredibly sharp and robust, yet flexible and unbreakable as a whole, they may cushion the hedgehog even if it falls from a tremendous height till it becomes practically invulnerable.
Conclusion
Overall, if your hedgehog is an adult and is losing a significant number of quills particularly if it has bald places, you should get your pet inspected by an exotics veterinarian to establish the cause and find out the best way to proffer a solution to treat it. I will like you to read my article Are Hedgehogs Good Pets For Beginners which will help you handle your pet in the best ways and What Do Hedgehogs Pets Eat And Drink which gives the best food and drinks for your pets to maintain a good and healthy life.