Do you want to learn more about hedgehog pet whiskers?
It seems like yesterday, yet I recall the first time I got my hedgehog pet. I was quite interested in learning about its distinctive traits. When I was still looking for a place to buy my pet, I visited a breeder and saw that the hedgehog had whiskers as one of its distinguishing qualities. I’d want to share what my breeders have taught me and encourage you to read my post about Hedgehog pet self-anointing, which is also a unique aspect of this exotic pet as well.
Let’s get started,
What Exactly Is A Whisker
Hedgehog pet whiskers are vibrissae, which are hard hairs that protrude beyond the coat’s surface. Think of them as modified hairs that emerge from a follicle in the skin.
These hairs, however, are deeper than typical, and the follicle is densely packed with nerves and blood vessels. They are extra touch organs, that hedgehogs need for hearing, taste, and vision as well.
Whiskers penetrate deep into the skin and are intertwined with a network of nerve terminals and muscle fibers. Nerve cells are activated by even the tiniest movement of air or touch and send appropriate messages to certain sections of the brain
To gather information about its surroundings, the hedgehog utilizes its facial muscles to guide its whiskers forward, backward, or sideways or wraps them around an object of interest.
Whiskers are sensory organs that assist hedgehogs navigate their surroundings by detecting the approach of a larger predator or prey, measuring the temperature of food, and even displaying their mood.
What Is The Purpose Of A Hedgehog Pet’s Whiskers
For the purpose of this article, I will like to tell you the 6 functions of Hedgehog pet whiskers
- Whiskers are utilized to hunt prey; When your hedgehog pet is ready to hunt, the whiskers will normally travel in the direction of the sounds being listened to.
The whiskers detect changes in the air and provide a clear picture to the hedgehog’s brain.
- Vision At Night; Hedgehogs, as nocturnal creatures, are more active at night and can move effectively in the dark because of their whiskers. Hedgehog pets can avoid clashing with anything in the dark by using their whiskers.
Whiskers are sensors that alert them to various things that occur in their surroundings, and they utilize this information to determine where they need to travel.
- Temperature Reading; Hedgehog pets may use their whiskers to determine whether or not their prey is still alive and whether or not it is safe to consume the food.
- The hedgehog body’s language; The location of the whiskers quickly reveals what the hedgehog is thinking.
If your buddy whiskers are oriented forward, it is interested in something or wants to play with the owner. It feels like tension or concentration if they stick out in different directions like a fan.
Aggression, anxiety, or attack preparedness if laid back and pressed to the cheeks. Whiskers aid in receiving information from your friend’s facial expression and transmitting emotions or moods: from calm to being alert, in pain, and so on.
- Food location; Hedgehog pets look for food with their whiskers. They enjoy a variety of food and make use of their whiskers to find them.
Hedgehogs eat anything, but their favorite food is insects. This means that they are aware of the motions of insects in the surroundings when looking for prey. The vibrations created by the insects are noticed by the hedgehogs, assisting them in their search.
- Sensing Others’ Presence; The sensitivity of a hedgehog’s whiskers allows it to detect even the tiniest movement in the air. The vibrations picked up by the whiskers warn them of potential threats or other living creatures in the environment.
Whiskers assist them in detecting movement in the air, which gives a warning sign of other animals close by. Detecting vibrations in addition to their other senses alerts them long before they encounter any harm.
Why You Shouldn’t Trim Your Hedgehog Pet’s Whiskers
Whiskers should never be removed from your pals because if this is done, your companion may lose all contact with its surroundings. They will no longer be able to feel the temperature of their food.
They will no longer be able to maneuver in space, and they may collide with or be struck by things along their path.
Without whiskers, your hedgehog pet will not be able to hunt, which is already a tremendous disadvantage.
Do not cut them since the number of stimuli that your hedgehog will experience will be greatly decreased, making him more afraid until it grows back.
It may cause great anxiety and also cause a shift in territoriality and/or dominance during that time period because these hairs are attached tightly and deeply in the dermis, pulling them out with tweezers can cause severe agony.
You can cause your pet to feel uncomfortable if you touch them violently. Do ensure you handle them cautiously
You don’t have to go to great lengths to keep the whiskers perfectly; simply avoid doing anything that would affect their appearance.
How To Maintain The Condition Of Your Hedgehog Pet’s Whiskers
These hairs will be replenished on a regular basis; occasionally, one may fall out, but don’t worry, it’s normal; another will grow back in its place in a short time.
Chemicals should be avoided since they can be harmful and annoying. If you need to clean them, a soft, moist cloth is the finest option.
Take your hedgehog to the doctor if you notice any change in his whiskers so that appropriate treatment will be given to your pet as fast as possible
What Causes Hedgehog Whiskers To Fall Out
If you witness them falling, it may be a sign of health issues or an injury in the area. Cancer, anemia, and infection are examples of illnesses. Other illnesses include
Alopecia is a disorder that causes widespread hair loss.
Dermatitis is a skin disorder that can result in the loss of whiskers.
Fungal diseases, can interfere with hair development and cause your hedgehog pet to lose its whiskers.
Fleas and ticks can both cause skin irritation and loss of whiskers. I recommend you read my post Hedgehog pet fleas that can help you on ways to avoid this disease on your pet
A hormonal imbalance can have an impact on hair production all over the body of your pet
In some hedgehog pets, losing whiskers might be a natural part of aging.
If you discover that your hedgehog’s whiskers have fallen, take him to the clinic immediately so that he may be carefully assessed.
Treatment will vary according to the reason for the loss but may involve medication, hormone treatment, or dietary modification.
Conclusion
A hedgehog pet’s whiskers are fragile and allow your pet to appreciate its environment as they go around. It also helps the sense of smell and hearing throughout your hedgehog’s life. Hedgehog whiskers are incredibly resilient because their bulbs are so sturdy, they seldom fall out. They are thick and coarse than body hair. While whiskers may not appear to be required for a little pet at first appearance, they turn out to be important features. I propose you read my post How long pet hedgehog lives, which will offer you the best advice on how to give your pet a long life.