Do you want to know why you should avoid picking up hedgehogs?
I first saw a hedgehog when I was a teenager, and I had no idea I would someday own one as an adult. I hurried away at first but immediately signaled to my neighbor.
I was eager to pick it up, but she stated it was not the proper way to handle it. She summoned a neighboring veterinarian, who arrived to check the hedgehog.
I want to share what I’ve learned and urge you to read my post How Do I Bond With A Pet Hedgehog
Let’s go,
What Happens If You Pick Up A Hedgehog
You should never pick up a hedgehog because they are carriers of rabies. They can spread rabies through more than just bites especially when they bite hard.
When you touch or try to pick a hedgehog, and your pet has its needles coiled up, the pet can suddenly spring up and stab you with his needle and you may easily become infected.
Hedgehogs can spread the illness by needle pricks and salivation, which explains why these animals sometimes lubricate their self-anointing.
In general, needles gather a lot of stuff. The hedgehog may have a lot of ticks beneath their needles, including encephalitis, and tend to have a lot of fleas.
For more information on how to get rid of fleas on hedgehogs, kindly read my post Do hedgehogs have fleas? Ticks plague the hedgehog since he is unable to comb himself.
Is It Safe To Hold A Hedgehog
Yes, it is safe to hold a hedgehog because their spines are slightly milder when they are young, but you should still exercise caution while handling infant hedgehogs.
For more information on baby hedgehogs, I recommend you read my post How Much Does A Baby Hedgehog Pet Cost
However, it is essential to treat them correctly and with care. Here are some guidelines for holding a hedgehog safely:
- Hedgehogs are often startled, so it’s crucial to approach them cautiously and carefully.
- Wash your hands before touching a hedgehog to eliminate any strong smells or residue that might frighten or annoy the hedgehog.
- Wear gloves (optional): Some people like to wear gloves when handling hedgehogs to protect their hands from the spines of the hedgehogs.
It should be noted, however, that hedgehog spines are not normally sharp or harmful, and many people handle them without gloves.
- When taking up a hedgehog, support its body by placing one hand behind their chest and the other hand on their hindquarters.
Avoid squeezing or exerting excessive pressure.
- Be cautious of their spines: Hedgehogs have sharp spines, but they are rarely hazardous.
Avoid squeezing or pressing too hard on their spines as this might cause pain. Instead, softly hold them in your hands and allow them to relax.
- Keep an eye out for symptoms of stress: Hedgehogs can show signs of stress by curling up into a ball, hissing, or attempting to flee.
If you see these signals, return the hedgehog to its habitat and give it some room.
Are Hedgehogs Poisonous To Touch
Although it may appear unbelievable, many people believe that the quills of land hedgehogs contain a toxin.
Some individuals believe that hedgehog saliva may contain a poison that is dangerous to humans.
These hedgehog quills may hurt a bit if you handle them carelessly, but they will not cause you any severe harm.
Hedgehogs neither manufacture nor store poison in their spines. So, if you are stung, you will not be exposed to any hazardous compounds but you are at risk of exposing yourself to any disease if your hedgehog is a carrier as stated earlier.
To maintain the safety and well-being of both the hedgehog and the person handling them, it is still vital to handle hedgehogs with care and respect for their natural behaviors.
How To Pick Up A Hedgehog Safely
Your companion needs to get to know and trust you before they can relax and lower their quills.
To be able to achieve this, you must first learn to know your pet and its personality
Don’t startle it or speak too loudly around it. Approach them from the front, advance gently, and let them sniff you first. You may still get spike age, but it will be less since they are less shocked.
There is a need for patience, and you should not be afraid of your pet. If you are concerned about the spikes, use a work glove to scoop him; do not lift him at first.
They dislike being taken up, especially when it comes from above their heads.
Does It Hurt To Pick Up A Hedgehog
Picking up a hedgehog should not be painful if done correctly. Hedgehogs have spines on their backs to protect themselves.
While the spines might be sharp, they are usually neither hazardous nor uncomfortable if handled properly.
Handle hedgehogs softly and with care to prevent causing discomfort to the hedgehog or yourself.
Place one hand beneath their chest and the other under their hindquarters to appropriately support their body.
Avoid squeezing them or placing too much pressure on their spines.
However, it’s always a good idea to proceed with caution and study the hedgehog’s reaction.
If the hedgehog exhibits indications of stress, such as hissing or attempting to flee, it is best to return them to their enclosure and give them some space.
Best Methods For Picking Up Your Hedgehog
Approach gently and confidently: To put your hedgehog at ease, approach them calmly and confidently. Avoid startling them with quick movements or loud noises.
Wash your hands before touching your hedgehog to eliminate any strong smells or residue that may irritate them. This helps to have a neutral fragrance and decreases the possibility of frightening them.
Use a towel or small blanket (optional): If your hedgehog is very timid or you desire an added layer of protection, gently scoop them up with a tiny towel or blanket. This might provide you and the hedgehog a sense of security.
Support their weight by placing one hand firmly yet softly beneath their chest. Support their hindquarters with your other hand. This ensures that their bodies are adequately supported and that no undue strain is placed on their spines.
Lift gently and steadily: Using a smooth motion, lift the hedgehog slowly and steadily. Any quick or jerky movements that may shock them should be avoided.
Conclusion
It is critical to use caution while handling your prickly pet and to take adequate safety precautions, such as wearing gloves or avoiding contact entirely you come across a seemingly defenseless hedgehog on the side of the road, do not pick it up or carry it with you.
Hedgehogs are frequently removed from their native surroundings To know more about hedgehogs lineage kindly read my post Have You Heard Of Where Hedgehog Natives
Anyone who wishes to help in such situations should first call a veterinarian or a local animal shelter to find out where the animal can be sent.