The distinctive snouts, round ears, and prickly quills of the hog are well-known.They make great pets, but before you can enjoy everything your pet has to offer, you need to tame it.Training your hedgehog to feel comfortable around you is the process of taming.Getting it used to your smell, giving it treats, and avoiding things that will scare it off are some of the ways you can win the trust and affection of your hedgehog.
Step 1: It gets used to your smell if you handle it every day.
Hedgehogs rely on smell to identify people and other animals because they don't have the best eyesight.It will feel more comfortable in your presence once you get used to your smell.If you want to handle your hedgehog, scoop your hand under its belly and lift it up.You can either sit down and let the animal rest in your lap or you can hold it.If you want to tame it, try to handle it for at least 30 minutes a day.
Step 2: You should not wear gloves when you hold your animal.
The smell of gloves on your hands will make it harder for your hedgehog to get used to you.You can handle them without gloves because they are not sharp enough to hurt you.If you're still worried about getting poked by your hedgehog's quills, try wearing gloves when you take it out of its cage.Once it is more relaxed, take the gloves off and hold it with bare hands.
Step 3: You can put an old piece of clothing in your animal's cage.
Any old shirt or pants will work.The goal is to get your smell into your hedgehog's cage so he gets used to it.Make sure the piece of clothing doesn't have any loose buttons or strings.
Step 4: You should avoid wearing scented products.
You don't want to confuse your hedgehog with scented products if you get it comfortable with your smell.Until your hedgehog is more comfortable around you, don't use scented body washes, hair products, or perfumes.Look for products that say "fragrance-free" on the label.
Step 5: The treats should be given whenever the ball uncurls.
hedgehogs play in a ball when scared or threatened.If you uncurl your hedgehog from a ball in your hands or on your lap, it means it is feeling safe, so you will want to give it a treat.Spending time with you is associated with safety and rewards.If you keep the treats close, you will be able to quickly reward it.
Step 6: Provide treats that the hedgehogs like.
One of the best ways to win the trust and affection of your hedgehog is to use treats that it will love and want more of.The freeze-dried crickets and mealworms are a great treat to use while you tame your hedgehog.There are freeze-dried crickets and mealworms at your local pet store.If you don't want to use crickets or mealworms, you can give your hedgehog small pieces of fruits and vegetables.
Step 7: It's a bad idea to give your hedgehog too many treats.
It is important to make sure you do not give your hedgehog too many treats.Stick with 2 to 3 treats per handling session.Reduce the number of treats you give your hedgehog if it is gaining a lot of weight.It's a sign that your hedgehog is overweight if you can still see its face, ears, and feet.
Step 8: When you pick it up, don't put a shadow over it.
hedgehogs are more sensitive to bright lights and shadows since they don't have the best eyesight.If you want to scare your hedgehog, try not to cast a shadow over it when you pick it up.You want your hedgehog to be as calm and safe as possible while you are trying to tame it.It's a good idea to be aware of the nearby lights.If there is a lamp next to your hedgehog's cage, avoid standing in front of it.
Step 9: You should not make loud noises when handling your animal.
Similar to bright lights and shadows, hedgehogs are sensitive to loud noises.Try to be as calm and quiet as possible, because you don't want your hedgehog to get scared.Don't yell, listen to loud music, slam cabinets or door, or drop things while holding your hedgehog.
Step 10: Allow your animal to get used to you on its own.
It will take longer if you try to rush the process.It will feel scared and threatened if you force it to give you attention.Give your animal plenty of time to get used to it's surroundings.It will eventually feel safe around you.