Question about hedgehog biting

[TheDurbinator]

So today I picked up my new hedgehog (had her for 5 days now) she was in her pouch on my lap, she was sniffing around and came out, instantly she bit my crotch area (luckily I had loose fitting trousers on so she didn't do any damage to my no-no area). does anyone know why she is doing this? how can I stop her? I blew in her face and she kept trying (about 4 times) then she didnt come out of the pouch...

[Lilysmommy]

Don't let her around there. Hedgehogs are drawn to strong scents, and they tend to be interested in & may lick or bite around your crotch, armpits, feet, ears, etc. You can put a pillow or a blanket over your lap when you get her out for bonding. Don't blow on her face again - that's going to frighten her and will probably hinder your bonding attempts. Just try to keep her away from any areas that she tries to bite at to keep her from biting.

[Katten]

Hedgehogs are known to bite crotches and armpits. I don't think it's really something you can train them not to do. Just keep them away from those areas and you should be fine.

[TheDurbinator]

She goes to bite whenever I put my hand in to pick her up, she also jumps towards my hand with her face when I try to scoop her up from the side, do you guys know why she also does these things?

[Lilysmommy]

Those are defensive behaviors. Just pick her up anyway, or she'll learn that she can make you go away by doing that. If you persist in getting her out for bonding time despite it, she will hopefully give up doing so. If she does often make contact when she goes to bite, you can use a piece of fleece to scoop her up, to help put a barrier between her & your skin.

Giving her treats when she's out & calmed down can help reinforce calm behavior & also show that you're a good thing. Just make sure you don't give her any treats by hand, since that can also lead to biting.