I'm a newbie!

[anabanana]

Hola everyone :] I'm chilean and I got my first hedgie -Geoffrey- just a couple weeks ago.
I'm super excited to have him as my baby and I really enjoy taking care of him, but I think he's not as happy as I am. He's always in a bad mood and hissing/jumping when I go near him or touch him. When I try to hold him he looks so scared and poops (which, as I've been told, is normal) and all he wants to do is escape :/ I'm worried, because I don't know if this is ever gonna change, if someday he'll let me hold him/pet him without being afraid.
Yesterday I found this site and I read about two types of hedgehogs, the cuddlers and the explorers; I think mine is an explorer.
Right now I have him lying in my lap, covered in a blanket (that's the only way he actually calms down when he's with me).
I will be patient of course (patience pays they say ;D), but I just wanted someone to give me an advice to make Geoffrey feel more comfy, and I also wanted to ask if it's normal that his pee has a really strong smell.
I hope you and your cute hedgehogs are all doing great :]

[anabanana]

OH! I forgot. He's 2 months old and going to turn 3 on march 15.
I feed him with kitten food and I've given him apple and banana. He hasn't had his first bath yet.

(:

[PJM]

Welcome to HHC & congratulations on Geoffrey!!
It may take him a while to get used to you. But it sounds like you're on the right track. Having something for them to hide in helps them to feel safe & secure. (It also protects your lap from any hedgie "accidents")
And you're right - patience is key!
You can put a t-shirt that you've slept in inside his cage & it will help him to get used to your scent. Just make sure there's no threads that can get wrapped around his little legs.
At first, just having him in your lap is great. You can slowly progress to other things, like having your hand next to him, putting your hand on his back & hopefully eventually petting him.
I would, for example, put my hand close to him, and just leave it there. Wait for him to settle down & just leave it. After a few minutes, perhaps move it closer. Wait for him to settle down again. It may take weeks or months for him to feel more comfortable with you (and some always stay a bit grumpy). But just keep it up. Gentle, Patient, Consistent.

You can wait a while for the first bath, They don't usually like them.

I'm sorry I can't help with the strong smelling pee.

I hope we get to hear more about you & Geoffrey!

[anabanana]

Thank you so much!
Having someone telling me his behaviour is normal makes me feel much more relieved
I'm super glad I found this awesome site
Thanks again and Oh! Zoey is super cute :3

[Sunflowerseeds]

Welcome to HHC!

Yes, his behaviour is perfectly normal, Cupcake was really friendly at first but now she's quilling and jumps and hisses all the time and won't stay still when she's awake. She's around the same age as Geoffrey! She used to poop every time she was picked up, but she's gotten better at controlling it. Definitely do like PJM said and put a worn, old t-shirt in the cage, it will get him used to knowing your smell doesn't mean danger.

I also can't help about the strong pee smell, but I'm sure someone on here can offer some advice.

[anabanana]

Thank you a lot
Rolo and Cupcake look really cute btw ;D

[Sunflowerseeds]

Originally Posted by anabanana

Thank you a lot
Rolo and Cupcake look really cute btw ;D

Thanks, they are my babies!

[LarryT]

Welcome to the forum! Hang in there and hopefully he'll come around.

[ThePliny]

Welcome!
Just keep on being patient; it sounds like you are doing everything right. HHC is a great place for info; I've learned loads from these forums.
Geoffrey is adorable. And I love his name!

[Hedgieonboard]

Congrats on your new hedgie