Hedgehogs don't get a period, their ovulation is induced by the male. It is possible that she is quilling? The behaviour you're describing sounds like classic quilling behaviour.

She sounds normal and healthy from what you're describing, so I wouldn't be too worried. Keep bonding with her frequently and hopefully her grumpiness will go away.

Good luck!

 

How old is she? How long has the behavior been going on? Has anything changed in her environment or about you? Such as new job, new smells, new pets, change in light schedule or temperature, etc.? Have you noticed anything like scratching from her?

Typically sudden behavior changes like this are something to keep a close eye on, as they can indicate a health issue. It would be a good idea to schedule a vet appointment for her to get her checked out, just in case.

 

I have actually started a new job.

What does quilling mean?

 

And she does scratch her ears sometimes.

 

I emailed the vet. Waiting for a response. If she tells me she needs to see her I'll bring her in

 

Scratching the ears could mean those are bothering her, if she's scratching them often or if they look inflamed or dirty or anything.

With the new job, is it something that would leave any weird new smells on you? There have been cases of something like that setting a hedgehog off.

You didn't mention how old she is. Quilling is something young hedgehogs do, where they shed their baby quills & grow in adult ones. It's painful & tends to make them quite cranky.

 

She's about 7 months I think. Not sure exactly. I don't know if the job woukd leave smells on me. I work with seniors and I ride a bus both ways.

 

Hm. It's possible, I guess? Often times they react to things we don't really notice. You could try changing your clothes & washing your hands & arms well before handling her if you haven't already tried that, and see if it makes a difference.

They do go through a quilling around 6 months, but it doesn't usually seem to be as bad as the baby ones for most hedgehogs. So, possible cause, but it wouldn't be my first guess.

 

This thing of pooing and peeing all over whoever tries to bond with her Is rather off putting

 

So how do you react when that happens? Do you put her back in her cage and leave her alone? If you do, you're just teaching her that pooping and peeing on you will get her left alone. If you just deal with it and keep her out with you anyway it will eventually stop happening as much if it happens at all. But it does take patience. It's only poop and pee though. It smells, but it's temporary. It does wash off.

 

I usually keep a pack of baby wipes right beside me for bonding time. Sit them on my lap, quick wipe up, and everyone goes about their business.