[Mecki]

Thought I'd officially introduce my new hedgehog.

[side story]
For those who may remember, I was having an extremely difficult time with my first hedgehog this year. The breeder and I finally concluded that that particular fella did not like me. He was (and now is again) quite sociable with the breeder. But he absolutely refused to unball for me. It got worse the more time I spent with him. Huffing, balling, clearly not happy.
Breeder & I agreed it wasn't in the hedgehog's (or my) best interest to force him to stay. She took him back and said he instantly improved. Later we chose one from a new litter she had.

Fast forward to now. I've had this new fella (also named Mecki) for a week. He is the polar opposite of the first. He is easy to handle and he's super active.

 

[Buddysmom]

Cute setup! Is that fleece on the bottom?

 

[Mecki]

Yes. Thank you!

The bottom layer is fleece which I have binder-clipped to a piece of coroplast to prevent him from diving underneath.

 

[Emc]

He's adorable! I remember when I adopted Coco, she was super sociable with her old owner but she was incredibly skittish when we brought her home; she did a complete 180 almost overnight. But thats only to be expected, because everything is new to them and they don't understand what's happening. It took me about 3 months to get her to really open up, and every day I still see improvements and now she's a total love-bug.

Sometimes it just doesn't work out. But I also wouldn't be discouraged if Mecki goes through behavioural changes as he quills; it can take a lot of work (often many months) to gain a hogs trust, and it wouldn't be completely unheard of to hear of some super friendly hogs become utter grumps as they age - but with a lot of work and patience, they can often (though not always) tame down again. I'm sure you're well aware of all this already, but just wanted to mention it just in case.

 

[Mecki]

Yes, Emc. It's fine you reiterating how it can be with hedgehogs.

With indoor pet rabbits, I'm quite experienced. Rabbits are similar to hedgehogs in how varied their personalities can be & in how long some may take to warm up to a new home. I was prepared for what could happen with a new hedgehog but also began to recognize when things continued to go downhill even after the quilling. It was enough that even the breeder realized this was more than just a matter of time. Sometimes a particular animal and a particular human just won't click.

I've waited a week before posting because this new Mecki is such a contrast. I kept expecting something to change for the worse. He is starting to quill but I'm still able to interact with him easily. He far exceeds my expectations so if he gets a bit grumpy, that's ok. :smile:

 

[Emc]

I find rabbits a walk in the park compared to hogs! I have four buns, too. I adopted my current oldest when she was 8 months old, and she hated my guts for a solid 2 months. But she’s a lionhead - so she’s super fluffy and soft compared to a little grumpy ball of spikes haha. Rabbit bites are no joke though, but I do find them so much more predictable and easier to read than hedgehogs.

But I totally get you. I understand that sometimes it’s just not a fit, and that’s okay too. Your new little guy is adorable, and I truly wish you all the best.

 

[Ria]

Oh yea I remember that, I'm glad that this mecki is doing better and I hope it gets better in the bonding process this time, although from what you've said it seems like it will work this time.
I did think that he looked different when you posted this picture in another thread !!

 

[Mecki]

I just took this photo this morning. I think it captures Mecki's personality. I love it when he looks up at me like this.

 

[PiccChicc]

You have a wonderful breeder. Pagne still hasn't come around to either myself or my boyfriend all that much. Honestly, we're still in the same spot since we got him and that was nearly a year ago. I'm so glad your breeder realized what was happening and stepped in.

Congrats on your boy!

 

[Buddysmom]

I just took this photo this morning. I think it captures Mecki's personality. I love it when he looks up at me like this.

He looks just like my Buddy!