[creardon]

Hello all,

I was just given a Hedgehog, she is 5 years old, and is having a hard time adjusting i think, she does not like us holding her, or touching her, she just hisses and jumps at us, is there something I can to to help her relize I am not the bad guy, so I can hold her.

 

[LarryT]

Welcome to HHC
it will most likley take awile before she gets adjusted.
wow 5 years old she must have been cared for well?
I am also new to HHC and i have learned a ton of stuff in a short time..There is alot to learn and in my opinion HHC is the best place to do it.

 

[Lilysmommy]

She might take awhile to settle in. Some things you can do to help her relax around you are to give her an t-shirt of yours that you've worn for a few nights. She can snuggle in it and get to know your scent quicker. Just make sure that there are no holes or loose strings on the shirt. You can also give her a favorite treat, such as mealworms, when you first get her out for cuddle time. If she starts getting too demanding though, as in biting at your fingers, expecting treats, you'll want to just put them on the floor in front of her, not hand feed her. Make sure you're still taking her out every evening to help bond with her, even if she huffs at you. Don't flinch away when going to pick her up, even if she's in a ball and "popping" or jumping. If you hesitate or pull your hand away, it'll only make her more nervous and reinforce the behavior.

And welcome to HHC, I wish you luck with your hedgie!

 

[HedgeMom]

Unless you have a complete history and you know she was once friendly and social, at 5 years of age, I'd leave her alone. Respect her wish to not be handled and don't stress her out trying to change her.