[sarahbella]

Hey

I just got a 7 wk old hedgehog on Sunday. His name is Sniffles and he is a Salt and Pepper hedgie. I have been taking him out every night...despite the fact that he huffs and tenses everytime I pick him up. He gets over it relatively quickly, and then sleeps on me for as long as I let him.

2 nights ago...he ate out of my hand...and I thought that was good progress and last night he actually explored a bit on me. I was so excited!!! I know it takes time...it is great to see the progress we are making.

A couple of questions though. Is it normal for Sniffles to sleep so much? Even when I am home at night, he doesn't seem to get out of his little igloo till LATE...like after I am asleep (unless I slowly coax him awake). He does seem to be out during the day... but I won't know more about that till I have some days off.

As well... I don't think he is using his wheel. I know I may have to teach him...but I can't quite teach him when he balls up when I pick him up. Should I kinda take it slow and worry about the bonding before the wheel? I just don't want him getting too inactive.

Thanks so much for all your help!

 

[Aleshea]

Babys sleep alot so dont worry. also he may not know how to use the wheel but he will learn!

good luck with your baby! post some pics we would love to see him!

 

[azyrios]

baby hedgehogs sleep A LOT.
If you read through the forums you will find other people whose hedgies don't get up except to eat drink and poop before heading back to bed as babies. It is great that you are socializing him as you are, nap time on your lap is a great time for him to get you to your scent.

As for not coming out, he may only feel safe to play when he can't hear or see you, which is why he is only out at night and while your gone during the day.

As for the wheel, one way to teach him how to use it is to put him on it. Whenever he gets off just gently pick him up and put him back on it. For vex i put my hand in front of the wheel so that he didn't feel like climbing off and he eventually started to run on it. Now he does it on his own. (This was after him not having a wheel for 1.5 years)

Also it is best if you have a bucket wheel or flying saucer as other wheels have been known to hurt hedgies.

Good luck with your little one and i hope you see a poopy wheel soon. It is one of the best things to see in the morning!

 

[sarahbella]

Thanks so much for the help!

I have discovered that Sniffles seems to like to explore in the morning. All he did this morning was run around and right now (late at night) he is sleeping on me with no interest to explore.

Sniffles also seems to be more comfy with me once i have him in my hands... he still seems to hate getting picked up.

He still seems to have no interest in his wheel. I think I am going to get one of those saucer ones (currently have a reg plastic one). Sniffles is actally scared when he goes on it...and I think it could be too small.

We are slowly getting to know eachother.

 

[Lilysmommy]

Aw, he's a cutie! I love his dark mask!