It's hard to tell whether a hedgehog is drinking or not unless you see it. Sometimes it may seem like nothing is gone from the bowl, but they actually did drink from it. I'm betting he's drinking a little bit, at least, even if you don't see a noticeable drop in water level. Is he peeing?
Sometimes hedgies will go on hunger strikes for a day or two due to new environments. Is the food the same as from where you got him? If so, count the kibble tonight and again in the morning. He's probably eating some, even if just 5-10 pieces, and will increase as he settles in. If not, find out what he was on before and try to get some of that. Hedgies have sensitive tummies and a sudden change in food can cause some serious upset.
Hedgies love to rearrange. Especially since it's a new cage and he's exploring. So the bowls being moved shouldn't be a concern. But like silvercat said, you might want to try something a little heavier, and a little wider along the bottom so it doesn't spill so easily.
As for the petting of his back, he puffs because he thinks you're a predator trying to attack him--he can't see behind him, so he'll be a little jumpy about you touching his back. Even mine, who is close to two years old now, is still a little sensitive about his back being touched.
It sounds like your little one is warming up very quickly. Congratulations!
Sometimes hedgies will go on hunger strikes for a day or two due to new environments. Is the food the same as from where you got him? If so, count the kibble tonight and again in the morning. He's probably eating some, even if just 5-10 pieces, and will increase as he settles in. If not, find out what he was on before and try to get some of that. Hedgies have sensitive tummies and a sudden change in food can cause some serious upset.
Hedgies love to rearrange. Especially since it's a new cage and he's exploring. So the bowls being moved shouldn't be a concern. But like silvercat said, you might want to try something a little heavier, and a little wider along the bottom so it doesn't spill so easily.
As for the petting of his back, he puffs because he thinks you're a predator trying to attack him--he can't see behind him, so he'll be a little jumpy about you touching his back. Even mine, who is close to two years old now, is still a little sensitive about his back being touched.
It sounds like your little one is warming up very quickly. Congratulations!
