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Should I remove damaged quills?

3589 Views 3 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  krbshappy71
Riley had suffered a bad bout of mites before I received him. On his cheek area he still has a circle spot of dark brown damaged quills. But since I've had him it doesn't appear to be worsening or healing. (have had him a couple months now I think) Should I try to remove those damaged quills? Would new ones grow in? I don't want to hurt him, they are just ugly and I thought maybe new growth would be better, if that is possible. Sort of matted damaged looking in that area. The area is about the size of a pencil eraser.
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I wouldn't try to remove them. Pulling quills is a painful experience for a hedgehog. Vets typically put them under anesthetic before even attempting it for procedures they do.

I wouldn't worry about it if they don't bother him and aren't infected or anything. Just being a little different looking will make him unique. A few might fall out as he grows in new quills, but likely he'll have it for most of his life.

If it bothers you that much, you might have a vet remove them, but I don't see much of a reason it needs to be done and doing it yourself is not a good idea.

Do you have a picture of what these damaged quills look like? Others might be able to offer a little more help if what he has is similar to something their hedgies have had.
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