Last Updated on August 25, 2022.
Hedgehogs Biting Each Other
- If you have more than one hedgehog and when they are together you notice them biting each other’s quills, this may be a precursor to anointing or a fight.
- Often, hedgehogs will chew on each other’s quills and then anoint with the smell of the other hedgehog on their quills. (Justice)
- One might also notice biting accompanied by singing during the mating process. This is common in many animal species and not to be of much concern.
- Hedgehogs CAN bite and injure each other. Ear and leg injuries can easily happen when two hedgehogs are trying to establish territories.
- If one hedgehog has latched onto another hedgehog and won’t let go, don’t try to pull him off. If you pour a tablespoon or less of water over his face, it will startle it enough to let go. (Justice)
- In conclusion bites do not happen that frequently, but you should be prepared in the event that it does.
Risk of Damage to Inanimate Objects
- Hedgehogs are insectivores with small teeth and small incisors when compared to rodents.
- Hedgehogs will not damage furniture or wood trim by chewing, nor are they likely to gnaw through fabric, cords or wires.
- Hedgehogs will go through a teething process as babies, but they do not have the need to chew and destroy objects like a puppy or dog.
- Redirecting hedgehogs away from items or simply removing items that they shouldn’t chew is much better than scolding a hedgehog or trying to train it to not chew something in its environment.
Contributors: Gail Smith, Melissa Ramos