Rogue Hedgehog

We had a hedgehog outside our front door this morning. Not a common occurance and I had absolutely no idea what to do with the thing. He seemed happy enough to pace up and down our garden path so I gave him a bowel of milk and left him to it. I’m hoping he’ll either have departed the area or managed to get himself out of the sun by tonight.

So I come to work, do a little netsurfing and find out that some people actually have hedgehogs as pets. There’s even a tutorial on ‘how to handle a hedgehog‘.

Here’s how:

1. Start in the evening, when your hedgehog is likely to be awake. A sleepy hedgehog can be grumpy!
2. Allow your hedgehog to sniff your hand, so that he/she will recognize you.
3. Place your hands palm side up on either side of the hedgehog.
4. Gently push hands under hedgehog’s feet.
5. Cup hands and lift hedgehog cradled in your hands.
6. If necessary, you can gently corner your hedgehog in it’s cage to prevent him/her running away before being scooped up.
7. It’s okay if the hedgehog huffs and snuffles, but if your hedgehog is very upset (trying to roll into a ball), it’s best to give it a rest and try again later.
8. Feel free to resort to bribery if necessary – a well timed offering of a mealworm or other favorite treat can convince your hedgehog that you are friendly.
9. Once your hedgehog is out, allow it to explore your hands and lap at his/her own pace.
10. A relaxed hedgehog lays down its spines, and at this point you can try petting him or her (in the direction the spines lay, of course).
11. Offer treats while handling your hedgehog, and your pet will likely learn to look forward to handling.

So, there you go.

Tags: Personal

8 Responses to “Rogue Hedgehog”

1. Shay

   If he’s still around this evening take a close look at him. If you liook closely you will see that he is covered in fleas! Hundreds! So don’t handle him!!

   July 11th, 2003 at 9:27 am

2. Guy

   Wow! Thanks for the advice. I have no intention of handling him anyway. If the spikes on his back wern’t enough deterrant, the apparently sharp teeth was also a decider.

   July 11th, 2003 at 12:37 pm

3. Stephen

   My dog used to be a superb hedgehog killer before he got old.

   He’d know to dip his nose down and scoop it up onto its back and go in for the kill on its stomach.

   Just thought you’d like to know.

   July 11th, 2003 at 7:23 pm

4. Guy

   Happy days for your dog! Not so fortunate for the hedgehogs. Has your dog ever been electrocuted.

   July 14th, 2003 at 8:35 am

5. Stephen

   No, but he’s been run over seven times.

   July 14th, 2003 at 12:41 pm

6. Guy

   Seven times? That’s one unlucky fella!

   July 14th, 2003 at 1:43 pm

7. Stephen

   On the contrary, if I’d been run over seven times, having chased the cars in the first place, and lived to tell the tale, I’d consider myself very lucky indeed!

   July 14th, 2003 at 4:01 pm

8. Guy

   Your dog is a true mentalist.

   July 14th, 2003 at 5:02 pm