Personaility and Behavior:

Balling Up: It is completely normal for your hedgehog to ball up when you are picking it up .Balling up is a hedgehog's natural defense they have an instinctive fear of being picked up. Some hedgehogs always ball up when they are being picked up and other hedgehogs don't mind once they are comfortable.If a hedgehog balls up when it is picked up that does not mean it shouldn't be handled as hedgehogs typically relax the more they are handled. Picking up your hedgehog can cause minor discomfort to the hedgehog the hedgehog (especially when quilling) it is important to work with and handle your hedgehog on a regular basis.

 

Quilling:

The quilling process has already started or will soon start when you take home a baby hedgehog.Hedgehogs can have a range of pain and discomfort throughout this process similar to a child and teething. During quilling, it's not unusual for 30-50 or more to be shed every day. Hedgehogs will quill around 6, 9, and 12 weeks however, actual quilling periods can vary quite a bit.
 Hedgehogs will continue quilling past 12 weeks,  some can quill the entire time from 6 weeks through 12+ weeks. Some hedgehogs can also have a small quilling period at 6 months.

Quilling is very uncomfortable it involves many sharp quills pressing up through the skin. As a result, hedgehogs can be very grumpy during this time also very sensitive about being touched. It's important not to be discouraged during this time, and not to think that it means the hedgehog "hates" you. Keep contact with their back to a minimum,  continue to handle and socialize them every day. Hedgehogs that are very grumpy from quilling can be quick to huff and pop at any little thing including noises and fast movement but they should still be exposed to regular household sounds and activities.

 

Handling Your Hedgehog:

Hedgehogs do best if handled every day, and they make take a long time to become accustomed to their new owners and environment. We recommend handling your hedgehog for at least 30 mins a day. Hedgehogs are primarily nocturnal animals, so they are most active at night. Therefore, this is the best time for handling and interaction.

Before you pick up your hedgehog wash your hands, hand washing can help to protect your hedgehog from potentially dangerous bacteria or other substances on your hands. It will also help your hands from smelling appetizing to your hedgehog and biting or having a taste. When picking up your hedgehog use both hands to lift your hedgehog by sliding your hands under the hedgehogs belly.Try to distribute the weight of the hedgehog over your hands. The more even the pressure of the spines the less it will hurt. You can also lift your hedgehog by scooping up bedding when you lift the hedgehog up out of the cage.