Bonding with your pet takes time, patience, and love. Therefore, if you have just adopted a hedgehog and have not yet earned its trust, you will have to let your new pet adapt to the environment and take it easy. If you can, give your hedgehog 30 minutes a day. This is the best way to bond and have a healthy relationship with your pet. You are sure to become great friends!
Through touch
Before catching your hedgehog it is essential that you wash your hands. Always use the same soap, since this way you will relate that smell to you and you will feel more comfortable. Then take it gently and place your hands on both sides of the hedgehog. Remember that he should feel safe, so it is best that you let him find a comfortable position.
You will need to give your hedgehog plenty of time to get used to its new home. If you are shy, it may take longer for you to bond. Let him rest on a blanket or on your lap until he feels secure. Little by little he will adapt and understand that he can relax with you.
Also, you should pet your hedgehog in the direction that the quills are. If you do it in the opposite direction it will be uncomfortable for both you and the hedgehog. Go slow with petting at first, as she may not want cuddling until she trusts you.
Through the smells
Hedgehogs have a highly developed sense of smell. Therefore, it must be able to smell you and associate your aroma with safety. This will help him feel more comfortable with you, especially when it comes to holding or stroking him. Place in its cage a t-shirt that you have used throughout the day (it should not have loose threads as it could put them in its mouth). Your hedgehog will use this shirt as a blanket and this will help him to recognize you.
On the other hand, you should be very careful with new scents (such as intense perfumes, lotions or soaps). Remember that your hedgehog could get confused and not overcook you. Plus, you could also get irritated if the smell is too strong.
Through the sound
Talk to your hedgehog every time you hold or feed him. As time passes, he will get used to your voice and associate it with tranquility. If your hedgehog gets very nervous, you may be talking too loud to him.
It’s also a good idea to play soft music in the background. In this way, your hedgehog will enjoy the music and will adapt sooner to its new environment. Also, if your pet gets too used to silence, he may develop a fear of sudden noises.
