Answer to Question 1A hedgehog not familiar with you or your scent will roll up into a ball when you get near it. This is the
animal's natural reaction to danger. The spines on the hedgehog are very sharp. When one attempts to pick
up an animal that has rolled up into a ball, it is possible to get some painful pricks from the spines. Gloves
would be recommended for handling hedgehogs that are rolled up into a ball. As an animal gets familiar with
its handler and his or her scent, it will not sense any danger and will not roll up into a ball. The hedgehogs
can then be picked up with one hand on each side of its body and under the belly. A hedgehog that is familiar
with its handler will many times walk up into his or her cupped hands.
Answer to Question 2Hedgehogs are insectivores and nocturnal. They feed on insects, worms, snails, bird eggs, and small
invertebrates such as frogs and snakes.
Foods formulated for hedgehogs are now available in some localities. These would be the preferred diet.
If these formulated foods are not available, good-quality cooked beef and poultry cut into small pieces are
favored. Other foods that one can try feeding are dry kitten or cat formulas. The commercial foods can be
supplemented with some small pieces of fruits and vegetables. Hedgehogs love mealworms, wax worms, and
crickets. Feed the worms and crickets primarily as treats, two or three at a time, every two or three days.
Answer to Question 3When the animal comes across a new smell or object, it licks at the smell or object, producing a flow of foamy
saliva. The animal will then stiffen its front legs and swing its head from side to side. Using its tongue, it spits
and smears its spines with the saliva.
The reason for this behavior is not known. It may be a form of protection from predators or a method of
attracting a mate.
Albino Hedgehog
Primary cilium and the Hedgehog pathway
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