I cared for one for a few years. There is usually a difference between scared/cautious and outright aggressive (which can happen if they get too scared, or if they’re an asshole lol).
When they’re happy and comfortable the quills lie down and they’re easy to handle and pet without getting poked. If you do get poked their incredible amounts of back skin absorb most of the force so it’s more like feeling around in a pencil bag not really painful. 8/10 it’s a fun texture and there is novelty to it but it’s impossible to blow raspberries on their tiny tummies.
When they’re balled up but not being aggressive you can pick them up if you know how. Since they mostly just quiver and the quills are uniform as long as you don’t squeeze them you won’t get poked too badly. 4/10 if you aren’t familiar with them you’re likely to turn them aggressive but if they’re just being cautious it can be a lot of fun watching them poke their snoot out to inspect before unballing.
When they feel actively threatened they move their quills around, will lunge at you, and bite. The quills are not so uniform and a good lunge will absolutely draw blood. They also have surprisingly pointy teeth. 1/10 don’t attempt to pick up or pet an angry hedgehog everyone involved will leave with regrets. If there isn’t a choice in the matter, like maybe you’re trying to give it medicine or there’s a wild one stuck somewhere, leather work gloves at a minimum.
I cared for one for a few years. There is usually a difference between scared/cautious and outright aggressive (which can happen if they get too scared, or if they’re an asshole lol).
When they’re happy and comfortable the quills lie down and they’re easy to handle and pet without getting poked. If you do get poked their incredible amounts of back skin absorb most of the force so it’s more like feeling around in a pencil bag not really painful. 8/10 it’s a fun texture and there is novelty to it but it’s impossible to blow raspberries on their tiny tummies.
When they’re balled up but not being aggressive you can pick them up if you know how. Since they mostly just quiver and the quills are uniform as long as you don’t squeeze them you won’t get poked too badly. 4/10 if you aren’t familiar with them you’re likely to turn them aggressive but if they’re just being cautious it can be a lot of fun watching them poke their snoot out to inspect before unballing.
When they feel actively threatened they move their quills around, will lunge at you, and bite. The quills are not so uniform and a good lunge will absolutely draw blood. They also have surprisingly pointy teeth. 1/10 don’t attempt to pick up or pet an angry hedgehog everyone involved will leave with regrets. If there isn’t a choice in the matter, like maybe you’re trying to give it medicine or there’s a wild one stuck somewhere, leather work gloves at a minimum.