Welcome back to The Vet Vortex, where science meets sass and pets get the spotlight. It’s Myth Busting Monday, the day we shine a UV light on pet myths lurking in the corners of the internet and roast them like yesterday’s kibble.
This week, we’re turning our gaze to the tiny titans of the exotic pet world: hedgehogs. 🦔 The internet says they “puff up when they’re scared.” But is that really what’s going on? Or have we misjudged these prickly introverts?
Grab your gloves and curiosity, because today, we’re rolling into the truth.
MYTH: Hedgehogs puff up like angry balloons when they’re scared.
TRUTH: They don’t puff up, they ball up. It’s not inflation; it’s contraction.
What Is This “Puffing Up” Behavior Really?
Let’s get something straight: hedgehogs don’t "puff up" the way a blowfish does. There’s no air involved. What you’re seeing is a defensive ball curl - a behavior called balling or rolling up, where the hedgehog tucks in its legs, tail and head, leaving a fortress of prickly spines as a “Do Not Disturb” sign.
And yes, fear or stress is often the trigger. But not always.
A Quick Anatomy Lesson
This is a physiological response involving the orbicularis panniculi muscle, which encircles their body just under the skin. This muscle works like a drawstring, enabling the hedgehog to tuck in its head, limbs and soft underbelly, leaving only its sharp spines exposed. This makes them virtually impenetrable to most predators and curious toddlers. A natural defense mechanism
So no, your hedgehog isn’t puffing up with air or rage. It's drawing inward to protect itself.
Why This Myth Persists
Because it looks like puffing up.
The sudden spikiness gives an illusion of inflation, especially to first-time hedgie owners. But unlike cats that puff up to look bigger, hedgehogs go compact. It’s the opposite survival tactic.
How Does It Happen?
The process looks dramatic, but it’s very efficient:
- Stimulus is perceived (a loud sound, sudden movement, strange smell or physical touch).
- The central nervous system triggers a startle reflex.
- The orbicularis panniculi muscle contracts rapidly.
- The hedgehog's limbs, head and belly are pulled inward.
- The outer spines stand stiff and upright due to skin tension and hair follicle muscles.
Some hedgehogs may also jump slightly or huff during this process. These sounds aren't aggression; they’re a hedgehog’s version of saying:
“Step away from the spines, hooman.”
Why Does It Happen?
The key motivations behind this curling behavior include:
- Fear or Startle Response: Sudden stimuli activate the flight-or-hide instinct.
- Pain or Discomfort: A hedgehog in pain may curl up to protect sensitive areas.
- Temperature Drops: Cold or drafty environments can cause them to curl up to conserve heat.
- Sleep/Wake Cycles: Hedgehogs disturbed from deep sleep may curl instinctively.
- Lack of Socialization: Young or unhandled hedgehogs often curl as a default defensive behavior.
- Health Issues: Mites, GI distress or metabolic problems can cause curling and inactivity.
It’s also worth knowing that, despite their spiky aesthetic, hedgehogs are not armed projectiles - they don’t shoot their quills like porcupines or or launch themselves like mid-spin like in Sonic the Hedgehog. Their quills are firmly anchored to their skin and aren’t detachable weapons. While they can certainly bristle, stiffen and poke when curled up, there’s zero launching mechanism involved. So if you’re picturing a hedgehog going full quill-missile mode... sorry, that’s pure cartoon logic. The only thing your hedgehog is launching is judgment and maybe a tired side-eye.
My First Hedgehog Panic
I’ll never forget my vet school rotation with a hedgehog named Needlejuice. (Yes, his owner loved puns.)
One morning, I was tasked with observing exotic pets. I reached into his enclosure, and the moment my hand brushed his bedding - fwip! Total spine fortress. I froze.
He wouldn't unball for nearly 10 minutes. I thought I broke him. Turns out he just really hated mornings (relatable).
That experience taught me to always approach slowly and with empathy and to respect the curl.
What Can Pet Parents Do?
If your hedgie curls up often or for prolonged periods, don’t panic but do observe the pattern. Ask yourself:
- Is this behavior situational? (e.g., only during cage cleaning or unfamiliar handling?)
- Is the environment too cold? (Ideal range: 23 - 27°C or 73 - 81°F)
- Are there loud noises nearby? (TV, barking dogs, door slams, kids)
- Is there any sign of illness? (weight loss, discharge, flaky skin, appetite loss)
Here’s what you can do:
Handling Tips:
- Let your hedgehog smell you before picking it up.
- Use a small towel or hedgie sack to scoop instead of grabbing.
- Talk softly and handle regularly (daily if possible).
- Offer treats like mealworms during interaction to create positive associations.
Environmental Tips:
- Ensure quiet, low-traffic areas for the enclosure.
- Provide hideouts like igloos, tubes or fabric pouches.
- Maintain optimal temperature - hedgehogs can attempt hibernation if too cold.
- Use soft, hypoallergenic bedding to prevent skin irritation.
What Can the Vet Do?
If your hedgehog remains curled up and refuses to unball even after stimuli are removed, that’s a red flag.
Your vet may check for:
- Pain triggers (limb injuries, GI bloating, abscesses)
- Neurological issues (muscle spasms, nerve trauma)
- External parasites (mites cause intense itchiness and inflammation)
- Systemic illness (respiratory or gastrointestinal infections)
- Metabolic problems (like Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome)
Veterinary Workup May Include:
- Full physical exam (you might see gloves or towels involved!)
- Skin scraping (to check for mites)
- Fecal exam (for internal parasites)
- Imaging (X-rays or ultrasound)
- Bloodwork (to assess organ function or rule out infections)
If illness is suspected, early treatment is vital. Hedgehogs often mask symptoms until they are seriously ill, so any change in behavior warrants prompt attention.
Treatment
If curling is caused by:
- Pain: Analgesics (pain meds) may be prescribed.
- Parasites: Topicals like ivermectin or Revolution can help.
- Illness: Antibiotics, antiparasitics or supportive care like fluids and nutrition.
- Temperature drops: Warmth and controlled heating pads.
- Behavioral fear: Desensitization through routine and safe handling.
Avoid over-the-counter treatments not approved for exotic pets. Hedgehogs are sensitive to many medications used in cats and dogs.
Prevention
Help prevent excessive curling by:
- Socializing from a young age
- Create a calm, predictable routine
- Provide warmth (at a consistent temperatures), shelter, and soft bedding
- Minimizing loud or sudden stimuli
- Handle gently and regularly so they get used to human touch
- Never wake a hedgehog suddenly, they're not morning mammals
- Regular vet checkups (every 6 - 12 months)
- Monitoring for weight loss or behavior changes
Remember: a hedgehog who rarely balls up is a confident, well-adjusted hedgehog. That’s your goal!
Prognosis
Prognosis depends on the underlying cause:
- Behavioral fear only? Very good - improves with socialization.
- Minor illness or mites? Good - if treated early.
- Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome or chronic neurological issues? Guarded to poor, as WHS is progressive and currently has no cure.
Curling is normal in moderation, but persistent curling or a hedgehog who can’t unball is abnormal and should be taken seriously.
Zoonotic Implications
Hedgehogs, though adorable, can carry Salmonella, even when clean and healthy-looking.
Prevent Zoonotic Risks:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling hedgehogs or cleaning cages.
- Don’t allow hedgehogs to roam near food prep areas.
- Avoid snuggling them against your face (sorry - not sorry).
- Immunocompromised individuals, young children and elderly people should avoid handling hedgehogs directly.
The CDC has traced Salmonella outbreaks in the U.S. and Europe back to pet hedgehogs. They're cute but hygiene matters!
Bonus Trivia:
Recap
| Behavior | Truth |
|---|---|
| “Puffing up” | Actually curling into a ball using muscles |
| Trigger | Fear, pain, stress, temperature or unfamiliarity |
| Action for Pet Parent | Gentle handling, temperature control, routine, observe patterns |
| Vet’s Role | Rule out pain, illness, parasites, neuro issues |
| Prognosis | Good with socialization, variable with illness |
| Zoonotic Risk | Salmonella - wash hands after contact |
MYTH BUSTED: Hedgehogs don’t puff up like balloons - they curl into balls using muscle tension as a defensive tactic. It’s not just about fear - it’s survival instinct, discomfort and sometimes, just being a sleepy diva.
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Check out previous post - Toxoplasmosis in Pregnant Cat Owners: A Real-Life Story