1. **Create a Comfortable Environment**: Ensure your hedgehog's habitat is quiet and free from disturbances. A cozy, dark, and warm space can help them feel secure. Use soft bedding and provide hiding spots, like small houses or tunnels, where they can retreat when they feel stressed.
2. **Gentle Handling**: When you first start to handle your hedgehog, do so gently and slowly. Allow them to get used to your presence. Start by placing your hand in their enclosure without trying to pick them up right away. Let them come to you at their own pace.
3. **Use Soft Tones**: Hedgehogs respond to sound. Speak softly to them and avoid sudden loud noises, which can startle them. Your calm voice can help reassure them that they are safe.
4. **Warmth**: Hedgehogs can become stressed if they are too cold. Ensure their environment is at a comfortable temperature (around 75-80°F). You can use a heat lamp or a heating pad (on low) to provide warmth, but make sure they have a cooler area to retreat to if needed.
5. **Routine**: Establishing a consistent routine for feeding and handling can help your hedgehog feel more secure. They thrive on predictability, so try to interact with them at the same times each day.
6. **Patience**: Remember that every hedgehog is different. Some may take longer to feel comfortable than others. Be patient and give them time to adjust to their new environment and to you.
7. **Toys and Enrichment**: Providing toys and activities can help distract and calm your hedgehog. Experiment with different types of toys, like tunnels, balls, or foraging toys that encourage natural behaviors.
By following these tips, you can help create a calming atmosphere for your hedgehog, reducing their stress and allowing them to feel more comfortable in your presence.
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