1. **Hissing or Puffing Up**: When a hedgehog feels threatened or stressed, it may hiss or puff up its quills. This is a defensive behavior, indicating that it is uncomfortable.
2. **Excessive Hiding**: If your hedgehog is spending more time than usual hiding in its den or burrow, it may be feeling stressed. While hedgehogs are naturally shy creatures, a sudden increase in hiding behavior can be a red flag.
3. **Changes in Eating Habits**: A stressed hedgehog may eat less or stop eating altogether. Monitor its food intake, and if you notice a significant decrease, it could be a sign of stress.
4. **Aggressive Behavior**: If your hedgehog is more aggressive than usual, such as biting or scratching when you try to handle it, this could indicate that it is feeling stressed or threatened.
5. **Lethargy or Inactivity**: If your hedgehog becomes unusually lethargic or inactive, it may be a sign of stress or health issues.
6. **Over-grooming**: Some hedgehogs may over-groom themselves when stressed, leading to bald patches or skin irritation.
7. **Vocalizations**: Apart from hissing, other vocalizations like whining or squeaking can indicate distress.
If you notice any of these signs, try to identify the source of the stress. Common stressors include loud noises, changes in environment, handling too frequently, or an inadequate habitat. Providing a quiet, safe space, minimizing disturbances, and ensuring proper care can help alleviate stress in your hedgehog. If stress persists, consider consulting a veterinarian for further advice.
This answer doesn't make sense or isn't related to the question. Mark it as a probable hallucination of the AI model.