Regardless of how much you love animals, the last thing you want is to end up with one that is literally dumb as a rock. Everyone wants to raise pets that are receptive to bonding efforts and can communicate their needs in their own ways.

This article answers the question “Are Hedgehogs Intelligent?” by revealing how they score on the intelligence meter in terms of communication, temperament, and the ability to bond among others. We also discuss how hedgehogs react to danger and the intelligence traits that help them survive despite the precarious conditions in the wild. Let’s dive straight in.

Are Hedgehogs Intelligent?

Hedgehogs are intelligent in their own way even if they are not some of the smartest animals out there. The ability to survive despite the prevalence of predators and harsh weather in the wild speaks to some level of intelligence. They also respond to threatening conditions by curling up and displaying their anger with loud hissing and other noises.

Hedgehogs are not the smartest pets by any stretch of the imagination but they can hold their own whether domesticated or in the survival-of-the-fittest conditions in the woods and forests. If you’re worried about ending up with a pet that can barely communicate and is so aloof that no form of bonding is possible, hedgehogs are not it.

Many folks continue to build loving relationships with their pet hedgehogs and nothing stops you from achieving similar results if you’re up for it. Shall we delve into how hedgehogs fare in various categories that are used to measure intelligence?

Communication

Hedgehogs rise up to the occasion when it comes to communication because they display different noises at varying tones to register their demands when need be. The following are common ways hedgehogs “speak” to their owners and strangers as well as other hedgehogs, predators, and household pets.

Clicking

Hedgehogs flex their muscles with clicking sounds, especially in the face of challenges from other hedgehogs or even humans. This is common in males during mating season when they need to gain the attention of the female.

The clicking sounds are a form of charging at potential challengers to show dominance by intimidation. This often makes them attractive to the female which inevitably earns them mating rights.

Clicking sounds are common in the wild but domesticated breeds may also charge at their owners or other cage mates when push comes to shove.

Crying

Ever heard hedgehogs crying in a meow-like sound? This is the clearest sign of pain due to illness or injury. A trip to the vet should be put on the agenda immediately for the right medications to minimize the discomfort.

Hedgehogs are masters of hiding pain and crying sounds only become apparent when they cannot bear the discomfort any longer. (Source)

Hissing

Hedgehogs hiss in a snake-like sound when angered over something and would rather be left alone. Hissing is probably the most common hedgehog sound because they easily get annoyed. Knowing how to identify the disturbing sound can save owners from suffering pokes by handling moody hedgehogs.

You may be able to bribe your way back into the hedgehog’s good graces by offering tasty treats. Sometimes, allowing hedgehogs some time alone mellows the anger making them receptive to their owners again.

Purring

Purring is a sound of pleasure displayed in hedgehogs. It is a form of validation that the hedgehog approves of the owner’s actions or current situations in their habitat. Purring is a common reaction to interactive toys and tasty treats.

Coughing

Coughing is common when hedgehogs are choking on something or saddled with respiratory infections that could be caused by lingering lungworms or even exposure to cold drafts. The first step is to increase their cage temperature when necessary but a visit to an exotics vet could be more helpful during mild weather season.

Socialization

Hedgehogs are not the most sociable pets due to their naturally solitary properties. While many animals move in packs in the wild, hedgehogs fly under the radar solo except during the mating season when companionships are sought.

Early socialization is the best way to increase the chances of hedgehogs fitting into homes by bonding easily with their owners. No wonder breeders start handling hoglets right from a few weeks old to get them used to the feeling of being held by humans.

The real work begins once the new hoglets arrive. Continuous bonding efforts such as holding them at least half an hour a day without hand gloves offer the best shot at getting hedgehogs familiar with your scents.

Over time, they get used to the regular attention and reciprocate the love by showing signs of pleasure when their owners approach their cages. It is not uncommon for well-socialized hedgehogs to begin craving the attention of humans over time but it is more common in females than males.

This is proof that socializing hedgehogs is not impossible as long as you’re patient and consistent enough to make an effort over the long haul.

Emotions

Hedgehogs may be naturally solitary but they’re not emotionally cold like other animals. This explains why they make various sounds to display their emotions at any given point. Identifying these noises and their meaning enables owners to know the emotional state of their beloved pets at any point.

Making the necessary changes to accommodate, change, or maintain those emotions become easier once their exact thoughts are correctly identified.

Reaction to Food and Water

Switching their diets is one of the most common causes of hedgehog appetite losses because it takes time for specific foods to be accepted. Not only do hedgehogs reject food they do not like but they also initiate mini hunger strikes lasting up to 48 hours upon their first arrival in new surroundings.

In the wild, hedgehogs only go after preferred insects while others they’d rather not eat linger in their surroundings freely without disturbance.

Hedgehogs take their time to settle in a new environment to judge whether they have a chance of survival before accepting whatever is offered in their food bowls. Eventually, they do not only accept the food graciously but also come to expect it.

Do not be surprised to see hedgehogs waiting impatiently by their food bowls around their usual feeding time even before the food arrives.

Bonding

Hedgehogs have only been domesticated within the last few decades but their ability to bond with humans under the right circumstances smacks of intelligence. They are naturally shy and scared when they first arrive in a new home because of uncertainty over their long-term survival.

However, once they get familiar with the new surroundings and new owner, opening up and becoming more friendly comes naturally. Fun times with hedgehogs are possible as long as the right effort is invested in the relationship.

Ability to Recognize Their Owners

Hedgehogs have no problems recognizing their owners over time. These creatures do not have the best eyesight but rely on sounds and scents to identify owners. Regular handling with bare hands is recommended to get them familiar with their owner’s scents.

The same hedgehog that responds favorably to an owner’s touch begins to show signs of anxiety when handled by strangers including the vet. It is not uncommon for them to run toward their owners in such situations. If this isn’t a sign of intelligence, what is?

How Do Hedgehogs Display Intelligence In Specific Situations?

An animal’s intelligence can be judged by how it responds to different situations in varying environments. Here is a list of common reactions in hedgehogs when confronted with different circumstances.

Reaction To Danger

Hedgehogs are quite small in the wild making them easy targets for larger predators like foxes, ferrets, and owls. They do not stand a chance in the strength and size department. Curling up into balls to fend off these predators is the only way out.

Hedgehogs roll up into a ball immediately they are faced with threatening situations like the sound of an approaching predator. It seals off their soft underbellies resulting in the majority of predators walking away in disappointment after unsuccessful attempts at opening them up.

The fact that hedgehogs have not gone extinct despite their small size and the availability of tons of predators means the balling-up defense mechanism serves them well. This is intelligence at its core and something to be lauded for.

Although domesticated hedgehogs do not face the same predatory threats, it doesn’t stop them from curling up when they feel threatened. Hedgehogs may also run quickly into hideouts as a reaction to fearful situations like loud noises.

Hedgehogs feel safe in their hiding spots until the situation changes and they no longer fear for their lives.

Arrival In A New Home

Hedgehogs exhibit signs of anxiety upon their first arrival in a new home. The high sense of fear keeps them alert throughout the first couple of days and not only do they usually resist handling but whatever food is offered is likely to remain untouched.

New hedgehogs focus their attention on learning more about their environment including new owners because of the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Are they going to be attacked and killed? Are they going to starve of food and water?

Are they going to have to share their cage space with other hedgehogs or even other animals?

It can take a while before hedgehogs warm up to a new environment and intentional starvation during the first few days is typical until they are forced to eat to survive. Even if offered the same food as the breeder, hedgehogs only eat minimal amounts during their first couple of weeks in new surroundings.

Hedgehogs are able to let their guard down eventually to enjoy the owner’s company and eat properly after consistent handling and other bonding efforts.

Reaction When Handled By Strangers

Hedgehogs react negatively to handling from strangers including other household members, family, and friends. Hedgehogs classify everyone as a stranger and potential predator until they become familiar with your scent.

Regular bonding sessions are the only way to get hedgehogs to recognize your scent and since a stranger’s smell appears foreign, their reaction to getting handled is negative by default. Do not be surprised when they hiss loudly or even attempt to coil up when handled by strangers which is another sign of intelligence.

Reaction To Hunger

Hedgehogs know when it is time to eat and they may react to hunger with annoyance because they get used to being fed at certain times. Do not be surprised when hedgehogs camp around their food bowls impatiently when hungry.

This is a sign to their owners that it is time to eat. Often, they react cheerfully when food is served immediately after, especially when it incorporates favorites like hardboiled eggs or crickets. Hedgehogs will not hesitate to reject foods they do not like and would rather go hungry for lengthy periods until they cave in to the unbearable hunger.

Finding Mates

Hedgehogs display intelligence during their quest to find mates. Not only do they travel up to 3km each night in the mating season but males exhibit dominance to fend off rivals to win the female’s attention.

Females are also believed to ovulate only when in the presence of males giving them the best chance of pregnancy. Unlike other animals that have specific periods where they go on heat each month, female hedgehogs need the presence of males to stimulate ovulation.

Conclusion: Are Hedgehogs Intelligent?

Hedgehogs may not be the smartest pets out there but they display intelligence in their own ways every day. This helps them to survive in the wild despite lingering threats including predators and unfavorable weather.

Not only are hedgehogs cautious during their initial period in new surroundings but they only open up after extensive effort by their owners to show commitment. It helps convince pet hedgehogs that you mean well before they are able to relax and even crave attention from you.