Discovering missing quills in your hedgehogs can trigger panic especially when you have no clue of the underlying reasons. However, not all quill losses are a sign of trouble in pet hedgehogs because natural factors may also be in play.
This article answers the question “why are hedgehogs missing quills on its head” by uncovering the natural causes of quill losses in hedgehogs. We also reveal abnormal reasons that may cause bald patches in pet hedgehogs and probable solutions to the problem. Let’s get started.
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Why Are Hedgehogs Missing Quills On its Head?
Hedgehogs may experience bald patches during quilling or as a result of reverse mohawks. Hormonal imbalances, mites, and stress could also cause quills to fall out of the hedgehog’s back which may be accompanied by additional signs of illness.
While bald patches in hedgehogs could be a sign of trouble, that is not always the case, and investigating the underlying reasons ensures that you do not freak out needlessly. Abnormal quill loss can also be the heads-up you need to trigger health checks for your hedgehogs.
This can uncover not only the underlying reasons for losing quills but also the prescription of the right treatments.
Natural Hedgehog Quill Loss
Here are a few instances where hedgehogs may lose quills due to natural factors without the need for veterinary interventions.
1. Quilling
Quilling is a natural process where hedgehogs shed baby quills in favor of adult quills in a similar process to fur shedding in cats or baby teeth losses in hedgehogs. Hedgehogs undergo 2-3 rounds of quilling during the first year of life and may display symptoms like negative moods.
However, it is an understandable reaction because the process of new quills replacing the old can be extremely painful resulting in irritability among even the most sociable hedgehogs. Continue to scoop them up gently even when undergoing quilling because hedgehogs still need love at their most vulnerable period.
Nursing your hedgehog through the painful quilling process could also strengthen your bond by building trust. (Source)
2. Reverse Mohawks
Reverse Mohawks occur when the top of the hedgehog’s head develops a bald patch revealing skin instead of quills. The phenomenon is completely natural in hedgehogs and enables the crossing of the quills on each side of their body to prevent poking of the eyes and other areas of the face during curl-ups which occur when they are scared for their lives.
The bald patch at the top of your hedgehog’s head may be more conspicuous in some than others depending on factors like breed and genetics. Bathing hedgehogs also makes their bald patches more noticeable since the quills fall down flat when wet.
Even if you suspect the bald patches to be a result of quilling or reverse mohawks, a trip to the vet can allay your fears. The vet’s diagnosis could also reveal existing conditions that may be triggering the quill losses.
Non-Natural Quill Losses
Not all quill losses are natural and sometimes, bald patches pop up as evidence of potential problems in the hedgehog’s state of health. Here are a few non-natural triggers of hedgehog bald patches.
1. Mites
Quill losses may occur in hedgehogs suffering from mite infestations and are often one of the main signs of the presence of the parasites. Unlike quilling-induced bald patches, fallen quills due to mites do not regrow quickly and the following signs may also be present.
- Red, bumpy skin
- Mushy-looking fallen quills
- Unattractively dry, flaky skin
Speak to a vet immediately after signs of mite infestations are spotted for the right treatment to be provided before the hedgehog’s situation goes downhill. Mites cannot be detected with naked eyes but your hedgehogs may be placed under microscopic observation at the veterinary clinic for proper diagnosis.
2. Bacterial or Fungal Infections
Hedgehogs may also experience quill loss when stricken with bacterial or fungal infections like ringworm. The bald patches could be smaller compared to those resulting from mite infestations but they may be found scattered across various parts of the hedgehog’s back.
Additional symptoms include:
- Irritated skin around the bald patches
- Soreness
- Painful rashes
Anti-fungal creams may be prescribed by your vet for treatment after booking a visit. Early treatment could make a huge difference in the speed of healing and quill regrowth.
3. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances can trigger quill losses by causing painful itches that force hedgehogs to scatch their bodies constantly. Affected hedgehogs may not only experience bald patches but their skins could appear extremely dull.
Additional symptoms of the condition include:
- Declining appetite
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Lack of interest in socialization
4. Stress
Did you know that stress is a leading cause of hair loss in men? Well, overstressed hedgehogs may also suffer quill losses. Situations like noisy environments, lack of adequate food and water, or even constant temperature fluctuations can stimulate bald patches among hedgehogs.
Interactions with other household pets could seem harmless but they are a leading cause of stress in hedgehogs leading to quill losses. Avoid exposure to other pets like cats and dogs regardless of your intentions because your hedgehogs could literally be pooping themselves in their presence.
Remember, hedgehogs in the wild suffer frequent attacks from larger animals like ferrets, foxes, and badgers. Physical contact with other household pets could trigger anxiety resulting in increased stress.
Conclusion
Hedgehog spine losses may be due to quilling, a natural process where existing spines are shed for new growths. Reverse Mohawk, a condition where a bald patch appears at the front of the head to enhance the hedgehog’s ability to curl up into a ball without poking the eyes and other areas of the face, is also common.
Besides, quill losses may indicate health problems like mite infestations and fungal infections as well as stress and hormonal imbalances. Seeking early treatment from your vet can help reverse illness-induced quilling in hedgehogs.