OK, I know that is a heck of a subject for the forum, but I have to ask a question. Oliver will be a year old near Christmas time, and I assume he is a red blooded healthy American-born hedgehog. I assume he is sexually mature at this time---please correct me if I am wrong. Something happened today that I have not seen happen before and I'd like to know if puberty/adulthood has anything to do with it.....or if he's just a horny little snot.

A month ago my adult daughter moved into her first apt with friends. That left us with an empty room, which quickly became the small pet play area. I moved Oliver's cage in there from my room, and my younger daughter moved her ferret's exercise pen and toys in there (not the ferret, just the toys). The ferret is female and spayed, as well as descented.

Oliver and the ferret have different playtimes in the room and each are supervised when it's their turn. Today I had Oliver out and he was snuffling along on the carpet. All of a sudden I saw him bump a bit and saw what I perceived as a fifth leg popping out and in from his lower abdomen. It took a minute (I've been tired lately) but then I realized that Oliver was somehow humping on the carpet as he moved along, and it was not a fifth leg, if you get my drift.

He has never done this before, and yes, I realize the smell of a female ferret is also in the room. So does he do this to let the ferret know he is also using the room (he did not leave any evidence), or what? Unfortunately I started to laugh and he got all offended and plopped himself in a corner with his quills somwhat out.

So, OK, hedgie-experts---tell me WHY Oliver felt it was time to try out his hydraulics while in the playroom.

Thanks very much---
Linda

Kiwisoo wrote:

QUOTE:

So, OK, hedgie-experts---tell me WHY Oliver felt it was time to try out his hydraulics while in the playroom.

Thanks very much---
Linda

Oh the stories we could tell..........

He may have smelled female and been interested, or he may have just been horney. Male hedgehogs are very good at 'meeting their own needs'. I'm surprised that you haven't seen any evidence yet.

Here's a story for you:
I got a male hedgehog in as a rescue a few weeks ago. It belonged to a mother and her son and was mostly the son's responsibility. Son got involved in high school sports and mom got tired of maintaining the hedgehog, so he came to live with me.

Mom brought the hedgehog to my house, and I picked him up and was looking him over. He is a very friendly guy, so he uncurled and was showing me his belly. Mom pointed out that 'he has this substance on his belly that won't come off. We don't know what it is and we did try bathing him, so please don't think we leave him dirty."

I smiled and did my best to hold back a giggle. Then I gently explained that male hedgehogs have 'needs' and a rather lengthy penis. That's when a light went on a she figured it out. After a good laugh, she told me that her son will appriciate the story of the mystery substance.

-K

Lets see how many views this topic gets-hahaha!

Most of my guys are fairly modest and the only evidence is a bit of the mystery substance every once in a while. However, I do have one who you could set your watch by. Every day the igloo starts going up and down and yes I have laughed and it does not slow him down in the least. So I wouldn't worry too much about Oliver being offended. I'm sure he'll get over it!

Well, I guess I should watch for spots on the carpet in the playroom....and in his wheel, and in his cage, and on me.......

I swear that thing is as long as his leg. Can you imagine if OTHER species had them as long as their legs? Scary! haha! Thanks for the info---at least I know he's normal and not SuperHedgie!

Linda

Yup, at least once a week now, Herbie has mystery substance under his chin! I would say he is becoming quite the expert at taking care of himself. Snow will hump anything that moves, or not, and does not really care who is watching. LOL

My vet asked me on Saturday if Quilliam has this dried substance on his belly often! I said yes, quite normal. He does have a testicle that is hanging down further than the other. Anyone elses' hogs have lopsided testies?

I have never noticed the sticky substance on my boy Louie. Maybe he is more secretive about it. What a modest boy!! Good information to know though in case I ever find anything I will know what it is and not worry about it!!!

There is no way on the face of the earth that Oliver would let me roll him over to look at his private parts and count his testicles.

The only time I have seen his penis in action is the other day when he was walking all over the carpet with it......

And when I laughed, he went like this:

Linda

Well now Mom, you insulted his manhood by laughing. I am quite sure many of our human boys would give you the same look! LOL.

Kiwisoo wrote:

QUOTE:
There is no way on the face of the earth that Oliver would let me roll him over to look at his private parts and count his testicles.....
Linda

Would you want to? As a breeder, I do check up on them, but they aren't happy about it.

And yes, I've seen ones that looked lopsided, or possibly one undecended, big, small, and everything in between.

-K

(Woot, first post... *cough*)
My little boy Schöndorn may be too young for it yet... but I did watch him on the couch once, giving himself a very... uhm... intense cleaning while semi-curled. I figured it was something he'd rather not be disturbed with.

Welcome Ges!

When asked about the male hedgehogs anatomy, I typically show the person making the inquiry my pinky as the boys aren't likely to WANT to show off how.....well endowed they are . It can be a tricky subject, and since most males do play the modesty game so well, I just let it be.

Oh .... hahahahahaha. I haven't laughed this hard since I saw Lewis Black live!
Glad I'm getting female in TWO days!

lol, Quentin has pretty much been doing that every single time I have him out almost and hes only 6 months old. I've been wondering if maybe I should get him a female hedgehog doll.

Stasi wrote:

QUOTE:
Welcome Ges! :laugh:

When asked about the male hedgehogs anatomy, I typically show the person making the inquiry my pinky as the boys aren't likely to WANT to show off how.....well endowed they are:blink: . :blush:

I can no longer be your friend. It just won't work any more. We'd be hanging out, maybe going to a cafe to get some bubble tea. We'd place our orders, and then you would reach up to grab your drink....... and I'd see it...... Your pinky finger........

It's been a fun few years, but I just can't take the risk of laughing myself to death or laughing till I choke on bubble tea! I know you understand.

-K