"rescue/rehome" new to me hedgehog...any advice?

[tat2dancer]

Hi everyone,
I'm new here, and new to the world of hissing madagascar cockroaches (ie: african pygmy hedgehogs)
One week ago, My boyfriend "surprised me" with a 2.5 year old male, when I came home from a trip from Las Vegas.
The critter's former owners are going through a bad divorce, and gave him up to a family who had 3 kids. They had him for about 3 days, and decided to get rid of him. So, now I have him. It will be one week tomorrow.

I LOVE critters, and have always wanted a hedgehog. My question is....is it possible to socialize a grumpy adult hedgehog?

He hisses, and balls up,and head butts, and growls. I have done a bunch of online research, and have been doing the slow, patient, getting-to-know-your-stink and all that. He has been somewhat active, has been eating, drinking, pooping, and has run his wheel once. He HAS showed me his face, (SOOOO friggin' CUTE) crawled around on my lap, taken food from me, sniffed me, licked me, tried to taste me (which I gave him a gentle-but-firm "NO" with a puff of air to the face")
He will relax, once he is on my lap, but if I move or touch the blanket he spikes and hisses.

He could use his nails trimmed, but there is NO way he'll let me get that close.

I am 40 years old, no kids, and we have a quiet, mellow household. We left him alone for the first 3 days. Then slowly started to interact.

He will sit on my lap in a blanket, but not without quite a hissing, twitching, prickly ordeal whenever I pick him up. I have been talking to him.

How long before he warms up to me? if ever? I am very patient, just curious.
I really like him, even if he is a grumpy cockroach ;-)

Thanks,
Tanya

[CThogs]

We have seen lots of rescues and rehomes through the years and while they are ALL different, most will settle down within the first few weeks. Its good that you have seen his face, he's taken food from you, etc. within the first week. Some of them are naturally jumpy and if he gives you a big ordeal when you first pick him up, that can be normal for some hedgehogs. Just use these first few weeks getting to know him. There are a lot of articles and forum posts that will help you out. Nail clipping is easiest if you do it in the sink with some water-the nails are softer and most hedgehogs will stay unrolled in the water

[Cardianharle]

It sounds like he's making a fast track to being comfy. Just as Ann said, some are naturally jumpy. My Reia is one of those, she will chill and relax in my lap, but as soon as I move, she raises her quills and huffs a little bit, but that lasts for a very short time and then she is back to being chill again. I read in some articles that it could take a long time for them to get really comfy with you, and some could do it sooner than that. It sound like he might be a happy boy to have someone who loves him, even if he's a bit jumpy. I would love to see some pics of him if you get some!

[Grumpy Spike]

It doesnt sound bad at all(no expert at all btw).But I have 3 hedgies and are all rehomed.I do know that nice treats might help a bit and a lot of patience.And not giving in in a mellow assertive way(if that makes sense)by handeling him a lot with bare hands,so he gets used to your scent.And I talk a lot to mine in a soft voice.My anti social hissing popping ball of spikes(Pixie)uncurls the minute I call her my pretty lass.
I guess it just takes some time but it sounds like your little lad is doing very well.