The Re-quilling process and your little bundle of Quills

Gertrude having some playtime

One of the events that a hedgehog will go through is the re-quilling process.  This time is a very uncomfortable time for your hedgehog and each of them handle it differently.  Most hedgehogs are very uncomfortable during this time and become hissy and their temperament appears to change.  The time you normally spend with your hedgehog on a day to day basis is one of the most important times for you to ensure you continue with your little one and that it does not change.  Some say that the hedgehog re-quilling process is similar or can be related to teething.  A hedgehog may hiss and ball up in an effort for you to leave them alone, however, if you leave them alone because they hiss at you, this can become the norm if you let it and they will continue to do this in an effort to be left alone.  One of the best things you can do for your hedgehog is to soothe them by holding them in your lap and talking with them calmly, rubbing their nose if they allow it but no stroking or limited stroking of their quills as you would normally due to the discomfort they are feeling. 

Gertrude Born Feb 24/11 - Owner Jenna -Easter 2011

Luna during her first quilling

The first quilling can begin between 4 to 12 weeks of age.  One of the recommended treatments (besides the calm rest on your lap or snuggle into your neck) is to give the hedgehog a warm (tepid) bath with Aveeno Oatmeal shampoo/gel or body wash.  The oatmeal helps draw the sting from the skin allowing the hedgehog to gain some relief.  Many breeders use and recommend this method to help your hedgehog through what is a very rough time for them.  This picture of Gertrude, one of Bristols babies was sent to us by Jenna on Easter day, letting us see how much Gertrude has grown since she left us here at Hedgie Whisperers.  We gave Jenna the same advice about the quilling process and how many times she can expect it to take place.  We also have a little lady from the same litter who has had a higher than normal loss of quills during her quilling process. 

Luna (seen here), owned by Krista has had a rather upsetting time during her quilling process.  She has a small part of her back side quills where loss was high, but all adult quills were showing with bumps under her tender skin and breaking through.  The original spot refilled itself with adult quills and travelled slightly to the right side of the baby.  This side also filled in with new quills and from all accounts, Luna is now doing fine after her visit to the vet to ensure there were no complications and the stress of the quill loss has calmed.  Stress can always be a mitigating factor in the loss of quills or other small things surrounding the hedgehogs environment.  There are many factors to quill loss and no one of them can be discounted.  Treat your hedgehog to an Aveeno oatmeal bath once a week to help it through this process and give lots of snuggle time after the bath to ensure the hedgehog is completely dry so as to not get a chill.  Your hedgehog will be much happier and your bonding will continue to be as strong as before because you didn't change any of your quality cuddle and play time with them because of quilling.  You and your hedgehog will be happier knowing that each of you are there for each other during all times and the relationship you create with your baby hedgehog will be long and happy.  As always, keep happy and stay Quilled until next time...

The Hedgie Whisper Team

This and all blog posts referring to the care and management or health issues are not substitutes for a Vet's care when required. The posts are meant to provide a guideline and to answer FAQ's and are not absolutes nor should any be construed as "gospel". The answer/information is provided through research, knowledge and experiences through the ownership of these cute little creatures/animals and is meant to help identify and offer possible suggestions/solutions for known health issues of a frequently asked nature. Hedgie Whisperer's as the editor of this content offers this information as a guide and does not offer the information as a Vet nor would these posts be a replacement for proper Vet care in any form whether written or verbal. Copyright (c) 2010-2011