Hedgehogs usually make a variety of noises to communicate with their human owners. While Hedgehogs don’t cry like human babies, they scream, squeal or squeak.
It can be a disturbance for some people as well. But why do Hedgehogs squeak? Are they happy gentle squeaks or distressed squeaks? Is she showing any other symptoms? Is it an emergency? Let’s find out!
Some Hedgehogs will squeal when they are experiencing potential pain or they need attention. It can sometimes be that another Hedgehog is stealing his favorite spot to eat. Pay attention to your Hedgehog if you hear a squeak because it could indicate that they need help from something hurting them.
Pay attention to your Hedgehog if you hear a squeal. Look out for pain, injury, or any other discomfort they may be experiencing.
Try to calm them down by petting them, playing their favorite music, or offering them their favorite treat.
If you are concerned, you could talk to a vet or your local pet shop.
What Does It Mean If Your Hedgehog Squeaks?
Hedgehogs don’t make loud-mouthed noises like other mainstream pets do. However, a sudden piercing noise can surely alarm any Hedgehog owner.
Hedgehogs Squeak When Scared
The most common scream that comes from a Hedgehog is that of fear and anger.
A Hedgehog that is scared feels threatened, or is experiencing pain may squeal or even scream as a result.
A Hedgehog may scream if they are inappropriately handled. Never let a child (under 15 years) handle your pet.
Hedgehogs are very conscious of who is handling them and will often yell if they are passed to a new person.
You should never make the mistake of introducing your little one to strangers until you are certain they are already comfortable with you.
Hedgehogs Squeak When In Pain
Hedgehogs who are wounded or are otherwise in pain may scream, especially if something aggravates the pain.
Like any other living being, a harsh cry is the natural response of the body, and the same is true with our Hedgehogs as well.
Some physical signs of illness in a Hedgehog are:
- Constipation
- Head tilt
- Nasal discharge
- Excessive urination
- Sneezing
- Damp, dried out, or ruffled fur
- Enlarged or swollen abdomen that is not from eating
- Difficult, labored, or rapid breathing
- Discharge from the genitals or anus
- Bulging, cloudy, crusted, or squinting eyes
- Swelling beneath the skin
Keep an eye out for these distinguished signs that something might be wrong. If your Hedgehog exhibits any of these traits or you believe your Hedgehog is sick, call a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Hedgehogs Squeak When Hungry
Hedgehogs aren’t quiet about their food bowls being empty, making all kinds of commotion. Once their tummies start rumbling, the shrieks start happening until they get a full food dish.
Some Hedgehogs will have more generous appetites than others.
Therefore, you might have a chubby Hedgehog in the cage always wailing for food even if they shouldn’t be hungry.
Don’t always give in to their pleas if you know they have had enough—but also make sure you’re portioning correctly.
Hedgehogs Squeak To Ask For Attention
Hedgehogs do not like to be cooped up in their cage all the time. Sometimes, they just want to play with you and want your attention.
Your Hedgehog needs to have time out of its enclosure every day. They should have play sessions that last at least an hour. Minimally, you should get your Hedgehog out every other day— minimum 3 times a week.
Hedgehogs Squeak When They Like You
Nothing is better than seeing a happy Hedgehog. Your Hedgehog might let out a low purring sound, similar to a cat.
It may or may not be accompanied by other quieter squeals. This is a way of showing affection and love to their furry or human friends.
You can hear this noise while they’re both out and inside the cage. It’s a surefire way to know that they are happy campers and that they love you.
Hedgehogs Squeak When Sick
It can be a little hard to detect health issues in Hedgehogs. Since they are prey animals, they usually don’t show any signs of weakness until it’s very advanced. You might hear them let out a high pitched squeal.
Other than health issues, it also might indicate that your Hedgehog is trying to get your attention.
Hedgehogs Squeak When They See You
Most Hedgehog owners can agree that these little pets can be quite nosey sometimes.
They might watch you go from room to room, and they want to know what you’re doing. They could make a squeaking sound—which indicates they’re feeling rather left out.
If you see your Hedgehog staring at you from across the way, go over and give them a few scratches. They’ll feel better right away.
Hedgehogs Squeak When Angry
If your Hedgehog is angry, it won’t be nice to you. There can be several reasons for the same.
Maybe they have an issue with a cage mate or don’t like the chaos around them. When they aren’t pleased, they might give everyone around a warning to back off.
This sound is known as chuttering. If you notice this noise, your Hedgehog probably needs some space. So, whether this is toward you or a cage mate, it’s time to let them recuperate.
Hedgehogs Squeak When Fighting
It can be extremely stressful for any pet owner to find their little pets fighting. To understand the cause, it is important to look out for their behavior.
Hedgehogs can be dominant in front of one another.
Hedgehogs frequently squeak in front of their cage mates to prove themselves to be dominant.
They also show the sign of dominance by jumping on top of each other, threatening each other, not letting their inmates eat, and injuring each other.
Tussles or sniffs are also pure signs of showing dominance.
Strifes can be boisterous and intense, but if you’re convinced they aren’t harming each other, let them work things out among themselves. Your interference can worsen things and can escalate things to real fighting.
The goal is to do whatever gives your Hedgehogs the highest quality of life.
How Do I Get My Hedgehog To Stop Squeaking?
Hedgehogs can be pretty vocal while expressing their emotions.
You will often see your Hedgehog squeaking loudly when you approach them in the wrong manner by which they may feel threatened.
It would help if you kept a few things in mind. First, never approach your Hedgehog from above with your hand. Always let them know you are, thereby allowing them to sniff you and then try to pick them up.
The best way to handle their Hedgehog is gradually and carefully. It will assure them that there is nothing to be terrified of.
In addition, never introduce your Hedgehog to any stranger until you are pretty confident that they feel protected around you.
Once your Hedgehog gets comfortable around you, allow your pet to begin by smelling your friend’s hands before handling your pet to your friends immediately.
Furthermore, remember that food and water are an essential part of your Hedgehog’s life. Therefore, you must take your Hedgehog to the vet if it has not had any food or water in the last 2-3 days.
You must make sure that your Hedgehog does not stress out by anything they can see or hear near their cage (like one of your other pets or even a loud stereo).
If your Hedgehog squeaks constantly, give me a way of stimulation. Maybe a wheel for running on could divert and improve his state of mind.
Also, keep your Hedgehog’s cage clean and tidy. Finally, make sure it has adequate fresh food and water.
Hedgehogs often stain their food. Therefore, even if it looks fresh, it may not.
Lastly, if your Hedgehog does not respond to your attempts to make it comfortable, immediately take it to your vet.
It is essential to get suitable medication on time could be the key to improving your pet’s health.
Related Queries:
Do Hedgehogs Squeak Before They Die?
Although Hedgehogs are pretty vocal while expressing, it is the other way around when death approaches them.
A dying Hedgehog generally becomes tranquil in its day-to-day activities. It hardly plays anymore. It will sleep a lot, often finding unique accommodations in the enclosure to protect itself.
Do Hedgehogs Squeak At Night?
If you have ever tried to sleep in the same room as your Hedgehog, you must know that your little pet can be a noisemaker at night.
While you may not get them to match your sleep schedule, you can take a few steps to minimize their activity during the overnight hours. You can add a few extra toys to keep them busy.
