What is self-anointing in hedgehogs?
If you follow us on Instagram or Facebook you may have seen some of our videos of our hedgehog patients “self-anointing”. This describes when a hedgehog produces frothy saliva – often mixed with food or another substance it has encountered - and applies it to its spines, often contorting its body to maximise reach. Check out this video of one of our hoglets self-anointing!
People witnessing self-anointing for the first time might be concerned, however it is a perfectly natural behaviour.
Why do hedgehogs self-anoint?
There are various theories for why some hedgehogs self-anoint, and experts still can’t agree! One common element we have found here at Prickles and Paws is that the behaviour is usually triggered by a new taste, scent or surrounding.
Here are some of the most probable explanations for the behaviour:
1. Odour masking
Some experts believe that hedgehogs self-anoint in order to mask their natural scent from predators – much as a dog might roll in interesting things it finds on a walk in order to mask its scent from prey.
2. Familiarisation
Hedgehogs are often observed self-anointing following the introduction of a new food or when they are placed into a new environment, indicating that they are familiarising and perhaps comforting themselves.
3. Grooming
While applying a mix of food and saliva to its body might not sound like cleaning, there is a theory that the action of self-anointing “conditions” the hedgehog’s prickles, and may even kill parasites – however this is not proven so in our view it is the least likely theory.
What should I do if I see a hedgehog self-anointing?
Self-anointing is a natural behaviour in hedgehogs. While it can appear to tire them out – potentially leaving them vulnerable to predators – it isn’t an inherently harmful behaviour. Furthermore, preventing a hedgehog from self-anointing may cause distress and anxiety. So our advice is to let them get on with it!
Unsure what to look out for? Check out these videos of some of our hedgehog patients self-anointing!