Those Beautiful Quills


One of the most asked questions by new owners that I have seen is "My hedgehog has a bald spot on its head, what is wrong?". If you have just noticed this spot, do not worry, most hedgehogs have this, it is called a reverse mohawk. A reverse mohawk is a narrow furrow that runs lengthwise from the quill line on the top of the hedgehogs head. This is perfectly natural on hedgehogs, and there is no need to worry. Please also note that the hedgehog in the picture below does have a slight case of dry skin


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There are reported to be approximately 7000 quills on a hedgehog's back. Quills are basically modified hairs, that are made of a series of air chambers. These air chambers make them light weight, but very strong.


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