Okay, I think what’s going on here is going to require a completely different approach.
Probably best thing you can to is to make a big mental change in how you approach the situation. Instead of thinking of him as a "mean hedgie," start thinking of him as your little hedgie boy who is scared and needs your help. Your job, then, is to figure out how to help him grow up to be a brave hedgie who doesn't need to bite to make his needs known.
Let’s start off with a few things we know about hedgehogs in general:
They’re prey animals (ie, they’re usually the ones who are hunted; not the ones who do the hunting… unless we’re talking about mealworms). They are little. They do well when they have a schedule… when they can expect things. Consistency is very good. They don’t adapt to change very well. They need stimulation, exercise, and playtime to do well. They can bond very strongly with their humans or, mostly, want to be left alone (and anything in between). Some have oral fixations and like to nom on things. They have different views on what is yummy and what is not yummy. They need high quality foods. They need to be in climate-controlled environment.
So… first things first: let’s do everything we can to make sure his environment is good. Some suggestions (you may already have some or all of these things covered – let us know):
- Cage… you’ll want about 4 square feet (doesn’t really have to be 2x2) minimum of space for him to roam around
- Heating… you’ll want to ensure that he has consistent heat. How are you heating his home and making sure that the temp doesn’t dip at night or when the house gets more chilly?
- Wheel… they need a wheel to be healthy (mentally and physically). Does he have one? Which kind? Does he use it?
- Food and water… What kind of kibble is he on? Any treats? How do you present his treats to him – just when he’s out with you or just in his cage or a combo? Water in a dish is better than water in a bottle. They stay better hydrated, drink with their neck at a more natural angle, etc… with a dish.
- Bedding… they need a place to feel safe and secure. What’s his bedding look like? Does he have a hidey house/snuggle bag/igloo? Does he like to crawl under his liners? Or is he on a substrate bedding -- -which kind?
- His schedule… what’s that look like? Given your schedule, how consistent can you be with when you check on him in the mornings, take him out in the evenings, clean his home, turn on and off his light, etc…
Then, thinking specifically about biting, there are a few reasons why hedgie will bite. Let’s see if we can figure out what you little guy is up to:
- You’re yummy. Usually, this one comes with a lick, lick, lick before the chomp. Does he lick before chomping? Make sure you’re not handling mealies right before you pick him up! You’ll definitely be yummy then!
- You’re nasty!! This happened to me with my girl, Satin, who would never bite… unless I had been swimming earlier in the day. Even though I washed my hands a few times, that chemical pool scent was there. There was no warning. Just CHOMP! I’ve experienced this happening with cleaning products and have been told this happens with cigarettes too.
- You smell/taste intriguing to me. Scented soaps for your hands, perfumes, scented laundry detergent and fabric softener/dryer sheets are big culprits here. Choose an unscented soap and wash up to your elbows with that… Use it consistently. Choose the unscented laundry detergents, etc…
- You’re sweaty… Ummm love the salty goodness. This usually is associated with a lick, lick before the chomp. Armpits seem to be a favorite place to chomp.
- I’m scared… You may receive a warning nibble before the big chomp.
- I’m really freaked out… again, you may receive a warning nibble before the big chomp. Or you might just get the big chomp with teeth grinding away at you.
- I’m extremely angry… probably a big chomp. Probably teeth grinding away. Underlying the anger is feeling upset… which masks fear/uncertainty.
- I’m smart. I want to get back to my house. I know you will bring me there if I do this.
Sooo…. I know there’s folks out there that suggest things like blowing in the face, clapping and making loud sounds, repeating NO NO NO NO NO, sticking my finger under his chin, poking his belly, or tapping his nose… and that would seem to address things like “mmm… you’re yummy… I’m gonna eat you!” But that’s not going to address emotional reasons for biting. Imagine, you’re a little hedgehog, feeling scared and uncertain, so you bite, then someone yells at you…. That’s not going to make you feel less scared. Or you’re angry and upset, then someone pokes you in the belly… That’s not going to make you feel happy.
Long story short, I think you’re dealing with an emotional issue. So let’s do all we can to give him a safe home. Make sure all his basics are in order… house, heating, lighting, wheel, kibble, bedding, water, etc… Then get on a very strict schedule (inasmuch as your schedule can allow it), so he knows what to expect and when. Put his light on a timer so it comes on and goes off at the same time every day. Sing or talk to him for a little bit before you pick him up, so he has time to prepare himself. Limit other people handling him. Let him bond with you and learn to expect how things are from you.
As you might guess, this is going to take awhile. In the meanwhile, use some fleece when he’s out with you so that your scent is there, but he doesn’t have open access to your skin. You might get a little piece of fleece (not tiny… we don’t want him swallowing it!! We’re still talking a few inches in length & width), specifically, for him to use as a biting “toy.” Fleece is going to be your friend here. It's going to be his friend too... nice, warm, snuggly, safe.