A unique and curious Hedgehog behaviour is self-anointing, which usually happens when a new taste or smell is discovered.
What is self-anointing?
Self-Anointing is when a Hedgehog licks or chews a particular object and creates a foamy saliva that they will then leave on various parts of its body.
Why do they do it?
It’s unknown why Hedgehogs do this but it’s believed by some that it’s a kind of ‘smell camouflage’ so they blend in with their environment and others believe it’s simply a smell they like and wish to wear as a kind of perfume!
Male Hedgehogs tend to do this more often than females and you’ll find they might need a bath every so often!
Surprisingly Hedgehogs don’t mark their own scent elsewhere.
Have you seen Winston, the Face of Rookes, exploring a new smell? Watch the video here.