I bought my hedgehog at a pet store and he still does not respond well to my presence. He usually curls up into a ball and hisses a little. What can I do to get him to like me? Should I try to handle him, even when it appears he doesn't want to be held?

Yes, try to handle him. Use a pot holder if you need to (hedgies can be really sharp when they want to be). Take one of your used (stinky) t-shirts and put it in his cage. It will help him get used to your smell. If a hedgehog is not socialized at an early age, he may never become social. Because of this, you should try to purchase your pet directly from a breeder.

Go to HedgehogWorld.com and go into the articles section and read the article called "Socializing the Grumpy Hedgehog". Also read "Help! My Hedgehog Hates Me".