Can you guess how many quills are on the back of a single hedgehog?? 6,000!

Quills are a hedgehogs most noticed trait. Not just for looks, but for defense. These quills, are scientifically described as "modified hairs". They are made with keratin and are filled with a network if air chambers. This makes them lightweight and strong- preventing breakage and buckling. They are not poisonous and unlike porcupines they can't be easily removed from the hedgehog, but baby hedgehogs shed their spines for adult spines. This process is called "quilling".

Hedgehogs mainly use the method of "rolling into a ball" to exposed their spikes rather than the "run and hide" method to keep away from predators. The quills are controlled by two large back muscles, when tightened in fear the hedgehogs spikes stick out in all directions.

Trait: Quills