Why do hedgehogs shed their quills?

Answer 1

So the can curl up
The loose skin of a hedgehog enables the hedgehog to ball up, as well as allows the quills to move. Quills can be raised (pointy ends up), lowered (all smooth), or halfway in between.

Answer 2

To raise their spines, and keep them rigid.
They have back muscles because when threatened they have the ability to roll into a tight ball. These muscles act as a pull string that close up tight spreading the spines.

Answer 3

Quills are modified hairs, so they will shed. They become loose over time, dull, among other things - and need to be replaced.

Losses of large numbers of quills can be an indicator of mites or skin problems.

Answer 4

The loose skin is so that they can curl into balls; the muscles are to raise their quills to use as a defense.

Answer 5

they have loose skin so they can curl up in balls. i don't know the back muscels yet though:) but their yah go. hahh.

Answer 6

So they can roll in a ball.

The muscles allow them to raise their quills and keep them rigid.

Answer 7

To raise their quills, keep them in place, and to roll into a ball.

Answer 8

So that they can curl into a ball.

Answer 9

To protect themselves from predators.