what are hedgehog quills made of

Hedgehog quills are made of keratin , the same protein found in human hair and nails. They’re basically modified hairs that have hardened into protective spines.

What that means

• The quills are strong but lightweight.

• They grow from hair follicles in the skin.

• Their structure helps with defense without making the hedgehog overly heavy.

Extra detail

Some sources also describe the quills as having a hollow or layered structure, which helps them stay sturdy while still flexible enough not to snap easily. That’s why they look sharp, but they’re still part of the animal’s normal body structure, not something like bone or poison.

TL;DR: hedgehog quills are made of keratin-rich modified hair.