To achieve a balanced diet, you can add some fruits and vegetables to your hedgehog’s diet. These may include peas, carrots, green beans, apples and corn. This, however, should be in very small portions considering the pet’s low absorption capability of vegetables and fruits.
Full Answer
What is the best food for hedgehogs?
Wet cat and dog food are also suitable for hedgehogs. But, it’s best not to use them as the staple in their diet. That’s because the crunchy dry food format benefits your hedgehog’s teeth. It gives their teeth the kind of workout they’d get in the wild.
When to feed hedgehogs in the winter?
When to feed hedgehogs. You can start feeding hedgehogs as soon as they emerge from hibernation in spring. The food will be most beneficial in late summer and autumn when they are building up the fat reserves needed to survive the winter. It’s also worth providing food and water during periods of dry, hot weather,...
How can we help hedgehogs?
Evidence suggests this decline is most severe in rural areas and hedgehogs are actually faring better in our towns and villages than the countryside. This means gardens can be an important refuge for the species. One way you can help any visiting hogs is to provide some food. But what do hedgehogs eat and what should you feed them?
How to feed a baby hedgehog with a syringe?
How to feed a baby hedgehog with syringe Hold the syringe in one hand and the hoglet in the other. For tiny new borns, hold them in your palm on an angle so they are sort of on their backs, with your thumb under their chin. Bring the syringe's nipple tip right to their mouth if they are still too young to see it.
What is the best thing to feed a hedgehog?
Feeding hedgehogs Leave out foods like tinned dog or cat food and crushed cat or dog biscuits. If the hedgehog is very young - roughly apple-sized - you'll need to soak the biscuits in water first. You can also get good quality, meaty hedgehog food from wildlife food suppliers.
What should I feed my hedgehog daily?
Each serving should consist of one cricket or large mealworm or two to three medium sized mealworms. If you elect not to feed live, dry insect food can make up 15 to 25% of your hedgehog's daily meal. To avoid overfeeding, live food and dry insect food should not be given together on the same day.
What do 8 week old hedgehogs eat?
Hoglets should be fed with a milk substitute such as Esbilac which contains all the fats, vitamins and minerals they need. Under no circumstances should you give them cow's formula which will kill them. Goat's milk with Goat's colostrum may be used for a short period of time if nothing else is available.
What does a hedgehog like to eat?
Insects and other invertebrates are the hedgehog's main natural food source. A typical diet includes: Beetles. Earwigs.
What do newborn hedgehogs eat?
What Do Baby Hedgehogs Eat 4 Weeks After Being Born?Mealworms. Mealworms. For hedgehogs, live or frozen-dried mealworms are a good source of chitin. ... Waxworms. Waxworms. ... Crickets. A Cricket. ... Fruits. Baby Hedgehogs Can Eat Fruits. ... Vegetables. Vegetables. ... Cooked Meat. Cooked Meat. ... Cooked eggs. Cooked Eggs. ... Pinky Mice. Pinky Mice.More items...•
What do you feed a small hedgehog?
You can try offering food to a young hedgehog, but make sure you feed them something suitable:Dog or cat food - tinned dog or cat food, and cat biscuits or crushed dog biscuits, make good hedgehog foods.Good quality, meaty specialist hedgehog foods - these can be bought from wildlife food suppliers.More items...
Can hedgehogs eat fruit and vegetables?
Fruits: Dried fruit should be avoided, but a small amount of fresh fruit can be offered to your hedgehog as treats. Apples, bananas, berries, and melons are popular choices among hedgehogs. Vegetables: Fresh tomatoes, fresh green beans, and cooked squash are some options that your hedgehog may enjoy.
Can hedgehogs eat raw chicken?
Pet hedgehogs may eat such table foods as cooked, lean chicken, turkey, beef or pork (in moderation due to fat content). Hedgehogs will often eat small amounts of vegetable and can be given small amounts of fruit as treats .
How big is a 2 month old hedgehog?
Hedgehog Size and Growth ChartAgeWeight RangeLength Range1 month4–6 ounces1–2 inches2 months7–9 ounces2–4 inches3 months10–12 ounces2–4 inches4 months13–15 ounces4–12 inches3 more rows•May 8, 2022
How much should a 6 week old hedgehog eat?
Make sure to keep their food in an air tight container and feed them about 1-3 tablespoons once a day. The 3 tablespoons usually consists of a small handful or palmful of food.
Can you give hedgehogs milk?
Never feed hedgehogs milk or bread as they can't digest it and it upsets their stomachs. Be aware that putting any food out will attract all sorts of wildlife including predators, not just hedgehogs.
Can a hedgehog eat a banana?
Since hedgehogs are well-known insect eaters, it can be surprising to learn that hedgehogs can thrive on fresh fruits and vegetables too. Bananas are especially tasty treats for your hedgehog because they contain fiber, folate, potassium, vitamin C and B6, and manganese.
What veggies can hedgehogs eat?
Here's a list of vegetables hedgehogs can eat:Arugula.Spinach.Dandelion greens.Asparagus.Carrots.Broccoli.Sweet potatoes.Radish.More items...
Can I feed hedgehogs cat biscuits?
We recommend feeding cat or kitten biscuits or wet cat/dog food alongside a shallow dish of water. You can get hedgehog specific foods but sadly these are not regulated and vary in quality. The main things to look for is high protein and low wheat and sugar content. One of our favourite brands is Brambles.
Can baby hedgehogs survive without Mom?
Step 4: Take abandoned hoglets to a local hedgehog hospital But without the mother to provide this, they won't survive out in the wild on their own, and with daily life in the way, you won't have the time to give the hoglet the proper care and attention it needs.
Do hedgehogs eat bird seed?
Bird Seed? Hedgehogs are often first seen in gardens eating spilled bird food under feeders. They will be eating the seeds as well as all the insects and invertibrates that gather there. Small quanities of seeds and nuts are not harmful to hedgehogs but can cause issues if eaten to excess.
Do hedgehogs eat bread?
Also, hedgehogs are insectivores and obligate carnivores, so their diet doesn't require a large percentage of carbohydrates. Bread provides little to no nutritional value for hedgehogs, so they shouldn't eat it, even as a treat. There are many more nutrient-dense treats that your hedgehog will like and also find tasty.
Do hedgehogs drink water?
In terms of water, hedgehogs ingest water from their prey and natural sources like dew and puddles. Ponds also provide a water source so it's important to ensure garden ponds have sloping sides or an exit ramp so 'hogs don't fall in and get stuck.
How often should you feed a hedgehog?
once to twice a dayHow many times a day should you feed a pet hedgehog? A lot of pet hedgehog owners recommend once to twice a day. Some say they prefer a free feeding schedule and keep their hedgie's bowl full at all times. Bear in mind that this could lead to obesity however as hedgies are greedy eaters.
How often should hedgehogs eat mealworms?
Your hedgehog should never have more than one or two mealworms in a sitting and never more than four in a week. Mealworms can be an occasional treat, not the main part of their diet.
Can you overfeed a hedgehog?
It's hedgehog inequality! Too much food can also stop them hibernating, which messes up their breeding cycles. Apparently, some hedgehogs get so chubby that they can no longer roll into a ball.
How many bugs should a hedgehog eat?
Speaking of feeding insects to your hedgehog, you can feed two or three mealworms 3 times a week along with other insect types.
What are the food sources of hedgehogs?
Slugs. Millipedes. Worms are an important food source for hedgehogs. Credit: Buiten-Beeld / Alamy Stock Photo. Hogs hunt by snuffling through the undergrowth, using their keen sense of smell and hearing to catch any prey they disturb. While invertebrates are top of the menu, hedgehogs are opportunistic eaters.
How big of a space do hedgehogs need?
A space of just 13 x 13cm is enough for any hog to get in and out of your garden. Hedgehogs also need sheltered spaces to sleep during the day and hibernate through the winter. Overgrown patches, compost heaps and log piles can all be used by resting hogs. Another option is to buy or build a hedgehog house.
Why are hedgehogs declining?
Carrion, fallen fruit and the eggs of ground-nesting birds may all be taken should a hog come across them. It’s thought a lack of food may be a factor in the hedgehog’s decline. This is because invertebrate numbers have been reduced by agricultural intensification and pesticide use .
Do hedgehogs eat cat food?
As opportunistic eaters, hedgehogs will readily consume food left out in your garden. The best foods to provide are: As well as providing food, you can put out a shallow dish of water to ensure any visiting hogs stay hydrated. Hedgehogs will readily eat meat-based cat food.
What do hedgehogs eat?
The hedgehog is an omnivore and feeds on a variety of insects and small animals, as well as plants, berries, and vegetables. Some of the foods they like to eat in the wild are as follows.
Can you feed hedgehogs live insects?
Before feeding many insects to your hedgehog, we strongly recommend gut loading the insects. Gut loading is a process where you feed your insect’s nutritional meals for a few days to pack it with nutrients, which allows the insects to transfer the nutrition to your pet. Gut loading is another good reason to feed your hedgehog live insects when possible.
Can hedgehogs be pets?
Hedgehogs are not commonly kept as pets, and many new parents may not have a clear idea of what types of foods are best to feed them and what foods you should avoid. We’ve researched this topic well and own several hedgehogs ourselves. We will list as many foods that they can eat as we can, as well as tell you a little about them and how to find them.
Do hedgehogs need water?
All life needs plenty of clean water to stay healthy, and the hedgehog is no different. We recommend you always keep a constant flow of clean water within the hedgehogs reach so they can stay hydrated at will, reducing urinary tract infections and other problems associated with dehydration.
What do hedgehogs eat?
Some are capable of traveling enormous distances at night. They eat considerable amounts of insects of any kind, especially underground ones, such as: Earth worms. Slugs. Snails.
What is the diet of a hedgehog?
The rest of their diet consists in fruits and vegetables. However, we must bear in mind that their diets will vary depending on their species and which part of the world they are from. When it comes to the nutrition of a hedgehog. Their diet consists of: Protein: should be around 22% of their diet, always less than 35%.
Why are hedgehogs important?
Wild hedgehogs help in pest control as they mainly eat insects. When adopting a domestic hedgehog, it's important to imitate their diet as close as possible to what they would eat in the wild. This way, we make sure they live a long and happy life. You may also be interested in our article about why hedgehogs bite.
What are some forbidden foods for hedgehogs?
Here is the complete list of forbidden foods for hedgehogs: Dairy products. Fatty foods.
Can hedgehogs be domesticated?
Nowadays, they can also be domestic pets. However, many hedgehog companions ask themselves what pet hedgehogs eat. In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain what hedgehogs eat. We'll go through their nutrition and complete food list.
Can humans drink milk for hedgehogs?
Humans shouldn't intervene or stop this process as it's very important for their health and wellbeing. In the case of orphaned hedgehogs that need to be cared for, they can drink milk formulated for kittens as it's very similar to the nutrition hoglets need.
Is dog food safe for hedgehogs?
In fact, dog food is dangerous for hedgehogs. Therefore, it's best to avoid any other type of commercial food. However, the best option would be to make homemade and natural food for your pet hedgehog.
What to feed a hedgehog?
Meats. Try to get lean cuts of the following meats , and only give them to your hedgehog as a snack a few times a week. It’s best if you buy the meats raw and cook them yourself, as precooked meats are often full of salt and other ingredients that are bad for your pet’s health. Chicken. Salmon.
What are some good treats for hedgehogs?
Healthy Treats for Hedgehogs. Hedgehogs have a broad palate, so there’s a wide variety of foods that can be served as a treat. Many veggies or fruits make excellent treats, as they’re loaded with nutrition and delicious.
How much water should a hedgehog drink?
A healthy hedgehog should drink somewhere in the vicinity of 1 ½ to 2 ½ tablespoons of water every day. As a result, your hedgehog must have access to plenty of fresh, clean water at all times.
Why does my hedgehog stop eating?
Featured Image Credit: szabfer, Pixabay. There are many reasons that a hedgehog might stop eating. Many of them have to do with stress, but others could be signs of disease or illness. Don’t be alarmed if your hedgehog doesn’t eat when you first bring them home or if you move to a new place.
What does it mean when a hedgehog has a blockage?
They may have an intestinal blockage, an upset stomach, problems with their teeth and gums, or a more serious disease, like cancer. If you’ve tried to solve the problem yourself to no avail, take your hedgehog to the vet as soon as possible.
Why won't my hedgehog eat?
If you suspect that your hedgehog’s refusal to eat is due to environmental factors rather than health problems, you can try to remedy the problem yourself. You can also try to tempt your hedgehog to eat by offering them high-value foods, like baby food or other beloved treats.
What could be affecting my hedgehog's appetite?
Other things that could be affecting your pet’s appetite include loneliness or discomfort due to temperature . You should do everything in your power to make sure your hedgehog is comfortable, and that may include changing the ambient temperature in their tank or getting them a friend.
Can I Use Store-Bought Pet Food Meant For Other Species?
It’s encouraged by most hedgehog owners to avoid kibble meant for hedgehogs altogether.
What Human Foods Can They Eat?
There are some human foods that hedgehogs can eat, as humans are also omnivores. Hedgehogs like meats (unseasoned), some grains, and many of the same diets as humans. Moderation is key.
Other Considerations
If you ever have any questions about what to feed your hedgehog, there are several sources online where you can find the information you need.
How Much Food is Too Much?
Hedgehogs should look like little symmetric rolls of quills, and they should be able to ball into themselves at their perfect weight.
Conclusion
Hedgehogs are omnivores that can eat meats and vegetables, and a slew of other foods in moderation.
What do wild hedgehogs eat?
Hedgehogs living in the wild will feed on a range of things and tend to survive on a ‘whatever they can get their claws on’ basis.
What do domesticated hedgehogs eat?
Lots of people tend to think the only thing you can feed hedgehogs is cat food, but there are actually lots of things you can feed them.
Cat kibble (or other protein sources)
Cat or dog food like kibble as their main food source. You can actually purchase special hedgehog food, but cat kibble will do fine.
Certain fruits and vegetables
Including some safe to eat fruits and veggies is a great way to include different tastes and textures and some lower calorie nibbles for your hog.
Insects
If owners are able to purchase some from pet stores or online, this can be a nice treat for hogs.
Water
Just like other household pets like cats and dogs, hedgehogs need a constant source of clean water available to them to drink as and when they please.
How to feed a hedgehog?
How to feed a baby hedgehog with syringe. Hold the syringe in one hand and the hoglet in the other. For tiny new borns, hold them in your palm on an angle so they are sort of on their backs, with your thumb under their chin. Bring the syringe's nipple tip right to their mouth if they are still too young to see it.
How to warm up hedgehog milk?
A hedgehog mother's milk is body temperature, so you'll need to serve the formula at 35°c / 95°F. Formula can be re-heated by placing it inside a baby bottle and then into a bottle warmer. You can also place the formula inside a sealed container and sit it in boiling water for a minute.
How often do hedgehogs massage their babies?
So mama hedgie massages their bellies to help their digestive tract do its thing! The mama hedgehog is also usually around to feed on demand and she nurses every 2-3 hours every time the baby wakes up from napping. This goes on usually for 3-5 weeks. She provides warmth and comfort by laying on top of them while they sleep. If you have found yourself in need of having to know how to feed a baby hedgehog, then you too will need to massage them, feed them formula every 2-3 hours and on demand, and provide warmth for them to thrive and grow.
How to toilet a baby hedgehog?
Since the baby hedgehog is not being groomed by their mama, they need your help with their digestion. Grab a cut piece of puppy pad into 2″ x 2″ / 5cm x 5cm squares and wrap it around their bottoms. This is to catch any excretions that can happen.
How long does it take for a hedgehog to walk?
By 3-4 weeks they should be able to walk up to it so the hedgie will attack it with their new forming teeth and lick it. So hold it a few cm away from them and let them come to it. The best advice regarding how to feed a baby hedgehog is to gently squeeze the formula out and never squeeze too much, too fast.
How to make goat milk for hedgehogs?
Try to use only filtered boiled water for the mix. Follow the directions on the goats milk powder and measure out 3 mls for the syringe in a separate container. Place covered excess formula in the fridge for up to 48 hours. A hedgehog mother's milk is body temperature, so you'll need to serve the formula at 35°c / 95°F. Formula can be re-heated by placing it inside a baby bottle and then into a bottle warmer. You can also place the formula inside a sealed container and sit it in boiling water for a minute. Always swirl rather than shake it to mix it to avoid disrupting the colostrum too much. Before feeding, make sure the formula is a safe temperature by placing a drop on your inner forearm and/or using a thermometer. Making sure you have exactly 3-5 mls in your syringe, depending on age chart below, you can now move on to the next step.
How long does a hedgehog nurse?
The mama hedgehog is also usually around to feed on demand and she nurses every 2-3 hours every time the baby wakes up from napping. This goes on usually for 3-5 weeks. She provides warmth and comfort by laying on top of them while they sleep.
