What Insects to Feed?
- Mealworms. Mealworms are a popular suggestion for live insect food for hedgehogs. One reason is that they’re widely...
- Crickets. Crickets are a great choice if your hedgehog is prone to gain weight because they’re lower in fat than...
- Dubia Roaches. These are another low-fat insect that is available online, like these ¾” Live Dubia Roaches. They...
What foods are safe for hedgehogs?
- Romaine lettuce
- Arugula
- Dandelion greens
- Collard greens
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Sweet potato
- Asparagus
- Radish, turnip
- Green pepper
What is the best food for a hedgehog?
- Live crickets, mealworms, or silkworms
- Bits of plain, cooked meat with no seasonings or salt (no processed meats)
- Raw or cooked vegetables and fresh fruit (no citrus)
- Unsweetened “stage 1” pureed baby food (no grains)
- Hard-boiled or scrambled eggs (plain: no salt or butter)
What human food can you feed a hedgehog?
- Berries
- Apples with no skin or seeds
- Bananas
- Melons
- Pears
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Peas
- Hardboiled egg whites
- Cooked lean meats
What are good treats for hedgehogs?
What Human Food Can Hedgehogs Eat?
- Meat and Fish. The first thing you can provide your hedgehog with is meat. ...
- Boiled Eggs. A treat that is widely popular among hedgehogs is boiled eggs. ...
- Fruits and Vegetables. Hedgehogs are insectivores in the wild and rely on protein as domesticated animals. ...
- Baby Food. You can also give baby food to your hedgehog. ...
What food is best for a hedgehog?
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. Starchy vegetables, such as corn, potatoes, and carrots should be avoided as well as dried vegetables.
What should you not feed hedgehogs?
Feeding hedgehogsLeave out foods like tinned dog or cat food and crushed cat or dog biscuits. ... Never feed hedgehogs milk or bread - milk can cause diarrhoea and bread isn't very nutritious.Check the food and water bowls each day to top them up with fresh water and food, and remove any food that hasn't been eaten.More items...
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 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...
Do hedgehogs eat lettuce?
Dark, Green and Leafy Veterinarian-recommended hedgehog fruit and veggie mixes are based on nutritious greens. Kale, romaine or leaf lettuces and collard greens are all good choices.
Can I feed hedgehogs cat biscuits?
What food should I feed to wild hedgehogs? Good quality proprietary hedgehog biscuits, dog biscuits and cat biscuits are best in that order. Along with plenty of fresh drinking water offered in a shallow sided dish. Cooked meaty dog and cat food are also good alternatives.
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 many mealworms do you feed a hedgehog?
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.
What do hedgehogs need in their cage?
Fresh food and water should be given daily. Hedgehogs are notorious for becoming obese, so daily exercise is essential. They also need to be provided with mental stimulation when they are in their cages, such as ramps, ledges, tunnels, and other “cage furniture” to climb through or on.
Can hedgehogs eat fresh broccoli?
While they can eat broccoli, it's best to cut it up into small pieces before giving it to your little hedgehog friend for easier digestion. Cooked with no seasoning or steamed is the safest way to feed broccoli to your hedgehog, and avoid raw broccoli. They can eat the stems, too.
What is the best cage for a hedgehog?
The cage should be large enough to allow the hedgehog to move around. At least 2 x 3 feet (61 x 91cm) should be the minimum floor space provided. Walls must be high enough to prevent escape, as hedgehogs are good climbers. A glass aquarium or smooth-sided cage is a reasonable choice for many owners.
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...
Are grapes toxic to hedgehogs?
Grapes Are Toxic to Hedgehogs Grapes might seem like they are harmless, but many animals can have adverse reactions to them—including your hedgehog. Both grapes and raisins are equally toxic, and either would require immediate vet attention if eaten.
What do you do with a hedgehog in your garden?
Generally, any hedgehog out during the day is probably in trouble and will need to be picked up and taken to a wildlife rescue centre. You can pick them up using gardening gloves and put them into a cardboard box, although they are good climbers, so you would need to ensure it cannot escape.
Can I feed a hedgehog raw meat?
Hedgehogs should never be fed avocados, onions, grapes or raisins, chocolate, any raw meat or egg yolks. Supplementing their diet with a daily multi-vitamin is recommended in times of illness, pregnancy or calcium deficiency.
What do hedgehogs eat?
What do pet hedgehogs eat? In the wild, hedgehogs eat a diverse selection of insects as well as some plant material and very occasionally small or baby mammals (like pinkie mice). Hedgehogs usually eat at night.
What to feed lizards?
Small amounts of gut loaded insects (i.e. insects fed nutritious food that is then passed on to the lizard), such as worms and crickets and a small amount of fresh vegetables and fruits can also be offered. Check with your veterinarian regarding which vegetables and fruits are recommended.
Can hedgehogs eat raw meat?
As a rule, hedgehogs don't require treats, although an occasional offering of fresh vegetables, fruits, and grains is acceptable. Hedgehogs should not be fed raw meats or eggs. Hedgehogs are not able to digest milk, which may lead to diarrhea.
What to feed a hedgehog before feeding it?
If you are feeding live insects, you need to feed them before you feed them to your hedgehog (called gut loading) to give the best possible nutritional value. A few pieces of apple, carrot or greens are suitable for this purpose. Never feed a ‘live’ insect that has died in the box, as it may already be decomposing.
What do hedgehogs eat?
Many fruits and vegetables are enjoyed by hedgehogs and add interest, vitamins, antioxidants and healthful phytochemicals to the diet. This can help your hedgehogs to stay healthy and live a long life.
How far can hedgehogs run?
Undomesticated hedgehogs have a natural range of 200 to 300 meters from their nest. However, they are great runners and in their search for food (according to the African Pygmy Hedgehog Club UK) they can cover up to 12 miles a night.
How much weight do hedgehogs eat?
Weight variation in adult hedgehogs is huge – with healthy adults, who are not obese, ranging from 200g to 1,000g. Obviously, a large hedgehog is likely to eat a great deal more than a very small one. Activity levels also vary greatly between individuals, so this will affect how much food is needed.
How much protein does a hedgehog need?
However, there is some agreement that for pet hedgehogs the ranges that produce the best results are around 28 to 35% protein (dry food matter) and 5 to 15% fat. Around 15% fiber is also thought to be desirable.
What enzymes are found in hedgehogs?
The hedgehog’s gut and pancreas contain the enzyme chitinase which enables this process.
When did hedgehogs become popular pets?
Hedgehogs have been popular pets in homes since the 1980s. But, as yet, their specific nutritional requirements are unknown. Most of the information available leads back to work done in zoos by researchers such as Anthony J. Smith and Dr. Graffam-Carlsen.
What is the best food for a hedgehog?
If a commercial hedgehog diet is unavailable, it can be substituted with a high quality, high protein/low fat cat food. This can be offered with small amounts of mixed fruits and vegetables.
What do hedgehogs eat?
Hedgehogs are classified as insectivorous (insect eaters) but appear to be very opportunistic eaters in the wild eating a wide variety of insects, mollusks (worms and snails) small animals and vegetation, fruits. and greens. Using this information, commercial hedgehog diets have been created to adjust to their dietary needs in captivity.
How to tell if hedgehog is sick?
Dehydration associated with diarrhea is a major concern with these small patients. Soft stool that lasts more than a day or diarrhea associated with other signs that your hedgehog is sick (not eating, inactivity or other change in behavior) should be brought to your veterinarian immediately.
Why do hedgehogs need exercise?
Hedgehogs require exercise to satisfy their desire to forage and to avoid obesity. This is easily achieved due to their curious and inquisitive nature. Hedgehogs love to push, chew, and manipulate toys, such as hard plastic balls, and paper towel rolls. An exercise wheel made for a hedgehog or chinchilla will be used.
What to do if your hedgehog is overweight?
If your hedgehog becomes overweight, limit the quantity of food and treats given, and increase exercise.
What are the quills on a hedgehog?
Handling. The quills on the hedgehog are stiff and sharp to the touch. The quills provide protection when the animal rolls up in a tight ball. When attempting to handle your pet, approach it slowly and quietly.
Why do hedgehogs have respiratory problems?
Respiratory infections are common and often associated with a too cold environment or stress. Discharge will be seen on the face or wrists of the front legs and respiration may sound wheezy or crackly. Respiratory infections in hedgehogs are life threatening and medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.
What do hedgehogs eat?
In the wild, the majority of their diet is primarily made up of invertebrates (creepy crawlies). They also eat a wide range of other insects. More infrequently, they will take advantage of frogs, baby rodents, and baby birds.
What is the best bedding for hedgehogs?
This largely comes down to personal preference and which option is the most convenient for you to clean. Soft bedding such as recycled paper, wood shavings, or fleece-lined towels that are changed out regularly are generally considered to be the best for the sensitive feet of a hedgehog.
What are the health problems of hedgehogs?
Some of the more common issues include skin infections with fungus (ringworm) and mites. Both ringworm and mites can cause dry, crusty, and flaky skin and quill loss.
Why do hedgehogs lose spines?
Generally speaking, parasite infestations such as mites are the most common reasons for your hedgehog to lose an excessive amount of spines. If your hedgehog is losing a lot of spines, then you will need to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible and seek their advice.
Why do hedgehogs get depressed?
If hedgehogs are limited to only the exercise you give them when you let them out of their cage, they could become depressed. Hedgehogs are most active at night, so if they are unable to exercise when you’re asleep, they will likely become overweight and could develop a variety of health issues including obesity.
How old do hedgehogs have to be to be tame?
As a result, your best chance to get yourself a hedgehog that doesn’t mind being held is by getting one at about six to eight weeks of age. However, this is not a general rule and can differ depending on the hedgehog in question.
What do you need to know about hedgehogs?
Hedgehog Care – Everything You Need To Know. Hedgehogs are docile creatures and make intriguing exotic pets. However, when it comes to these adorable animals, there’s much more than meets the eye, and there’s a lot of information to take on board to take care of one.
What do hedgehogs eat?
Unlike most other pocket pets, hedgehogs are considered insectivores and these snouted critters have quite the taste for things that creep and crawl. Mealworms and crickets are the most commonly fed insects in captivity but the staple diet for a hedgehog should be a store-bought, specially formulated hedgehog kibble.
What to put in a hedgehog cage for exercise?
A soft bedding such as a recycled paper material or towels that are changed out regularly are best for the sensitive feet of a hedgehog. A large enclosed running wheel should be kept in the cage for your hedgie to exercise in along with a hide box, food bowl, and water bottle.
Why is my hedgehog losing so many spines?
Spine loss is normal in small amounts but if your hedgehog is losing so many spines that it has bald patches it probably has a medical concern. Parasite infestations such as mites are the most common reasons for excessive spine loss. If your hedgehog is losing a lot of spines then it's time for a check-up with the vet.
How old do hedgehogs need to be to be tame?
Younger hedgehogs are easier to tame than older ones, therefore your best chance to having a hedgehog that loves being held is by getting one at about six to eight weeks of age. Typically, hedgehogs don't like their heads being pet and will roll into spiked balls when scared.
Why is exercise important for hedgehogs?
Exercise and activity is very important to hedgehogs so potential owners should be able to commit to be able to provide a hedgehog with the space necessary to do so. Illustration: The Spruce / Katie Kerpel.
What is a pet hedgehog?
Pet hedgehogs are unique animals so they also make unique pets. Not only do they eat a very different type of food when compared to other pocket pets, but they are covered with tiny little spikes and roll into balls when scared. Sonic the hedgehog may have been all blue and cool in the Sega video games but the real animals have their own special ...
Why do you spay a hedgie?
Thorough dental examinations at the yearly vet visits and the occasional dental cleaning under anesthesia is recommended to prevent your hedgie from losing any teeth or developing other dental problems.
What do hedgehogs eat?
In the wild, hedgehogs eat a variety of different insects and a small number of vegetables and fruit. Source: You basically want to replicate this diet model in captivity by feeding your hedgie a diet that’s mainly either cat or hedgehog food (more on which one to choose shortly) and a small amount of fruit and veggies.
Why do hedgehogs eat dry food?
Dry food also helps to keep your hedgehog’s teeth in good condition. The dry nature of the food keeps their teeth strong and healthy. It’s a little known fact that hedgehogs actually suffer from teeth and gum problems and a major cause of this is tartar buildup on teeth, this can often lead to infection and abscess.
Why can't hedgehogs drink milk?
Can hedgehogs drink milk? Hedgehogs can’t drink milk due to the fact they are lactose intolerant. Milk can cause a hedgehog to have serious abdominal pain and it can even kill them in some cases.
Why do hedgehogs need sugar?
They also need to consume low amounts of sugar due to their obesity problems and also potential problems with their teeth. Now let’s take a look at what you should be feeding your hedgehog as the main part of their diet….
Do hedgehogs need dairy?
Hedgehogs don’t need any dairy in their diet and our advice would be to stay away from it, however, if you really want to feed your hedgie some dairy then there are a small number of dairy foods they can eat. These should be fed to your hedgehog once in a while and in small quantities.
Can hedgehogs eat collard greens?
The first and probably most obvious is the health benefits that veggies and greens provide. Greens such as dandelion greens and collard greens, for example, are high in calcium and other highly important vitamins and minerals. Below is a list of vegetables and greens that your hedgehog can safely eat…. Arugula.
Do hedgehogs eat in captivity?
In order for your hedgehog to be healthy in captivity, there are a few guidelines you need to follow in their diet. Hedgehogs in captivity are prone to obesity if they aren’t fed a healthy diet so it’s important that you follow the guidelines as much as possible. Luckily, the principles of the hedgehog diet are pretty simple once you understand ...
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.
What to feed a hedgehog?
Many zoos, universities, parks, and museums feed Exotic Nutrition's Hedgehog Complete Food. In addition to this food, you should offer live insects, cooked chicken, vegetables, and fruits. A very small amount of canned cat food can be offered as a treat. Stay away from seeds, raisins, and dried fruits and vegetables (they get stuck in their mouths).
What is the best food for hedgehogs?
In addition to this food, you should offer live insects, cooked chicken, vegetables, and fruits. A very small amount of canned cat food can be offered as a treat.
Why do people feed hedgehogs cat food?
This is why many people opted and may still choose to feed their pet cat food instead of hedgehog kibble. Another reason why people may feed cat food to hedgehogs is that they simply continue to feed whatever the pet store or breeder used after taking their new hog home. Cat food is offered instead of dog food because it is a smaller kibble ...
What do hedgehogs eat?
This means their primary food should be made up of insect protein (chitin) and a variety of fruits, vegetables, cooked meats, live insects (such as mealworms ) and more. 1 In the wild, they are opportunistic feeders and will eat almost whatever looks tasty. They hang out in gardens and have up to 44 little teeth to munch on practically anything they want. Therefore, we need to think about what we offer them to eat in captivity.
How many teeth do hedgehogs have?
They hang out in gardens and have up to 44 little teeth to munch on practically anything they want. Therefore, we need to think about what we offer them to eat in captivity. Hedgehogs require a mixture of protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, water, and more.
Is hedgehog food good for cats?
The Pros of Cat Food. Some people have only had experience with the early days of hedgehog food or low-quality brands of hedgehog food, therefore they feed a very high protein brand of cat food instead. 1 The protein source doesn't bother them and the fiber in the diet replaces the chitin component. They can also readily get high protein cat food ...
What do hedgehogs eat?
The main bulk of the diet is caterpillars, beetles, millipedes, earthworms and earwigs.
What to do if you find a wild hedgehog?
If you have found a wild hedgehog which is sick, the best thing to do is to take it to a wild hedgehog carer. To find your nearest wild hedgehog carer, please see https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/found-a-hedgehog/. Unless you have some expertise, it isn’t a good idea to try to treat a wild hedgehog yourself.
Why do mammals need calcium?
The body of any mammal, (and others) needs blood levels of calcium and phosphorous to be correct to prevent illness. If too much phosphorous is eaten, calcium is taken from the body’s calcium stores (bones) to maintain the correct blood ratio of calcium and phosphorous.
Do hedgehogs drink milk?
Pat Morris, in the 2014 edition of ‘Hedgehogs’ acknowledges that bread and cows milk can cause ‘upset tummies’ in hedgehogs and also says ‘ … it would be better to offer them something more nourishing and with fewer side effects and to avoid giving it to babies …’. The only thing the hedgehogs need to drink is water.
Do wild hogs eat treats?
They are wild animals. The concept of treats is a human one, very tied into human emotion. Wild animals do not understand treats, they will eat what they are given. The best way of treating your wild hogs is to feed them safe, nutritionally balanced and appropriate food.
Do hedgehogs like mealworms?
Please apply that same common sense to the wild hedgehogs in your garden. Yes, they love mealworms.
Is peanuts good for hedgehogs?
But peanuts and seeds are also not so good for hedgehogs because of the ratio of calcium to phosphorous which, similar to mealworms, but to a slightly lesser extent, can contribute to bone problems. None of the stuff we feed hedgehogs is particularly good for them.