- green beans (fresh or frozen & thawed – not canned)
- cut tomatoes (fresh)
- squash & zucchini (cooked)
- green peppers (fresh)
- cucumbers (fresh)
- dark green leafy veggies (like spinach) that has been washed very well
- baby foods (especially for an older or sick hedgehog)
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 can you give a sick hedgehog?
Give some wet dog or cat food to them as well as some fresh water. Contact a hedgehog or wildlife rescue centre immediately but if you cannot get through to anyone, it may be quicker to take the animal to a vet yourself for emergency treatment.
How can I help my weak hedgehog?
Gently cover the hedgehog with an old towel or fleece to make it feel more secure and offer some meaty cat or dog food and water. Once you have the hedgehog settled somewhere quiet indoors, call the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) on 01584 890 801.
What can you give a dehydrated hedgehog?
Rehydration Fluids - If you do not have ready prepared oral fluids such as Lectade, you can make your own using 1 level Tablespoon of sugar, 1 level teaspoon of salt and dissolve in a litre of warm water. This should be given by syringe very slowly.
Is sugar water good for hedgehogs?
Sadly, this mixture can be lethal for birds if they bathe in it as the sugar will cause problems with their feathers. Please do offer plain water in shallow bowls in the garden for thirsty hedgehogs but do not add anything else to it.
Why is my hedgehog barely moving?
If your hedgehog is acting sluggish, lethargic, uncoordinated or they are wobbly with the inability to move limbs; it may be a hibernation attempt. Some hedgehog owners fear the worst – Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome – which is a definite death sentence. Between the two, you can determine hedgehog hibernation quite easily.
What does hedgehog sick look like?
Weight loss, loose or reduced stools and reduced or bloody urine also can indicate your hedgehog is under the weather. Other signs of a sick hedgehog include lethargy, panting or labored breathing, a dull expression, discharge from the nose or eyes, sneezing, coughing and paralysis.
How can you tell if a hedgehog is dehydrated?
Things you can look out for are: Does its skin spring back when you pull up a couple of spines? If the skin appears to stay in place, the hedgehog could be dehydrated. Ensure the hedgehog has access to plenty of water if you suspect dehydration.
Do hedgehogs drink 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.
How do I get my hedgehog to drink water?
Make a mark on the bottle and bowl and fill the water to the mark (using something like a non-toxic marker). This way if they do drink, you'll be able to tell. Also an abrupt change in her diet such as switching food can cause an upset stomach, which might be why she might not be drinking as much as she would.
Is tap water OK for hedgehogs?
Really, it just depends on the quality of your tap water. There are some people on the forum that use tap water for their hogs, and don't have any issues with it. If your city's water is pretty clean, then it should be fine if you want to use it.
Is Honey Good for hedgehogs?
Honey should be just fine. The only concern is what Immortalia mentioned, just make sure it isn't too chewy/sticky. Check out our Supply page for the best deals on all your hedgehog needs!
What milk can hedgehogs drink?
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.
How to care for a sick hedgehog?
If you are caring for a sick hedgehog, it is important that they have a good heat source from, for example, a heat lamp or well-wrapped hot water bottle (to avoid burning the hedgehog).
What to do if you suspect a hedgehog is sick?
If you suspect a hedgehog is sick, in the first instance, you should visually examine it in order to gage an understanding as to whether or not it may need medical attention. Things you can look out for are:
How can I tell if a hedgehog is sick?
A hedgehog seen out in the day is uncommon. Seeing one out in daylight could be a key indicator that the hedgehog is sick and in need of your help, especially if it is during winter time when most hedgehogs should be hibernating. Sick hedgehogs could be thin, dehydrated, possibly poisoned or have breathing problems. Injured hedgehogs may be seen with open wounds, fractures, bites or burns.
How to contact British Hedgehog Preservation Society?
Once you have taken all of the advised steps stated above, you can contact The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) on 01584 890 801 who will further assist you on next steps. If you think that the hedgehog needs urgent or professional medical attention, you can take it to your local veterinary practice.
Why does my hedgehog smell so bad?
Does the hedgehog have a funny smell? It could have an infection somewhere on its body, meaning it will more than likely need professional medical attention.
Where to take a hedgehog?
You should not take a hedgehog too far away from where you originally found it unless it is severely injured, in which case you should take it to the vet or a local hedgehog rescue centre in a sturdy, high-sided cardboard box lined with a sheet, towel without holes or ripped up newspaper. If you find a hedgehog alive and in a dangerous place, for example on a main road, you should move it to a safe location nearby to where you found it. Ensure that you wear thick gloves at all times when handling a hedgehog to avoid being pricked.
Do hedgehogs need to be cleaned?
The hedgehog will also need to be kept clean, meaning its ‘bedding’ (i.e. the towel, sheet or ripped up newspaper) will need to be changed daily. Sick or injured hedgehogs are susceptible to hypothermia.
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 do hedgehogs eat?
Hedgehogs are omnivores, and as such, they can eat small amounts of lean, cooked meat, like chicken, salmon, tuna, or the occasional bite of steak.
How Often Do Hedgehogs Drink Water?
A healthy hedgehog should drink somewhere in the vicinity of 1 ½ to 2 ½ tablespoons of water every day.
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 is the best food for a hedgehog?
Of the 14 foods we have listed as safe to feed your hedgehog, most would agree the high-quality cat food is the best choice as it’s inexpensive, easy to find, and contains all of the necessary ingredients in the proper ratios. If you have access and unlimited funds, hedgehog food is the obvious choice. Hedgehogs enjoy a varied meal, so you may want to stock up on several of these items. Keep a constant watch over your pet’s weight because hedgehogs love to eat and can quickly become obese.
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 hedgehogs eat insects?
Unfortunately, your pet hedgehog will not get the exercise that a wild hedgehog gets. Also, some of these foods are hard for the wild hedgehog to get, so they eat very little. Even though insects contain Chitlin, which is an important nutrient for hedgehogs, it can gain weight if fed too many, so it’s better to give these foods as treats.
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.
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.
Is grape poisonous to hedgehogs?
Grapes – Grapes are also toxic to hedgehogs and should not them to your pet.
Do hedgehogs like vegetables?
Hedgehogs like vegetables, but they have a bit of difficult y digesting them, so if you do give your pet veggies, cut them into small pieces first. If the vegetable is hard like carrots or broccoli, cook it a bit first to soften it a little. Vegetables your hedgehog can eat include broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, corn, green peppers, and peas.
What to feed a hedgehog?
There are plenty to choose from that a good for hedgehogs, these include: 1 Apples – eaten in moderation, apples are a deliciously crunchy treat for hedgehogs. They are high in natural sugars, so they should only be given as a treat now and again 2 Leafy greens – hedgehogs love veggies like broccoli, cucumber, lettuce and more. You might have to cook some of the tougher veggies to make them easier for hogs to eat. Just make sure you feed them bite-size pieces 3 Berries – organic blueberries and raspberries in particular are okay for hedgehogs to eat, opt for organic if you can because these will less likely have been sprayed with possibly harmful chemicals 4 Strawberries – a top choice for hogs, they are nice and sweet but don’t contain as much sugar as other fruits. Just make sure you cut them up into bite-size pieces for your little prickly friend
What to feed an overweight hedgehog?
A good tip if you’re feeding an overweight hedgehog, take into consideration the fact that they find it easier to digest insects so try feeding them some fibrous vegetables, this will allow your hog to eat more without consuming a high amount of calories.
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.
Why are hedgehogs considered woodland animals?
Hedgehogs are widely recognized woodland animals due to their cute, prickly appearance and timid temperament, making them safe to hang out in your yard or even keep as pets.
How far can hedgehogs cover?
Did you know they can cover up to 12 miles a night? That’s a lot of foraging!
Why is it important to feed hogs?
It’s important that owners feed their hogs a good variety of tastes, textures and smells because that’s what they would be getting out in the wild. Simply feeding them dry cat kibble won’t give them the nutrients or eating experience they need.
How far can a hedgehog run in one night?
Like we said, some hedgehogs can travel as far as 12 miles in one night and are actually good runners, so they don’t usually struggle to find food.
How to keep hedgehogs safe?
Gently cover the hedgehog with an old towel or fleece to make it feel more secure and offer some meaty cat or dog food and water. Once you have the hedgehog settled somewhere quiet indoors, call the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) on 01584 890 801.
How to handle a hedgehog?
Use gardening gloves or a towel to handle the hedgehog, then take it inside in a box and place a well-wrapped hot water bottle underneath it. Fill the bottle with hot tap water (not boiling) – you should be able to hold your hand comfortably on the bottle when wrapped.
How to contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society?
Those hedgehogs will generally be moving quickly, appear well and only out for short periods of time. Monitor from a distance to ensure no problems develop and if in doubt call the British Hedgehog Preservation Society on 01584 890 801.
What to do if you see a hedgehog at night?
What to do if you find a hedgehog that looks unwell. If you spot a hedgehog at night and it looks healthy then the best thing you can do is leave it alone. Hedgehogs are wild animals and so can get very easily stressed by human contact. If the sighting is during the day – it could be a warning sign that all is not well.
How long to wait to check for a dead hedgehog?
During the breeding season, continue to check the area where the dead hedgehog was found (if safe for you to do so) for at least 3-4 days for any orphans. Listen out for the squeak of a bird but at ground level as this may be an orphaned hoglet’s distress call.
When do hedgehogs start to venture out of nest?
Hoglets. At around 4 weeks old , baby hedgehogs (hoglets) start to venture out of the nest with their mothers. Some hoglets, even newborns, whose mother has been killed will venture out of the nest in search of her. You are likely to spot these out in the day; they may be squeaking and there may be flies around them.
Why do hedgehogs stutter?
Staggering is a sign of hypothermia and so is ‘sunbathing’ as they spread themselves out in the sun in an attempt to get some heat into their bodies. If you find a hedgehog in this state, they need your help quickly.
What to give hedgehogs for ringworm?
Over-the-counter antifungal creams and shampoos can be used to treat ringworm, but give a quick call to the veterinarian to determine if these medications are safe for the hedgehog. Tea tree oil is also said to be effective in clearing mild cases of ringworm. If giving the hog a bath, make sure it is done in warm water and that extra care is taken around any cuts and scabs.
How to treat a hedgehog for ticks?
Treating a hedgehog for ticks involves prompt and proper removal of the parasite to prevent infection and sicknesses. Using tweezers or a special tick remover, grab the tick close to the hedgehog’s skin and pull gently outward without crushing or twisting the tick to ensure no fluids or part of the parasite is left behind. Dispose of the tick in rubbing alcohol and use a disinfecting wipe to sterilize the bite.
What is Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome?
Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome is a neurological disease that is most commonly found in African Pygmy Hedgehogs , but also can occur in other species. This is a progressive disease that causes loss of muscle control and muscular degeneration due to nerve damage. Paresis usually starts at the back of the animal and progresses forward over time, potentially resulting in complete paralysis.
Why do hedgehogs have foam around their mouths?
Foam around the mouth of a hedgehog is not a reason for concern, as this is a common action called self-anointing and isn’t a result of an illness. It is unclear as to exactly why hedgehogs self-anoint, but it is suspected that it occurs when they encounter an unusual food or smell, or when they consume a potent food that will help them hide their scent from predators. When this happens, the hog will contract its abdomen and regurgitate food and saliva, putting it onto the quills on the sides and back.
How to treat worms on hedgehogs?
To treat an infestation, contact a veterinarian who will help determine the species of worm and severity of the infestation and prescribe a treatment. These treatments may range from oral medications to injections. Antibiotics may also be given to get rid of any bacterial infections that are often associated with these parasitic infestations. Immediate action is important because, once a hedgehog shows these symptoms, it may have limited time before the infestation becomes fatal. Keep the hedgehog hydrated, offering plenty of water, and keep it warm by wrapping it in a towel or fleece material.
What are the symptoms of a hedgehog infestation?
Symptoms of these infestations include itching, red and inflamed skin, quill loss, and anemia.
Why do hedgehogs need antibiotics?
Antibiotics may also be given to get rid of any bacterial infections that are often associated with these parasitic infestations. Immediate action is important because, once a hedgehog shows these symptoms, it may have limited time before the infestation becomes fatal.
What To Do With A Sick Hedgehog?
If your hedgehog displays any of the signs of illness listed above, or if he just changes in behavior, it at least warrants a call to your veterinarian. Your vet will be able to provide suggestions on what might help or recommend that you bring your pet in right away.
How to keep a hedgehog healthy?
That means feeding your hedgehog well, giving him plenty of exercise, and keeping up with routine veterinary care to keep him in good health. If your hedgehog gets sick, take him to the vet immediately to give him the best chance of recovery.
What kind of hedgehogs are kept as pets?
African Pygmy Hedgehogs are the type most commonly kept as pets, though you may also see European hedgehogs and four-toed hedgehogs as pets. Do some research on the specific type of hedgehog you have just to make sure you know exactly what to do to keep your pet healthy.
How long do hedgehogs live?
The average lifespan for a hedgehog is about 4 to 6 years, though they can certainly live longer with proper care. Wild hedgehogs may only live 2 to 5 years.
Why is my hedgehog's urine brown?
Urinary tract issues: Hedgehogs can develop urinary tract infections or inflammation (cystitis) which can turn the urine brown or bloody. Urolithiasis (bladder stones) can also be an issue. Keep in mind that health issues may vary among different types of hedgehogs.
Why do hedgehogs go into torpor?
One thing hedgehog owners should know is that these animals will go into a state of torpor if the temperature in their habitat drops too low. Torpor is like hibernation – your hedgehog will appear weak or lethargic and may sleep more than usual.
Why is my hedgehog scratching?
High-fat foods and too many treats are often to blame. External parasites: Also called ectoparasites, external parasites like ear mites are fairly common in hedgehogs. If your pet is itching and scratching, mites could be to blame.
