The best choice is a calci worm to feed them, so check out black soldier fly larvaes. They can be gut loaded with some yummy broccoli or carrots and potato 24 hours before feeding them to your hedgehog! Meat like boiled chicken, egg whites, and beef tripe are excellent choices to offer hedgehogs as well.
What is the best thing to feed a hedgehog?
Recommended hedgehog treats include:
- mealworms
- boiled chicken
- scrambled / hard boiled eggs
- apples
- bananas
- berries
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?
- A ‘base food’ cat kibble or premium hedgehog food.
- Some other animal protein foods (could be different types of cat kibble).
- Some vegetables and fruit.
- Some insects.
- Supplements (optional).
- Treats (optional).
How do I fatten up my hedgehog?
A high fat cat or kitten food would definitely help. As long as the protein levels are appropriate it should work wonders. I currently have my non stop runner of a hedgie on a mix including chicken soup for the cat lover's soul because of it's higher fat content.
What do I do if my hedgehog is underweight?
The underweight Hedgehog There are several things you can do to try and encourage them to become a healthy hedgehog weight. Firstly, check their cage temperature and make sure it is within the 74°F – 80°F ( 23°C – 26.7°C ). Next, you'll want to introduce a diet higher in fat but still keep the protein the same.
Why is my hedgehog getting skinny?
A thin hedgehog is likely to be struggling with internal parasites. You can read more about the importance of the size/weight ratio here. Healthy hedgehog with a nice round rear end. Being too fat can also cause problems.
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...
What should a healthy hedgehog weight?
between 1 and 2 lbsHealthy adult hedgehogs typically weigh between 1 and 2 lbs in the wild. But there is vast variation, depending on the age and sex of the hog and the time of year.
Is my hedgehog 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.
What can I feed a sick 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.
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.
What should I syringe feed my hedgehog?
Rice baby cereal, Vanilla flavored Ensure (Ensure is very helpful for giving the hedgehog an added boost along with vitamins), baby food chicken or other types for a variety, crushed Select Diet hedgehog food, thinned Hills a/d (obtained from your vet).
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 baby hedgehogs drink cat milk?
Products such as Cimicat are acceptable for a short time with the very young hoglets but are not substantial enough to make the hoglets grow. We have found that Shirley's Lactol, Welpi, Canilac and most Kitten milks, as well as human baby formulas, are completely unsuccessful and will always advise you not to use them.
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.
When should I be concerned about my hedgehog?
Injured hedgehogs - with open wounds, fractures, bites, burns, or trapped in some way. Sick hedgehogs - usually found out in the day, thin, dehydrated, possibly poisoned, or with breathing problems. Hedgehogs that are unsteady on their feet (wobbling, rocking) or with flies around them.
How much should an African pygmy hedgehog weight?
Normal physiologic valuesBody temperature (see Metabolism below)1795.7-98.6°F35.4-37.0°CRespiration25-50 bpmBody weightAdult male400-600 g 17Adult female250-400 g 1Mean life span3-5 years4-6 years 17 Up to 10y recorded7 more rows•Feb 14, 2010
What is the ideal weight for a hedgehog to hibernate?
We suggest that a hedgehog should weigh around 600 grams before going into hibernation to ensure it has a good body fat resource to see it through the long sleep. Hedgehogs much smaller than this will still try and hibernate, but if the body fat is too low, it will not survive and would not wake up again.
How much should a baby hedgehog weigh?
If the hoglets were part of a May/July litter they should be released into the wild as soon as it is clear they can fend for themselves – they should weigh about 450gms and be at least 8 weeks old.
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 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.
Is dry cat food good for cats?
Dry cat food is an excellent second choice, and many people recommend using cat food as their main food source due to its availability and high-quality ingredients. The thing to remember when buying cat food is to use a brand that has about 35% protein and 15% fat. You also want to make sure the first ingredient is chicken and not a meat byproduct or a carbohydrate.
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.
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.
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 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 to feed a hedgehog?
The best choice is a calci worm to feed them, so check out black soldier fly larvaes. They can be gut loaded with some yummy broccoli or carrots and potato 24 hours before feeding them to your hedgehog! Meat like boiled chicken, egg whites, and beef tripe are excellent choices to offer hedgehogs as well.
What do hedgehogs eat?
Hedgehogs are opportunistic carnivores that mainly eat their cat kibble and insects. They are lactose intolerant, so feeding them dairy can harm their digestive system and give them painful gas. Also, even though they find and munch on berries in the wild, their digestive systems do not benefit from directly eating fruits and vegetables because of their lack of cecum. However, they do benefit if the insects being fed to them has ingested fruits and veggies. This is a process called gut-loading their worms. Gut loading worms, means purchasing pet store bought feeder insects and feeding them fresh veggies, fruits 24 hours before feeding them live to your hedgehog. Speaking of insects though, you want to avoid feeding anything that is not balanced in calcium and phosphorus – so be careful of mealworms, crickets, and hornworms. We only know of one worm that is balanced in Ca:P, and that's the black soldier fly larvae – a nutritious calci worm. If you want to find out exactly why we say that about calcium and phosphorus – give this article on metabolic bone disease a read.
How much food do hedgehogs eat?
Hedgehogs only eat 1-2 tablespoons per day. Even though the food list will cost a bit more when you choose higher quality food, it will last longer and so will the lifespan of your hedgie. If you portion properly, you will only have to purchase hedgehog food twice a year.
What is the recommended fat percentage for hedgehogs?
For the average hedgehog food list, the golden range for fat ratio is 10%-13%. This range gives you a comfortable scale to find food that will meet your hedgehogs needs.
What percentage of protein should be in hedgie food?
Optimal Protein and Fiber Percentage In Hedgie Food. Protein content needs to be below 35%, but optimally between 30% and 33% is best. The higher the protein the greater the risk of kidney and liver damage, causing a ton of potential consequences for their mental and physical health. Most noteably is fatty liver disease.
What insects are not balanced in calcium?
Speaking of insects though, you want to avoid feeding anything that is not balanced in calcium and phosphorus – so be careful of mealworms, crickets, and hornworms . We only know of one worm that is balanced in Ca:P, and that's the black soldier fly larvae – a nutritious calci worm.
Why can't hedgehogs eat acidic food?
Hedgehogs should avoid ingesting or anointing with anything acidic because it causes upset stomach, mouth sores, and ulcers. The items to strike off your hedgehog's food list includes, but is not limited to:
What is the best food for hedgehogs?
Dog and Cat Food. Most dog and cat food is also a good choice for your hedgehogs. These pet foods tend to be meat-based, and therefore, although it isn’t specially formulated with the needs of hedgehogs in mind, it does a pretty good job of netting their dietary requirements.
What do hedgehogs eat?
What to Feed Wild Hedgehogs In Your Garden. Hedgehogs are insectivores; their main food in the wild is insects and other invertebrates such as snails, worms and slugs. But they are also opportunistic eaters. This means they will eat pretty much anything they can get their snouts into, whether it’s good for them or not.
What is the primary ingredient in hedgehog food?
When you choose a hedgehog food, it’s best to check the ingredients list. Look for meat, usually poultry, to be the primary (first listed) ingredient in your hedgehog food. Meat should be the primary ingredient in both wet and dry foods.
Why are hedgehogs so friendly?
And one of the main reasons for this is that more and more people are feeding hedgehogs and making their gardens hedgehog-friendly. Loss of habitat and increasing use of pesticides means that , even though they forage all night, it’s difficult for hedgehogs to find the food they need from natural sources.
Do hedgehogs like humans?
Like humans, hedgehogs will often prefer the tasty bits that are bad for them to the nutritious but boring bits. So it’s best to completely avoid feeding hedgehogs things that are bad for them – even as a “little treat” or a small part of a hedgehog food.
Is hedgehog food good for spikey?
Not all hedgehog foods, however, are quite so good for our spikey friends. When you choose a hedgehog food, it's best to check the ingredients list. Click To Tweet.
Can hedgehogs eat wet food?
Either wet or dry hedgehog food is fine. Lots of people say hedgehogs prefer the wet food. It certainly has a stronger smell and could do a better job of attracting hedgehogs to your feeding station in the first place. Of course, this also makes it more of a magnet for other animals.
What to feed hedgehogs?
Avid runners will benefit from more exoskeletons found in their bugs, so feeding them 1 – 4 worms, crickets, or roaches every day will be a great addition to their healthy hedgehog diet. The best insects to feed with the highest fat content are mealworms, butterworms, and dubia roaches. It is a good idea to mix two or more dry kibbles together too with one containing higher fat and one with average fat content. Also, you could add in some protein like scrambled unseasoned eggs or poached salmon!
How much should a hedgehog weigh?
There is no exact number that a healthy hedgie should be by a certain age beyond 6 weeks. By that point they should have reached at least 200 g / 7 oz. They range in body types with some being longer and leaner and others are shorter and more plump.
How long does it take for a hedgehog to adapt to new food?
Finally: Achieving and Maintaining a Healthy Hedgehog Weight. Finally: Achieving and Mainting a Healthy Hedgehog Weight. It's going to take a week or two before your hedgehog adapts to their new food. Don't just keep trying new foods, stick with the same ones and be resilient.
What temperature should a pig's cage be?
Firstly, check their cage temperature and make sure it is within the 74°F – 80°F ( 23°C – 26.7°C ). Next, you'll want to introduce a diet higher in fat but still keep the protein the same. The new food source should have a fat percentage of around 15%.
Is a hedgehog the smallest of its siblings?
Sometimes there is a hoglet born that is the smallest of their siblings. About 3/4 of the regular size! Somewhere along the way of being birthed to weaned, this hedgehog did not receive the same amount of nutrients as other siblings did. It was also probably harder for them to reach mama hedgie's milk with the other siblings fighting for a drink. So, his body is not equipped to grow taller or gain weight at a normal pace.
Do hedgehogs need vet visits?
Therefore, any sudden weight change should be a sign that your hedgehog needs to visit the vet. Additionally, It is important to keep a record of your hedgehog's weight by weighing them at home weekly. It may seem excessive, but hedgehogs are good at hiding illnesses which can come on quickly.
Can hedgehogs grow taller?
So, his body is not equipped to grow taller or gain weight at a normal pace. That is not to say he won't ever be the same weight one day with the proper hedgehog diet list and lifestyle. It is very possible that once adult age is reached, these runts of the hedgehog litter will become the same weight as his siblings.
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 much weight do hedgehogs need to survive?
For optimum health and survival chances, it is important that hedgehogs are neither too thin or too fat. Hedgehogs ideally need to be over 650g to have a good chance of surviving hibernation but, like in people, the right weight depends on their size and will vary between individual hedgehogs.
How to tell if a hedgehog is healthy?
How can you tell if a hedgehog is a healthy weight? Thin underweight hedgehogs are likely to be sick and will need specialist treatment. Hedgehogs being kept in captivity (because they have been sick or were too small to survive hibernation) can also get too fat. For optimum health and survival chances, it is important that hedgehogs are neither ...
Why do hedgehogs lose weight?
Ringworm, for example, is often triggered by stress, along with the bacterial infection Coccidiosis. If a hedgehog in captivity is getting so fat that it can no longer fully curl, its food needs to be restricted until it starts losing weight.
What does a hedgehog look like?
A hedgehog that is underweight for its size will have a tapered ‘v-shaped’ rear end like in the picture above. It may also appear ‘baggy’. A healthy hedgehog should have a nice firm rounded end like in the picture below. A thin hedgehog is likely to be struggling with internal parasites.
How heavy is a hedgehog?
Despite being heavy at over 1.3kg, he can still fully curl into a tight ball. The importance of making sure the hedgehog is a healthy weight means you should always seek guidance from an expert wildlife rescue if you are considering looking after a hedgehog. A thin, underweight hedgehog is likely to be very sick and in need ...
How long does it take for a hedgehog to lose weight?
It is much easier to prevent this happening than to put the hedgehog on a diet. It can take many weeks for the hedgehog to lose the weight and they will get stressed being kept in captivity for so long. This in itself can cause more problems.
Can hedgehogs get too fat?
If a hedgehog gets so fat that it cannot curl up fully into a ball, it will be vulnerable to predation and other problems. Sadly, it is not unknown for hedgehogs that have been kept in captivity for Winter to end up being too fat.
