- Apples – eaten in moderation, apples are a deliciously crunchy treat for hedgehogs. ...
- 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. ...
- 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 ...
- Strawberries – a top choice for hogs, they are nice and sweet but don’t contain as much sugar as other fruits. ...
What is the best food for hedgehogs?
The best foods to provide are: 1 Meat-based cat or dog food 2 Specially-made hedgehog food 3 Cat biscuits
Can hedgehogs eat live or frozen insects?
You’ll need to feed all live insects before giving them to your hedgehog. This is the process of gut loading. It means filling the insect with good nutritional things that’ll get passed on to your hedgehog. You can use freeze-dried or canned insects if you prefer.
How to take care of a sick Hedgehog?
Ensure that you wear thick gloves at all times when handling a hedgehog to avoid being pricked. 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).
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 do you treat sick hedgehogs?
If you cannot get through take them to a local vet as soon as possible so they can give them emergency treatment. Hedgehogs will often try crawling away, so keeping them protected in a well-ventilated box, even wrapped in a blanket will help. Try to take them indoors while you call for emergency help.
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.
Should I syringe feed my hedgehog?
If at any time your hedgehog gets sick then he/she will be used to been syringe fed and you won't have much of a struggle. This is especially important for getting your hedgehog to take medicine.
How do you force feed a hedgehog?
Gently squeeze the plunger until a small amount comes out into the hedgehogs mouth. Go slow, so that the hedgehog will have time to swallow the food in its mouth or to spit it out, plus it may take your hedgehog a little time to get use to eating this way.
What can hedgehog drink?
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.
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 do you do if your hedgehog is not eating?
If you pet is not eating, Dr. Wilkinson says you can offer her some canned kitten food, chicken or turkey baby food, or her normal diet soaked in water or low-sodium chicken broth. A syringe might help with feeding or providing water, she adds, but do so carefully as she can aspirate or choke if it's given too rapidly.
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.
What do hedgehogs need to survive?
Hedgehogs need environmental temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees. Keep your hedgehog's cage away from drafts, direct sunlight, or cold areas. You may want to provide your hedgehog with a small warm spot in his cage where he can go to get warm but would also be able to get away from if he feels too warm.
What does it mean when a hedgehog stops eating?
Cage Temperature If the temperature is not set at an ideal range, your hedgehog may stop eating. Hedgehogs are sensitive to fluctuations in temperature, and inconsistent temps may provoke your hedgie to go into a hibernation-type state, which means it will stop eating.
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.
Can hedgehogs drink Pedialyte?
Pedialyte is safe and a good option for syringing more water if his urine is pretty dark or to see if it helps with the smell.
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 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.
What do you do when your hedgehog goes into hibernation?
4:4610:17Hedgehog Care: Hibernation & How to Treat It - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then you can put a blanket over yourself or your shirt over your Hedgehog. Or both. And you wantMoreAnd then you can put a blanket over yourself or your shirt over your Hedgehog. Or both. And you want to leave your Hedgehog resting on your skin. Until they become responsive.
Can hedgehogs eat cat food in jelly?
Yes, nutritionally there will be no difference between those in gravy, jelly or loaf form. Hedgehogs wild diet is very varied and can even include carrion, so any stomach upsets are very unlikely to be caused by the gravy or jelly in tinned foods. How do I stop cats eating the food I put out for hedgehogs?
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 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?
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 do hedgehogs eat?
So, hedgehogs will devour almost whatever happens to cross their path if it looks or smells tasty. For example, they’ll eat insects, beetles, worms, slugs, millipedes, spiders, and ants.
Why do hedgehogs eat wet cat food?
They had a lot of experience with their native hedgehogs. They used wet and dry cat food because it was nutritious and widely available, and it worked well. It contained a good amount of protein and fat, similar to the hedgehog’s natural diet, and those organizations still recommend it.
Why do hedgehogs like crickets?
Crickets are a great choice if your hedgehog is prone to gain weight because they’re lower in fat than mealworms.
What happens if a hedgehog eats too much phosphorus?
If there’s too much phosphorus in your hedgehog’s diet, it could cause a calcium deficiency. This calcium deficiency, Metabolic Bone Disease, is a weakening of the bones. It’s not only painful but can also be fatal. So, it’s crucial to maintain a proper proportion of calcium and phosphorus in your hedgehog’s diet.
Why is fiber important for hedgehogs?
The thing is that fiber is an essential element of your hedgehog’s diet as it helps the digestion of protein and fat. In the wild, they get their fiber from insect exoskeletons, which contain chitin. Hedgehogs have a particular enzyme called chitinase, which enables them to use this chitin as their fiber intake.
Why do hedgehogs eat all night?
Because in the wild, hedgehogs forage all night searching for and consuming food. In captivity, they’re not burning energy in this way, but the high-fat content of insects, coupled with the hedgehog’s relative inactivity, means it’s prone to putting on weight. Also, in the wild, African Pygmy hedgehogs are aestivate.
What is the recommended protein level for a pig?
Suggested Nutritional Content. But, from the information available, when in captivity, the recommended levels are around 30-50% protein and 10-20% fat, with about 15% fiber. The protein and fat contents are often refined to a maximum of about 35% for protein and 15% for fat.
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. As pets, hedgehogs should mainly be fed high quality hedgehog food. 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. Avoid lettuce and celery, which are low in nutritional value and avocados, which might be toxic. Insects should be purchased from a pet store or raised in the home; care should be used in obtaining insects from gardens where insecticides and fertilizers have been used. Earthworms can be a very nutritious treat. Your veterinarian may be able to provide some tips on successfully raising your own insects to offer your hedgehog.
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.
Do hedgehogs have a propensity for obesity?
Hedgehogs have a propensity for obesity if the food intake is not monitored or controlled. Food given in measured proportions will help stop this problem.
Can I offer my hedgehog treats?
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. Do not offer nuts, seeds or hard foods like raw carrot as they may get suck in the roof of the mouth (especially peanut halves). Don't offer any "people food" without checking with your veterinarian first.
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.