How Long Can A Hedgehog Go Without Eating? All Answers

Hedgehogs are nocturnal, athletic and solitary

Hedgehogs have grown in popularity as pets over the past few decades. Before adding one to your family, Dr. Krista Keller, a veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Urbana, to learn as much as possible about the unique needs of these animals.

While the wild European hedgehog roams freely in gardens in the UK and elsewhere, the species being bred for the pet trade is the African pygmy hedgehog Atelerix albiventris, according to Dr. Keller, who is board certified by the American College of Zoological Medicine.

Hedgehog diet and housing needs

In the wild, hedgehogs eat a variety of bugs, plants, and roots. This diet can be difficult to reconstruct in captivity. “The best hedgehog food would be a specially formulated hedgehog or insectivore food, of which there are many commercially available supplements,” says Dr. Basement, cellar. “This diet can be supplemented with treats like mealworms, crickets, and fruits and vegetables.”

This lateral radiograph (X-ray) of a three-year-old African pygmy hedgehog was taken during an annual cardiovascular disease screening visit. The hedgehog’s snout will be placed to receive anesthetic gases to keep it still during the imaging procedure.

They may be rowdy, but hedgehogs are actually quite athletic creatures! In the wild, they often walk several kilometers a night and are skilled climbers and swimmers. To meet their exercise needs, pet hedgehogs need an enclosure large enough to hold a running wheel and room for natural feeding behavior.

The enclosure also needs smooth sides (so the hedgehog can’t climb out) and a hiding place to sleep. Minimum enclosure size is 2′ x 3′. Large Tupperware storage containers can be a great option for an enclosure.

It is also imperative to fit an external heat source (an underfloor heater or heat lamp) with multiple thermometers inside the enclosure to monitor effectiveness. Hedgehogs hail from a tropical part of the world and thrive best in a temperature of 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooler or hotter temperatures can cause a hedgehog to enter a state called torpor.

hedgehog activity

Hedgehogs are nocturnal. They sleep during the day and are very active at night. “They’ll get up for their ‘day’ when they eat dinner, which can be a nice time to interact with them before bed,” says Dr. Basement, cellar.

Keep in mind that their nocturnal activities, including running on a wheel, may mean you don’t want their enclosure in your bedroom. Wheels are loud! (Dr. Keller also says that running wheels should never have a wire bottom, as this construction leads to broken limbs.)

“Unfortunately, many captive hedgehogs are overweight, so exercise is very important,” says Dr. Basement, cellar. “Allow your hedgehog time outside of the enclosure to explore or swim while being supervised a few hours a week.”

hedgehog interaction

Hedgehogs are very solitary animals and should be kept separately. In the wild, they are only social during the breeding season.

Their solitary nature can make it difficult for these pets to warm up to you. dr Keller says that with time and patience, you can learn to work with your pet and gain their trust.

“The best way to train a hedgehog to handle animals is to get the animal from a breeder at a young age, although there are exceptions to this rule,” says Dr. Basement, cellar.

dr Krista Keller (right) demonstrates how to perform a physical exam on a pet hedgehog.

When you get your hedgehog for the first time, you should give it time to settle into its new enclosure. Give her a few hands off days. Once she’s settled in, start handling at night when she’s awake. Handling should focus on getting the animal used to smelling the hands. Be careful: hedgehogs will bite when startled, so it is very important to go slow and socialize the animal gradually.

hedgehog health care

Like any other pet, hedgehogs should see a veterinarian every year for early detection of potential health issues.

“Vet exams are a crucial part of hedgehog health. After you get a hedgehog, take it to a veterinarian to be checked for internal parasites and external parasites like mites,” advises Dr. Basement, cellar.

You should be aware that hedgehogs can get a variety of cancers and heart diseases. With annual vet visits and early detection, a hedgehog can still have a good quality and length of life. dr Keller also recommends neutering all female hedgehogs. Female hedgehogs are prone to uterine tumors, which can be fatal. Preventive neutering can completely eliminate this risk.

dr Keller says: “With the right care and husbandry, your hedgehog will live for about five years, some even longer than eight years.”

If you have questions about hedgehogs, contact your local veterinarian.

By Hannah Beer

Featured photo by Amaya Guizabal

As insectivores, hedgehogs require nutrients not found in many other pet foods. In the past, cat food was often used to feed these spiny pocket pets, but there is also quality hedgehog food that provides ideal nutritional components for a hedgehog to eat. In addition to animal food, hedgehogs like to eat fresh fruit and vegetables. Knowing what a hedgehog should be eating will help you make better food choices for your pet.

General guidelines for pet hedgehog food

Hedgehogs are considered either omnivores or insectivores, depending on the source. If you look at a hedgehog’s actual diet, you’ll find that the omnivore description is probably more accurate, since hedgehogs eat a variety of foods in the wild, not just insects. Different species of hedgehog have slightly different diets depending on the part of the world they hail from, but most pet hedgehogs are African pygmy hedgehogs, so their diet is not the same as that of a wild hedgehog as they are a hybrid.

Hedgehogs have the unique ability to digest insect chitin. Chitin is found in the hard exoskeleton of insects and is primarily a source of protein, but also provides some fiber. Chitin is a necessary part of a hedgehog’s diet, but it is not the only thing a hedgehog needs from its diet, so various things should be fed in addition to insects.

Mealworms: Live or freeze-dried mealworms are a good source of chitin for hedgehogs. Live worms also provide a good source of mental stimulation as they move and make a hedgehog try a little harder to catch its food.

Live or freeze-dried mealworms are a good source of chitin for hedgehogs. Live worms also provide a good source of mental stimulation as they move and make a hedgehog try a little harder to catch its food. Waxworms: Live waxworms have a higher fat content but lower chitin content than mealworms, so these should be saved as treats for hedgehogs.

Live waxworms have a higher fat content but lower chitin content than mealworms, so these should be saved as treats for hedgehogs. Crickets: Also available live or freeze-dried, crickets provide chitin as well as mental stimulation for a hedgehog. As with other insects, gut loading should be done before you feed your hedgehog crickets to ensure they are loaded with nutrients.

Crickets are also available live or freeze-dried and provide chitin and mental stimulation for a hedgehog. As with other insects, gut loading should be done before you feed your hedgehog crickets to ensure they are loaded with nutrients. Fruit: Dried fruit should be avoided, but a small amount of fresh fruit can be offered to your hedgehog as a treat. Apples, bananas, berries and melons are popular with hedgehogs.

Dried fruit should be avoided, but a small amount of fresh fruit can be offered to your hedgehog as a treat. Apples, bananas, berries and melons are popular with hedgehogs. Vegetables: Fresh tomatoes, fresh green beans, and cooked squash are some options your hedgehog might enjoy. Starchy vegetables like corn, potatoes, and carrots should be avoided, as should dried vegetables.

Fresh tomatoes, fresh green beans, and cooked squash are some options your hedgehog might enjoy. Starchy vegetables like corn, potatoes, and carrots should be avoided, as should dried vegetables. Cooked meat: High-protein, low-fat canned dog or cat food and cooked chicken can be offered to a pet hedgehog in small amounts.

High-protein, low-fat canned dog or cat food, as well as cooked chicken, can be offered in small amounts to a pet hedgehog. Boiled Eggs: The occasional hunk of scrambled or hard-boiled egg is a nice treat that’s packed with protein for a hedgehog.

The occasional piece of scrambled or hard-boiled egg is a nice treat that’s packed with protein for a hedgehog. Pinky Mice: If you’re not disgusted by your hedgehog eating a baby mouse, you can occasionally offer a pre-killed pinky mouse as a treat.

If you don’t mind your hedgehog eating a baby mouse, you can occasionally offer a pre-killed little mouse as a treat. Hedgehog or dry cat food: This should be the main part of your hedgehog’s diet. A high-quality dry cat or hedgehog food should contain at least 30 percent protein and less than 20 percent fat. Hedgehog chow is the ideal diet when it meets these nutritional requirements, but there are few formulated diets that do not include things like raisins and seeds that are not recommended to be fed.

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

How much and when to feed your hedgehog

Hedgehogs are prone to obesity, so it’s extremely important to monitor how much you’re feeding them. The hedgehog or kibble cat food should make up the bulk of their daily diet, and although a hedgehog is very active at night and burns a lot of energy, you should monitor how much kibble he is eating.

Each day, an adult hedgehog should be offered one to two tablespoons of dry food along with a teaspoon of fruits and vegetables and some insects. Larger and very active hedgehogs may require more food, but your hedgehog’s weight should be monitored using a baby scale. If the weight gain is more than 10 percent, you should limit the food supply.

A hedgehog may eat more at night when it is most active and running on its exercise wheel. So don’t worry if you don’t see him eating much during the day. Uneaten food should be discarded the next day to avoid spoilage, and fresh water should always be available.

garden hedgehog

Hedgehogs are a gardener’s friends as they eat beetles, caterpillars, worms and other invertebrates. Here’s what you can do to attract hedgehogs to your yard and keep them happy all year round.

Did you know? Up to 10 different hedgehogs can visit a garden over several nights, which could mean that “your hedgehog” is actually several different hedgehogs visiting at different times!

Make a hedgehog a home

Leave areas of the garden wild with piles of leaves, logs or compost. These make an attractive nest as well as a home for the invertebrates that hedgehogs love to eat.

Building a fake home can be as simple as putting a piece of plank against a wall. Or you can buy a purpose built hedgehog house or even try to build your own!

Create hedgehog highways

Hedgehogs can travel about a mile each night, so they may need help getting in and out of your yard. Try cutting holes in fences, removing bricks from walls, or digging tunnels under the garden line. Hedgehogs can travel through gaps as small as 13 x 13 cm, so these gaps don’t have to be large.

Even better, swapping out your garden wall or fence for native hedges gives you a path in and out of your garden, as well as a shelter for a range of wildlife.

feed hedgehogs

Supplementing a hedgehog’s natural diet by leaving out food and fresh water is a great way to attract resident pigs to your yard.

If you’re thinking of feeding your native pigs, remember:

Skip foods like canned dog or cat food and shredded cat or dog biscuits. If the hedgehog is very young – about the size of an apple – you need to soak the biscuits in water first. You can also get high-quality, meaty hedgehog food from wild food suppliers.

and crushed cat or dog biscuits. If the hedgehog is very young – about the size of an apple – you need to soak the biscuits in water first. You can also get high-quality, meaty hedgehog food from wild food suppliers. Never feed hedgehogs milk or bread – milk can cause diarrhea and bread is not very nutritious.

– Milk can cause diarrhea and bread is not very nutritious. Check the food and water bowls every day to make sure they are refilled with fresh water and food, and remove any uneaten food.

every day to replenish them with fresh water and food and remove any food that has not been eaten. Always clean dishes – do this daily outside (not in the kitchen) with hot soapy water and rinse well. This will help reduce the risk of disease spreading between different hedgehogs that may be eating from the same meal.

Hedgehog-friendly gardening tips

Here’s what you can do to keep your garden hedgehogs safe.

Cover Holes: Hedgehogs can easily fall into uncovered drains or holes in your yard. Cover the holes or check them daily to make sure there are no hedgehogs trapped in them.

Hedgehogs can easily fall into open drains or holes in your yard. Cover the holes or check them daily to make sure there are no hedgehogs trapped in them. Give them a way out of ponds and pools: place bricks or rocks on the side of ponds or create a sloped ledge on part of the pond so hedgehogs can climb out when they fall in when not in use.

Place bricks or stones on the side of ponds or create a sloped ledge on part of the pond so hedgehogs can climb out if they fall in. Cover swimming pools overnight and when not in use. Look for hedgehogs before using string trimmers or mowers – especially under hedges where they might roost during the day. When branching off a compost pile, first check for nesting pigs.

– especially under hedges where they could rest during the day. When branching off a compost pile, first check for nesting pigs. Always thoroughly disturb campfires before lighting them as hedgehogs may nest or hide in them. Moving the entire campfire by hand just before lighting it is the best way to ensure hedgehogs and other wildlife aren’t sleeping inside.

before you light them, as hedgehogs may nest or hide in them. Moving the entire campfire by hand just before lighting it is the best way to ensure hedgehogs and other wildlife aren’t sleeping inside. Trash is a real hazard for hedgehogs – they can get their heads caught in tin cans, plastic bags, soda can binders or discarded yogurt cups. Make sure you dispose of your rubbish safely and check that there is no rubbish in your yard.

– They may get their heads stuck in tin cans, plastic bags, soda can binders, or discarded yogurt cups. Make sure you dispose of your rubbish safely and check that there is no rubbish in your yard. Pick up a net: If you have a net or wire in your yard, make sure it is at least a foot off the ground, as hedgehogs can easily get tangled in it. Store or roll up fruit nets, tennis and goal nets when not in use. We recommend replacing all netting in your garden with solid metal netting whenever possible, as this will make hedgehogs less likely to become entangled.

If you have netting or wire in your yard, make sure it is at least a foot off the ground as hedgehogs can easily get tangled in it. Store or roll up fruit nets, tennis and goal nets when not in use. We recommend replacing all netting in your garden with solid metal netting whenever possible, as this will make hedgehogs less likely to become entangled. Don’t close your shed doors when you normally keep them open as hedgehogs could nest inside. Keep hazardous chemicals or tools off the floor. If you must dismantle your shed, first carefully search under the ground for nesting or wintering hedgehogs.

if you usually keep them open as hedgehogs might nest there. Keep hazardous chemicals or tools off the floor. If you must dismantle your shed, first carefully search under the ground for nesting or wintering hedgehogs. Avoid slug pellets and pesticides – these can poison hedgehogs and should only be used as a last resort. Instead, try using one of the many natural alternatives, like sprinkling crushed egg shells or coffee grounds around the plants you need to protect. If you must use pellets, place them under a slate inaccessible to hedgehogs. Outdoor use of metaldehyde slug pellets will be banned in the UK from March 2022.

What to do if you bother a hedgehog

If the hedgehog is hibernating, carefully place it back in its nest, cover it again with the nest material and leave it alone. If this is not possible – for example because the nest site has already been destroyed – place the hedgehog in a sheltered part of the garden where it will have as much of the original nest as possible.

If there isn’t much natural shelter available, you could use a large box instead, but make sure the hedgehog can easily get out of the box the next time it wakes up.

If the hedgehog does not hibernate and has young piglets, cover them again with nesting material and leave them alone. If this is not possible, please contact us for further advice.

Find out what to do if you find an injured or sick hedgehog or an orphaned young pig in your garden.

Bugs are gross and my mom doesn’t want them in our house, do I have to feed a hedgehog live bugs?

They are recommended but not a requirement. Freeze dried and frozen insects are also available and can be found in the reptile section of most pet stores. Never feed wild bugs as they may have been exposed to pesticides. As long as your hedgehog has a staple diet of a cat food mix, supplementing with bugs is not necessary (although most hedgehogs love having bugs as a treat).

Hedgehogs, or “hedgehogs” if you prefer, are cute little creatures found naturally in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Thanks to their introduction, they can now also be found in New Zealand. There are currently 17 different species known to science with this animal, which shares a distant ancestry with shrews. Their tiny quills are reminiscent of porcupines, but the two animals are unrelated.

Hedgehogs got their name in the late 15th century because they lived near the hedges in Europe. The “pig” part of their name came about because of the tiny snout that resembles a pig.

Most hedges have brown spikes with pale tips, but those living on the island of Alderney in the UK are blond. All of them curl up into a tight ball to defend themselves, causing their spines to expand outward.

Now if you are considering a hedgehog as a pet, then these are the key pros and cons to check out.

List of benefits of having a hedgehog as a pet

1. Hedgehogs are relatively calm when they live in your home.

If you’ve had guinea pigs or hamsters in the past, you know how noisy they can be when they understand you might be working on a treat for them. Hedgehogs approach this scenario very differently. You may hear purring noises from them when they want something, but it’s not a noise that’s loud or obnoxious. That’s why this little beast is a popular choice for renters—especially if you live in a large complex with thin walls.

2. Hedgehogs are independent creatures that don’t need much attention.

If you have a pet hedgehog, you want to provide the animal with some daily interactions that are gentle and loving. It only takes a few minutes to give them the attention they need every day, unlike a dog or cat who wants constant contact. If you want to keep your pet tame, then somehow schedule about 60 minutes a day with the animal. That doesn’t mean you have to be in physical contact all the time. For many of them, being in the same room can be enough.

3. Hedgehogs are low-maintenance pets to have in your home.

You don’t have to worry about walking your hedgehog every day. There are no special outdoor enclosures to build, scratching posts to install, or other high-maintenance activities that other pets require to stay mentally and physically healthy. When you provide a hedgehog with a running wheel in its enclosure, you are taking the most important step necessary to maintain its health needs.

4. Hedgehogs are interactive at any time of the day.

Your hedgehog will keep odd hours, often taking naps during the day and night with various activities in between these rest periods. If you work a different shift, this benefit means you can interact with your pet anytime you’re home. You may want to move your enclosure to a location other than your bedroom due to their nocturnal activities if you find that their exercise keeps you away.

5. Hedgehogs have cool spines that don’t hurt.

You can pet a hedgehog because its quills are not as sharp as those of a porcupine. If you have a kitten as a pet at home, you should be very careful with him or her as baby quills are usually much sharper than adult ones. You’ll find that sometimes the spikes also come out like a dog’s fur, which is a process called “quilling.”

Getting stung is still a possibility. If you’re not treating a hedgehog of any age with the proper care, it’s important to learn how to manage this part of your interactions before you even bring the pet home.

6. Hedgehogs don’t have the same odor problems.

If you share a home with other small pets, their scent can penetrate the upholstery and carpet over time. Even homes with dogs and cats in them can have problematic odors. You might go nose blind to this problem, but your visitors will surely notice the foul atmosphere. Ferrets are notoriously bad for this problem. If a hedgehog is your pet, you don’t need to worry about that. Keep the cage clean to keep the animal healthy.

When your hedgehog starts to develop a foul odor then this problem is usually a sign of illness. You will want to take him or her to the vet right away.

7. Hedgehogs have a long lifespan for their size.

If you bring home a young hedgehog as a pet, he can live around 4-6 years if given the love, care and food he needs to maintain his physical and mental health. You must give your hedgehog time to feed to gain this benefit as well. While not as long-lived as most dogs or cats, they are significantly longer than other rodent-like animals you may be considering.

8. Hedgehogs can be a hypoallergenic option for some households.

You’ll find that hedgehogs don’t have the dander that other animals bring into your home, meaning they make an excellent pet option for someone with allergies. If you don’t like the idea of ​​having a hairless cat or a fish, then your new best friend could be this little quill pen. They won’t draw your attention, but they can encourage some physical interactions with gentle grooming over time.

List of disadvantages of having a hedgehog as a pet

1. Hedgehogs are not social animals.

If you have more than one hedgehog at home, you need to keep them separate. These animals tend to fight when sharing the same cage, especially if you have males, and this reaction is typically to the point of death. They must have separate cages if you keep more than one of them at home. That means you need more space, spend extra time cleaning their cages, and make sure each animal gets the individual time needed for their mental and physical health.

2. Hedgehogs need time to explore.

Hedgehogs are independent, self-reliant pets that don’t need a lot of attention, but you do need to take them out of their cages regularly to support their health. Getting an exercise bike can help them stay active, and it’s an excellent first step. These animals also need time to forage, as this is one of their main natural activities. They should establish a secure area separate from their primary residence to meet this requirement. Make sure you clean up behind your pet as well when they scurry around, as a lot of poo will be left behind.

3. Hedgehogs do not engage well in throw training.

It is not uncommon for hedgehogs to relieve themselves when walking. If you let one loose in your apartment, you have a 99.9% guarantee there will be a mess that needs cleaning up afterwards. Their droppings may be small, but they can leave stains if you’re not careful with this problem. Some hedgehogs have the ability to use a small box with the right amount of training, but there are some who never get the trick. That’s why daily cleaning is sometimes necessary when you decide that a hedgehog is the best pet for your home.

4. Hedgehogs don’t get along well with small people.

Hedgehogs like a quiet environment, which means a home with young children or lots of other pets isn’t a good fit. These animals quickly become stressed when there is a lot of noise pollution around them. Hedgehogs also need careful and safe handling to protect their health, so children could accidentally hurt the animal if they’re not careful – or accidentally drop one. These spikes can also give your fingers a nudge if handling is a little rough.

5. Hedgehogs need a specialized vet for their care.

You will need to speak to the veterinary services in your community to see if there is local expertise in exotic animal health management. It may not be a service that is readily available in some areas, so you should see where the nearest location is before bringing your pet home to ensure the best care possible. If you have to drive more than 50 miles to reach the help you may someday need, then having a hedgehog might not be the best choice.

6. Hedgehogs need a special diet that you must follow at all times.

Hedgehogs are omnivores when in the wild. You will find all 17 known species eating frogs, toads, snails, eggs and even snakes. You will also find that they hunt insects. Outside of the winter months, they hunt melons and mushrooms. When cold weather hits, they happily survive at the base. In the Middle East, hedgehogs have developed a taste for berries there.

This means feeding your hedgehog a specific diet designed for their needs. Some stores carry a commercial grocery product, but it may not be available in all areas. They can sometimes substitute for a meat-based kibble—especially if the main ingredient is chicken. Canned dog or cat paws work if the first ingredient in them is an animal protein. You should also add peas, corn, apples, carrots or beans in small portions.

7. Hedgehogs need regular grooming.

A hedgehog cannot be left alone for any length of time without some sort of interaction. If you plan to be away for more than a day or two, someone needs to come by to check on the hedgehog and play with it a bit. You should also consider the temperature of your home during this time as they do not do well in climates below 70°F.

Final pros and cons of hedgehogs as pets

Only you can decide if a hedgehog is a good pet for your home and family. The first question to ask yourself is what do you expect from a hedgehog in the first place. These animals don’t offer you constant companionship like a dog or the intelligence of a cat, but they are still smart in their own unique way.

If you are looking for an easy care pet that is happy to be independent without a lot of physical interaction, then this animal could be a good fit for your home if you have responsible children and no other pets that might cause a disturbance. Talk to a breeder, interact with hedgehogs, and then you’ll know where you stand on the pros and cons of having hedgehogs as pets.

Which is better: a boy or a girl? In many species, males are more aggressive than females. Because of this, females are typically considered more desirable pets than males. However, this tendency does not apply to hedgehogs. Male and female hedgehogs do not show a consistent temperament difference in their response to humans. However, there are a few things to consider when choosing a boy or girl for your hedgehog. If you want to house two hedgehogs together, it is extremely rare for two males to get along. We experimented with this before anyone knew much about keeping hedgehogs as pets, when it was clear that hedgehogs might not be quite as solitary as the early literature suggested. Although we had some males who were very happy companions, after a poor male was brutally abused by his roommate, we decided never to house post-weaned males together. It has been our experience that many women enjoy, or at least tolerate, a roommate. We house our retired bitches in groups and usually keep our girls in pairs when they rest between litters. They usually all pile up and sleep together, even if they have the option of sleeping in their own hut. Occasionally we may have a female who will not get along with others, so keep in mind that anytime you have two hedgehogs you cannot guarantee that they will get along. We do not recommend keeping a male and female together except for breeding purposes. They may not see babies, but if one isn’t infertile, there’s a high chance they’ll have it and eat it. You don’t want to see what that looks like! There are often concerns about scent marking in male hedgehogs. In a normal household environment with no females around, a single male is unlikely to do much scent marking. If he gets a whiff of other hedgehogs, especially a female, you may see a few appear – the judges’ table at a hedgehog show is a great example of this. Overall, I haven’t found one gender smellier than the other. In conclusion, if you are looking for a good pet that will live alone, hedgehog sex should not be your primary consideration. If you are looking for a hedgehog that is friendly and will respond well to you, you and your hedgehog will be happy. Note: If you’re not sure if your hedgehog is a boy or a girl, check the bottom. If it looks like it has a “belly button,” then it’s a male. Men have a large urogenital gap while women do not. Antigone Means Iola, KS Contact All information on this website is copyright Hedgehog Valley. You may view/print the web pages for your personal use. You may also provide a link to these sites without prior permission. No one may repost the information from the Hedgehog Valley website, including images, on any other website without Hedgehog Valley’s consent. Copyright 2002

Last updated by Tig on 11/10/18

Buying Guide | Cage Options | Choice of beds | Accessories | Toy Accessories Water Bottles Our hedgehogs are used to using water bottles. We use 8 ounce bottles for all of our hedgehogs.

The top of the water bottle should be at your hedgehog’s shoulder height.

We recommend that you always monitor your hedgehogs to ensure they are drinking freely from their bottle.

Online pet supply stores carry inexpensive bottle brushes to help keep the bottle clean. Baby bottle brushes also fit in many traditional water bottles. Both glass and plastic bottles are available. Glass bottles are typically used for chinchillas and laboratory animals and are much harder to find than plastic bottles.

Benefits of Bottles

Bottled water tends to be a lot less messy than dishes.

Water bottles are easy to clean.

They are usually mounted on the side of the cage to give the hedgehog more floor space.

Water bottles come in a variety of shapes and styles, and are relatively inexpensive.

Disadvantages of Bottles

The water bottle should be checked every day to ensure the bottle is working properly and is not clogged with bedding or other debris.

You may consider switching to a water bowl if you notice your hedgehog chewing or jerking on the metal tip of the water bottle. Hedgehogs can damage their teeth on the tip of the bottle.

We have heard reports that plastic bottles should be replaced after a year of use as toxins can be leached out as the bottles age. I haven’t personally verified this report, but regularly replacing cylinders is a simple and relatively inexpensive safety precaution. Water Bottle Hangers Our water bottles fit into hangers that are attached to the cage.

The hanger is sturdy and the water bottle does not easily slide out of the hanger and the hanger does not easily knock off the cage when properly attached.

Our experience with the “U” shaped wire clips often included in the bottle pack is that they do not work well for hedgehogs or their cages.

This type of hanger will either not allow the bottle to hang low enough in the cage or it will knock off easily. Water bowls Baby hedgehogs or hedgehogs that have trouble using a bottle may do better with a water bowl.

Some hedgehog owners prefer glass or stainless steel bowls for drinking.

Water bowls must be checked regularly to ensure they are clean and full.

Wooden or paper bedding can make quite a mess in water bowls.

Hedgehogs lick water from the edge of a pool of water in the wild. A hedgehog has to stick its long snout into a bowl to drink. This can pose a problem for your hedgehog as it can suck on the water (breathing water through its nose into its lungs). (Martin). Pan Tips Food pans should be heavy enough so that they cannot be easily tipped and large enough to prevent litter from contaminating the food.

should be heavy enough that they cannot be easily tipped over and large enough to prevent litter from contaminating the food. We recommend the 4 inch crock style dining bowl.

One suggestion to prevent litter getting into the bowl is to place the bowl on a large garden rock (properly sanitized of course). The stone also naturally helps wear down the hedgehog’s nails, giving extra exercise and stimulation. (Bartel).

Another way to prevent bowls from tipping over is to tape your pot or dinner bowl to a ceramic floor tile. The shells and tiles are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace if they crack. (Bartel). Types of Bowls Crocks

Pots are the most common food and water bowls in the pet industry.

The heavy ceramic pots are preferred to the light plastic pots as they are less likely to tip over and can be used as toys. We sometimes use the 2 1/2″ to 3″ pots for babies and for treats. The larger 4 inch pots seem to work better for our adult hedgehogs.

The 4 inch pots prevent the litter from contaminating the food.

Pots can easily be sterilized in the dishwasher or sink.

In the past, many pots that had a blue glaze on the inside contained a lead-based glaze. Current production standards for many companies no longer allow lead in glazes for pet products. However, if you have doubts about the safety of your pots, there are many other options available to you.

Always replace pots when the interior glaze has chipped or part of the pot itself has chipped.

The Bartel family gave us a great tip on how to keep hedgehogs from tipping over their pot. You glue the pot to a piece of ceramic floor tile. The tiles are inexpensive, easy to clean and can be discarded with the pot if one breaks. Choose a tile with smooth edges rather than one with sharp sides that could injure your pet. human dishes

The benefit of using human harnesses is that they are guaranteed to be safe for pets.

Some pet owners use small 3-inch ramekins for their pets.

The restaurant-style hard plastic molds are easy to clean and won’t break.

Dessert bowls or small cookware are similar in size to 4-inch pots, but may not be as heavy as pots and can be easily tipped. Reptile Dishes This type of dish is sold for reptiles but has low sides which is especially nice for young hedgehogs.

The corner bowl fits snugly and snugly in an aquarium, saving limited floor space.

The tableware is relatively heavy and not easy to tip.

Some hedgehogs may choose to use this bowl as a litter box as they can easily climb in and out of the bowl.

They are rough in texture and may be a little more difficult to clean than dishes with smooth surfaces.

This type of dish is also quite expensive. coop cups

This type of dish is sold for birds, rabbits, or other animals that can eat off the ground.

Clips attach the cup or bowl to the sides of the wire cage.

This type of dish requires your hedgehog to be raised to the appropriate height. The garden stone mentioned above will work quite well.

One problem with using this type of bowl is that lifting your hedgehog up to the wire height of the cage can encourage climbing, which isn’t always a good idea.

For more information on the hedgehog’s agility and climbing abilities, see our behavioral traits guide. Environmental enrichment Numerous studies have shown that almost all animals benefit from environmental enrichment.

The stimulation triggers an activity that is essential for the health and well-being of the animals.

Healthy, happy, active animals (and people) tend to live longer and have more fulfilling lives.

We encourage you to provide a variety of cage items to enrich your pet’s life. Wheels Wheels are an excellent addition to any cage as most hedgehogs love to run in a wheel. Our customers have measured their hedgehog’s cycling activity and recorded up to 12 miles on a pedometer in one night!!

Make sure you use 11″ or 12″ diameter wheels with a tread width of about 5 inches. Most bikes require a cage height of 16 inches.

These wheels are generally the largest sizes available from any brand. Hamster wheels are only big enough for small babies.

We recommend only using a solid bottom wheel with no spokes as small feet tend to get caught in spoked wheels. Hedgehogs have been known to break legs and feet in spoked wheels. Mesh wheels are a little less dangerous, but nails can still snag. Giant Comfort Wheels are inexpensive, easy to clean, and readily available. Their profile provides traction for hedgehogs and our hedgehogs tend to prefer them over paddlewheels. Hedgehog Wheel-a-holics wear out the plastic pin, so they’re not as durable as other options. Paddle wheels are popular for their durability, easy cleaning, and affordable price. Most paddle wheels squeak far less than other wheels. They’re a little hard to find. Our paddle wheels have ball bearings, so they don’t have spinning rods or axles, and they squeak far less than other types of wheels. Large wodent wheels are popular because they are somewhat closed and some hedgehogs prefer to roll privately. These wheels are quite difficult to clean and this can become quite a hassle if your hedgehog uses the wheel as a litter box.

are popular because they are somewhat fenced in and some hedgehogs prefer to cycle privately. These wheels are quite difficult to clean and this can become quite a hassle if your hedgehog uses the wheel as a litter box. Wire and mesh wheels may be covered with craft plastic or craft foam. These wheels are much safer than spoke wheels but can be difficult to clean.

may be covered with craft plastic or craft foam. These wheels are much safer than spoke wheels but can be difficult to clean. Be prepared to clean your hedgehog’s feet, as some hedgehogs tend to potty when they walk, and may develop what is affectionately known as “poop boots.”

sandpaper

Some hedgehog owners put a liner of sandpaper in their wheels to trim their hedgehog’s claws.

You can make your own liner with extra fine sandpaper or buy wheels with sandpaper already applied.

When using a nail liner, you need to pay close attention to the hedgehog’s feet.

Some hedgehogs can wear out their nails very quickly (overnight) and cause injuries to their feet.

Because hedgehogs can injure their feet in a relatively short period of time, many hedgehog owners don’t think sandpaper is a good idea, even for the hedgehog who is the most uncooperative about clipping their claws.

A serious problem with using sandpaper in the wheels is that the combination of pooping on the wheels and possible damage to sensitive feet is a very bad combination. Serious infections can result from essentially grinding feces into a wound. litter box use

Litter boxes are included in our combination packs because we believe it pays to train your hedgehog with litter. I once heard that whether or not your hedgehog would use the litter box was a “crap shoot”. I tend to agree!!

Some hedgehogs will take the litter box and use it immediately with little or no persuasion. Other hedgehogs refuse to use their litter box even though you have tried to teach your hedgehog the purpose of the litter box.

For more information on training, see our throwing training guide. placement and style

The litter box should be low enough in front for the hedgehog to easily climb in and tall enough for the hedgehog to climb in and turn around.

We prefer corner litter boxes for ferrets because they are high on the sides and back and low in the front. They also take up less space than other styles.

We have found the ferret toilet to work well.

We strongly recommend using a different substrate in the litter box than in the rest of the cage.

Refer to the Bedding Guide for substrate ideas. Previous | Top | Next

Create a hedgehog-sized hole in the bottom of one of the sides of your box. It should be about 5 inches square to allow the pig to get in and out safely. If your box is made of wood, you will need a saw.

If your box is plastic, use a sharp knife carefully. Cover the edges of the hole with tape to make sure there are no sharp parts that could injure your hedgehogs.

Transporting your hedgehog in the car may seem like a daunting task. Pigs can be fragile creatures that are easily startled. They also like routine and enjoy the comfort of their home.

However, sometimes taking a hedgehog in the car is unavoidable. For example, you may need to take him to the vet or to a friend’s house while you go on vacation.

For a calm and happy hedgehog, follow these guidelines when transporting a hedgehog in a car:

Use an appropriate travel carrier. Cover the floor with a grippy material. Make your hedgehog’s holdall a dark, cozy den. Get your hedgehog used to the journey home. Practice traveling with your hedgehog in the car. Pack all the important things. Make sure the car is at an appropriate temperature. Secure the carrier in the car with a seat belt or place it securely on the floor behind a seat. Check on your pig often while driving. After the car ride, try to recreate your hedgehog’s normal environment.

This article covers what to consider when preparing to travel with a hedgehog in a car, whether for a short trip or for a vacation.

Use an appropriate travel carrier.

#1 Get a solid, escape-proof carrier.

Your hedgehog’s travel bag needs to be strong, well ventilated and secure.

Rigid plastic and metal wire cages are a great option for hedgehogs as they are strong and escape-resistant. They are also great as they give your hedgehog some privacy. You want your pig to feel like it’s in a safe little burrow.

You should never attempt to transport your hedgehog in a crate, plastic tub, on your lap, or in a soft purse or tote.

#2 Choose a smaller travel carrier.

Your hedgehog’s travel bag should be smaller than in his usual home.

First, a small cage is lightweight and easy to carry. Second, your hedgehog will feel safer and more secure in a smaller travel cage. Finally, a smaller travel cage also prevents possible injury as your hedgehog could risk being tossed around in a large cage.

However, your hedgehog’s holdall needs to be large enough to allow him or her to lie down, stand up, sit down, and turn around without restriction.

Top Tip – If you have a tied pair of hedges, transport them in the same transport box. Even if only one of them has to go to the vet. They will comfort each other during the car ride.

POPULAR IGEL TRAVEL TRANSPORT

Turn your hedgehog’s travel bag into a cozy den.

#1 Line the bottom with a grippy material.

This will prevent your hedgehog from sliding around on the underside of its transport box while driving. Sliding around will cause a hedgehog to become very stressed and ill, and may even injure your little friend.

Puppy training pads make a great base and also soak up accidents, spills and odors.

Alternatively, you can also cover the floor with a towel, newspaper or hedgehog, bird or cat litter.

Pine, cedar, or other aromatic wood chips can be harmful to pig health.

#2 Add a blanket.

A blanket or towel will provide your hedgehog with comfort, security and extra support.

Top tip – Your hedgehog will feel extra safe with his favorite blanket!

#3 Cover your hedgehog travel carrier.

This will restore the feeling of safe construction.

Some cages already create this feeling with solid opaque walls, but if yours doesn’t, you can cover the cage with a thin, breathable blanket.

Get your hedgehog used to the journey home before you take it with you in the car.

Your hedgehog should feel comfortable in his travel cage.

Try to buy your travel bag weeks in advance of your car trip so you have enough time to acclimate your hedgehog to the journey home.

a) Do not force your hedgehog into the cage.

This is very important.

You don’t want your hedgehog to associate the travel carrier with stress and anxiety.

Instead, introduce the stretcher during playtime. Leave the door open for your hedgehog to enter voluntarily.

b) Lure your hedgehog into the cage with treats.

That way he/she will associate it with good things.

Practice traveling with your hedgehog in the car.

Once your hedgehog is more comfortable in his new travel home, get him used to staying there for a longer period of time.

Put your hedgehog in the cage for a few minutes with his favorite toy or treat. Close the door securely and slowly walk around the house to get your hedgehog used to getting off the ground.

Once your hedgehog is used to being around the house in his carrier, you can do some test drives in the car!

Start with short car rides around the block and work your way up to longer rides. This way your hedgehog can slowly get used to the feeling of sitting in a moving vehicle.

Pack all the important things.

As mentioned earlier, hedgehogs don’t usually want to eat on a car trip and a full stomach sometimes makes them nauseous. However, if you’re going on a particularly long trip, pack some provisions just in case. You should take water with you for any trip length.

To be on the safe side, you should also pack additional supplies such as paper towels, blankets, garbage bags or hand towels.

Also, if you have one handy, be sure to bring a playpen. If you are planning on sleeping somewhere, this will give your hedgehog more space to run around. Just make sure it’s 100% safe as you don’t want your hedgehog to escape!

Finally, you should consider bringing heating material if you travel in winter. While you might not need them in the summer, it’s a good idea to have some disposable hand warmers or reusable travel-ready hand warmers if you’re traveling in the colder months.

Do not leave water in the carrier while riding as this can spill, wet your hedgehog and cause chills.

Make sure the car is at an appropriate temperature before taking your hedgehog in the car.

Now that your hedgehog is comfortable in his travel bag, you need to make sure the temperature is right for your hedgehog before heading out.

You must ensure the car is cooler than 26°C / 79°F as hedgehogs cannot tolerate higher temperatures. Additionally, if the temperature drops below 23°C / 73°F, your hedgehog may attempt to hibernate.

Yes, you can take your hedgehog to the family cabin, campsite, or even pet friendly hotels.

Ginger took her first road trip over the weekend before she was even fully grown. After the trip, I noticed that she was more used to me and huffing and wheezing less. Taking your hedgehog on a road trip can help your hedgehog bond with you.

Here’s what you need to make the adventure as stress-free as possible:

Travel bag: Bring your hedgehog into the car in a portable travel bag. I use a small bag with a vent hole that I strap into the back seat. Remember, put your spikes in the back seat, not in the front where an airbag could damage their little body. Hedgehogs are content to rummage through these pockets for hours without emitting a peep. I also put her favorite snuggle sack in the bag to make it even more convenient.

Baby wipes: You should take these with you to clean your hedgehog after a pit stop. Yes, when you get out of the car to stretch and go to the bathroom, you should let your hedgehog roam the lawn as well. You will probably also go to the toilet. If it’s during the day, make sure you let them out every few hours, as hedgehogs often get up at some point during the day to go to the bathroom and have a snack in their cage. Be patient as they may need to acclimate to the environment before using the bathroom or eating.

Food, Snacks, Water: Take enough food and water with you for the trip and keep a small amount handy in the car to offer to your hedgehog on the go.

Portable Cage: You should have a cage that is not too small and not too big; at least about 18 inches wide and long for weekend trips and larger for week-long trips. They should also be big enough to fit on your hedgehog’s wheel if you’re going for more than one night. Collapsible kennels for dogs or cats work well. Make sure you can fully secure the opening or sew on snaps like I did with this cat tent. Have your hedgehog test the kennel or tent for at least a day a few days before your trip so he can get used to it and you know there are no problems with the cage.

Bike: When Ginger went on her first road trip, she wasn’t fully grown yet, so she was able to use her smaller baby bike on the trip. When your hedgehog is fully grown, if possible, bring along his exercise bike to help him keep up his energy. But hedgehogs don’t die a week without a wheel. I had a hedgehog in the 90s, when nobody knew about wheels for hedgehogs. Hokey Pokey lived a full hedgehog life, although I’m sure he would have been fitter and happier with a balance bike.

Sleeping Hut: Don’t forget to bring their favorite sleeping hut or bag to put in their cage at night so they can burrow in and make themselves at home.

Food and water bowls: If you only use a water bottle, you’ll need to find a portable cage to attach it to. But now might be a good time to teach your hedgehog to drink from a water bowl, too. I personally use both in her cage at home in case she spills her dishes or leaks the water bottle. Side note: if you are using a water bottle, make sure the ball and spout are big enough for your hedgehog to get enough water out of and not get his tongue stuck in the spout. Hedgehogs love water. Try a 16mm diameter.

Small litter box: I gave up the litter box after the first night on our road trip because her weekend cage was just too small for her to leave a trash trail by her food and water bowls. I think she enjoyed just riding her bike. 🙂

Thermometer, emergency blanket, hand warmer: Bring the thermometer you use to monitor your hedgehog’s room temperature at home. If you don’t have one, get one that will show you the 24-hour high and low temperature. If the temperature drops below 72 degrees and your hedgehog’s face or tummy feels cold, you’ll need to snuggle him or wrap him in a blanket surrounded by a rescue blanket or hand warmers until he’s fully warm to the touch again. If a hedgehog’s stomach gets cold, they might try to hibernate, which is dangerous for their health. Check the weather before your trip to see if it’s advisable to bring your hedgehog if you can’t control the temperature of your accommodation.

When I took Ginger to my parents’ farm to camp for a day, she slept in her little tent during the day (her night) when it was warm, but I put it in the cabin overnight (her day) because the temperature too would get low .

Camera: You will want to capture many memories with your badminton on your road trip! Snap shots in scenic areas and don’t be afraid to stop just for a photo break.

One more thing: Enjoy the trip!

Sara Marie Moore is a journalist and happy hedgehog owner. She had her first hedgehog in fourth grade, well before the current hedgehog craze.

symptom

The loss or lack of appetite is medically referred to as anorexia.

Often the first sign of illness is a lack of appetite.

It’s important to have your hedgehog evaluated by a veterinarian immediately if you cannot easily determine the reason for the change in eating habits.

Cause – Change in environment or routine

It’s not uncommon for hedgehogs to skip their first meal or two in their new home.

Sometimes hedgehogs are just too busy sleeping, exploring or cycling to take the time to eat.

Delaying the introduction of the exercise wheel after the hedgehog has become accustomed to eating and drinking in its new home can help avoid distractions while eating.

Make sure your hedgehog is warm and comfortable with easy access to his water bottle or bowl and that your hedgehog is actually drinking.

Our little bag of “baby” food is the “trick up your sleeve” to entice babies to eat when they move to a new home. They really like it and they usually eat it with no problem. It is very fertile, so even a little nourishment will sustain them through their adjustment period.

For more information on this topic, see our article Environmental Stress and Not Eating.

Cause – change in diet

It’s a good idea to keep your hedgehog on the same diet for at least a month to ensure he is well adjusted to his new home.

Instead of introducing a new food “cold turkey”, try new foods little by little. Slowly add the new feed to the old feed, gradually increasing the ratio of new feed to old feed.

Hedgehogs who don’t like a new food simply refuse to eat it.

Cause – Water-related problems

Many breeders suggest using bottled water or highly filtered water when moving hedgehogs from one house to another. Again, if your hedgehog doesn’t like the water, he won’t drink it. Well water not only tastes different than city water, well water also tastes different than other well water and different city waters taste different.

An example that illustrates this animal habit is the fondness for sodas. Some people LOVE Coca Cola. They could drink it all day long as their beverage of choice. However, those same people probably hate any other cola and would rather get very thirsty than drink any other cola than coke. On the other hand, many Coke drinkers wouldn’t mind Dr. Pepper or any other type of soda, as long as it’s not a coke.

Coke. They could drink it all day long as their beverage of choice. However, those same people probably hate any other cola and would rather get very thirsty than drink any other cola than coke. On the other hand, many Coke drinkers wouldn’t mind Dr. Pepper or any other type of soda, as long as it’s not a coke. Some hedgehogs have trouble getting used to new water bottles. Many breeders suggest offering a bowl of water in addition to a bottle. Make sure your hedgehog is proficient with new water bottles before removing the bowl.

Water bottles can clog or clog. Test the tip of the bottle to make sure the water is flowing freely.

Most dehydrated animals will not eat. Here are a few options to try: Watermelon juice A mix of half Pedialyte or Gatorade and half bottled water Low-sodium chicken broth or a mixture of chicken broth and water

Severely dehydrated animals will need to see the vet for subcutaneous fluids.

See our Water and Food Containers article for more information on this topic.

Cause – disease/physiological problem

The first sign of injury or illness is often a loss of appetite, so it’s important to have your hedgehog checked out by a vet immediately if you can’t easily see the change in eating habits. Examples include: Mild to severe constipation or bowel obstruction Litter Exoskeletons from too many dried insects Carpet fibers Foreign objects such as toy parts Infection or soreness of the lining of the gut Tooth or gum problems Look out for broken or missing teeth, irritation, pale color, discoloration of teeth, or an odd smell. Tooth and gum problems can lead to more serious medical conditions, so it’s best to have the problem checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible. cancer or tumors

VIDEO.: Dental care

Cause – sadness/loneliness

Some hedgehogs can become so-called “affection eaters.”

These hedgehogs will eat readily when hand or syringe fed.

This odd behavior is a hedgehog’s way of demanding attention.

Cause – Hibernation/recovery attempts due to temperature

There are times when hedgehogs try their form of hibernation. Your body will feel cool and the animal will be lethargic.

The optimum temperature range is 75°F and above.

F and above. Make sure your hedgehog is warm and comfortable.

It’s a good idea to place the hedgehog on a heating pad, next to your body, or on warm towels.

Avoid hot stones or other high temperature heating objects. If your hedgehog is very sick, he will not leave the heating pad and may burn himself. (See heating pad guidelines)

See our Temperature Requirements and Heating Options articles for more information on this topic.

Steps to encourage normal eating

Evaluate possible causes of anorexia. Encourage your hedgehog to eat anything. Monitor weight gain or loss. For more information on this topic, see our weight log article. Consult and/or visit your veterinarian. Introduce “healthier foods”. Reduce supplementary food

Tempting taste buds of hedges

The first thing to do when your hedgehog stops eating, or goes without eating for even a day, is to start offering your hedgehogs favorite treats right away.

Just like picky kids, hedgehogs have their own tastes and preferences. Sick hedgehogs may need to be enticed into eating by trying different food flavors and textures.

By having a list of favorite treats, you’ll save valuable time and money while trying out different treats.

In our Hedgehog Treats , Specialty Food and Insects A La Carte articles you will find a wide range of human and non-human foods that may tempt your hedgehog to start eating again.

, , and our article for a variety of human and non-human foods that might tempt your hedgehog to start eating again. Stress Less is a great feeder to entice your hedgehog to eat.

VIDEO.: Less stress for your hedgehog

Example of a veterinary intervention

Antibiotics (oral or injectable)

Nonsteroidal pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs (oral or injectable)

Reglan is also known as metoclopramide. intestinal mobility enhancer. A shot can be administered by a veterinarian or it comes in the form of a syrup. Helps fight gas by breaking it down in the intestines. “Kick starts” the intestinal tract and improves appetite (Small)

See also Environmental Stress & Not Eating

Contributors: Dr. Kirsten (Love) Carpenter, Lauren Benedict

Name: The Obesity Crisis.

Age: Very modern.

Appearance: Seriously fat.

Yes, I assume that two thirds of the UK population is overweight and a quarter is obese. I think that’s true, but you’re talking about the human obesity crisis, aren’t you?

I am. Which one are you talking about? The Hedgehog Obesity Crisis.

Hahaha! What a sweet crisis that would be… wait a minute, are you serious? I am. It’s a growing problem, according to Anne Brummer, who co-founded the Amazing Grace Hedgehog Campaign with Brian May.

“A growing problem.” I see what you did there. Many Thanks.

Are hedgehogs dying out because they can’t get their diabetes under control? no The main problem is habitat loss, which means they struggle to find enough larvae, snails, and insects to survive.

I thought you said you were getting fat? Although many have difficulty finding food, a minority of British hedgehogs are now developing the opposite problem.

Where from? Did they invent chips? They are so cute and endangered and they sniff and grunt so adorable that people want to keep them in their gardens and end up overfeeding them.

Typical. I knew people would be involved. “You get hedgehog wars,” Brummer told the Times. “We’re here in Surrey, menus can get pretty competitive… We see hedgehogs coming out of gardens where people are constantly feeding them and they’re overweight and their spines are getting thinner.”

It’s Hedgehog Inequality! That is basically correct. Too much food can also keep them from hibernating, messing up their breeding cycles. Apparently, some hedgehogs are so chubby that they can no longer roll into a ball.

Aren’t overweight hedgehogs already a ball? Quite a lot, but they have yet to curl up so they’re covered in spikes that protect them from predators, especially when they’re sleeping.

Can’t you just stop eating when you’re full? Unfortunately, your modern hedgehog is not known for his willpower.

Maybe a Jamie Oliver hedgehog will emerge from the bushes to save the day. I think we had better not assume that.

But how can we stop feeding them? You are too sweet! Do not stop. The official advice is to provide water and food, but in moderation. Brummer suggests dry food like dog biscuits. Better yet, encourage lots of larvae and insects to live in your garden.

Let her walk around to dinner? Yes.

Can I leave them a saucer full of tiny sweatbands? If you insist.

Say, “I hereby undertake to provide a balanced diet for the hedgehogs in my garden.”

Don’t say, “But first you have to stop smoking.”

Hedgehogs are trending among small, exotic pet lovers. It’s hard not to fall in love with their cute faces and spiky bodies. Most people don’t know that hedgehogs are insectivores! Although they may be small, they eat meat, and a large part of their wild diet consists of insects. Hedgehogs have the unique ability to digest chitin from insect exoskeletons, and this chitin is necessary for their diet!

Some people may be curious about the types of insects that hedgehogs eat. How about mealworms? While hedgehogs can eat mealworms, mealworms should be considered a treat when given to your pet. Would you like to find out more? Read on to learn more about mealworms and hedgehogs.

Hedgehog Diet: What Do They Eat?

While some people think hedgehogs are herbivores, that’s just not true. Hedgehogs in particular require animal proteins in their diet. Hedgehogs belong to a retired nutritional class known as “insectivores.” Insectivores derive their sustenance primarily from eating an insect. However, these creatures have been rolled into the “carnivore” label in recent years since insects were recognized as an animal protein.

Although wild hedgehogs primarily eat insects, they tend to have an omnivorous diet when consuming a range of foods. Nonetheless, chitin is a necessary food intake for hedgehogs. They break down chitin, which helps hold their spines in place.

Giving your captive hedgehog a variety of foods, including insects such as crickets, fresh fruit, vegetables, small mice (if you can stand it!), cooked meat, and boiled eggs is a great way to keep your hedgehog healthy long term.

Mealworms can be a good treat for hedgehogs, but you shouldn’t feed them too often as mealworms are something of a hedgehog’s junk food.

Nutritional Value of Mealworms

Mealworms don’t have much nutritional value at all. They’re the insectivore equivalent of candy, and unfortunately, they’re just as addictive to insectivores as candy is to humans.

Mealworms have some nutritional value, especially for hedgehogs, which can digest the chitin from their exoskeletons. However, nutritional value is limited at best, and they have an incredibly high phosphorus to calcium ratio, which can be dangerous in high amounts.

Risks of feeding mealworms

There are several risks in feeding your hedgehog mealworms. Here are some things to consider before you start feeding your hedgehog mealworms.

Seeks

Much like a human addiction to candy, hedgehogs can become addicted to mealworms. It makes sense; They’re like hedgehog candies. However, if you feed your hedgehog too many mealworms, he may wrinkle his nose at healthier foods.

mast

Mealworms are high in calories and low in nutrients. Too many mealworms can cause your hedgehog to become overweight as he still needs to eat his everyday food to feel full and meet his nutritional needs.

Metabolic Bone Disease

Mealworms are very high in phosphorus, which can pull the calcium out of your hedgehog’s bones and teeth. Calcium is needed to process phosphorus, and the body will remove it from bones and teeth if the diet itself does not contain enough calcium. Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) can cause your hedgehog to lose bone density and weaken the bones, making them prone to breaking bones or teeth.

If your hedgehog breaks a bone, most exotic vets will euthanize them as setting the bones of a small animal is very difficult and rarely successful enough to give the animal a good quality of life after the bone has healed.

How to safely feed your hedgehog mealworms

The first key to safely feeding your hedgehog mealworms is moderation. Your hedgehog should never have more than one or two mealworms in one session, and never more than four in a week. Mealworms can be an occasional treat, not the main part of their diet.

If you want to help your hedgehog move around while he eats his treat, hide the mealworms in his cage so he can train his hunting and foraging skills to find his treat. This also helps them not gain too much weight by moving around while foraging for their mealworms.

It is also better to feed your hedgehog live mealworms than dried ones. Dried mealworms don’t have as much moisture as live ones. The reduced moisture content of dried mealworms makes them even more unhealthy than mealworms normally are.

Storage of live mealworms

Live mealworms require special care because they are alive. You must keep the mealworms in the fridge or they will mature into bugs. Cold temperatures prolong the larval stage at which you buy them.

Final Thoughts

Mealworms might be a treat for hedgehogs, but that’s all they’re supposed to be. If your hedgehog turns up their nose in favor of mealworms, they will quickly become malnourished. However, as a tasty snack between meals, mealworms are absolutely harmless and even healthy for hedgehogs! Just make sure you store them properly or you’ll end up with a mug full of bugs.

Selected image source: katerinavulcova, Pixabay

Hedgehogs in the UK are in trouble. Their number has fallen sharply in recent years. One of the biggest challenges our spike friends face is the lack of natural foods. So what do hedgehogs eat?

In this article we will look at:

what they eat in the wild

Changes in the diet of hedgehogs over time

what not to eat

how you can help by feeding hedgehogs

Turn your garden into a hedgehog buffet

hedgehog diet

How much food do wild hedgehogs eat each night?

Hedgehogs are, well, pretty pigs, to be honest. They eat an enormous amount of food. They like to fill their stomach twice every night.

An adult hedgehog needs about 130 calories a day to survive. To accomplish this, they eat about 75 grams, or 3 ounces, of food per night.

For comparison, hedgehogs eat about 8% of their body weight every night. A grown man would need to eat 30 large jacket potatoes or 15 pounds of food in a day to eat 8% of his body weight. That’s a lot of mess!

How do hedgehogs find their food?

Hedgehogs find their food by searching and digging undergrowth and foliage. They have very poor eyesight but a fantastic sense of smell.

They work systematically over fairly large areas each night, eating whatever suitable food they can find. Traditionally, wet and agitated fields where cattle grazed were a favorite feeding ground.

You can smell a worm or other tasty morsel 3 inches underground and will be excited to dig it up.

Hedgehogs have also developed some sophisticated feeding methods to get the most out of certain types of food.

One of the best-documented examples of this is dealing with snails. They roll them up to remove the mucus before eating. Check out this video of a very young pig eating a slug.

The hedgehog’s lower front teeth slope forward, a bit like a shovel. Those odd front teeth are likely something that evolved to aid in their feed-rolling behavior.

Although foraging is the primary method of feeding, hunting also takes place, more on that later!

What do hedgehogs eat in the wild?

Pretty much all they can find is the short answer.

Hedgehogs don’t seem to discriminate much when it comes to eating things that are good or bad for them. The diet varies with the seasons and has changed over time. They will happily take food from a feeding station and also rummage through human food scraps.

Invertebrates make up about 75% of a wild hedgehog’s diet. The proportions vary greatly depending on the time of year and what is available in the area. But beetles are a favorite food, closely followed by caterpillars and earthworms.

Other invertebrates eaten include snails, snails, earwigs and centipedes. Bees are occasionally taken, as are locusts. Grasshoppers are a very occasional treat, however, as they are generally too quick on their feet for a pig to catch.

Studies have shown that a pig can take in up to 100 invertebrates in one night and thousands over the course of a year. So it’s easy to see what help the hedgehog will be in pest control in your garden.

Bird eggs are also a popular food. In spring and early summer, the eggs of ground-nesting birds or eggs that have fallen out of the nest make a convenient, high-protein meal.

Hedgehogs are short-sighted, noisy and quite slow. They also have weak jaws and fairly blunt teeth. So it’s a surprise that they prey on small mammals and birds.

It is difficult to see what they are eating as they mostly dine in the dark. So much of our information comes from looking at hedgehog droppings and examining the contents of the stomach.

Fragments of birds, rabbits, shrews, and rats were found in stools and stomachs. There is some debate as to whether they are carrion (animals the pig has already found dead) or prey they killed themselves.

However, there are enough eyewitness accounts to make it clear that the hunt goes on, even though the hedgehog is not the primary predator for our other mammals or birds.

For a more detailed, scientific look at hedgehog diets, you can read this fascinating article from Wildlifeonline.

Changes in the hedgehog diet

Just as the hedgehog population has declined in recent years, so have the populations of many creatures that eat hedgehogs.

You only have to think how few butterflies and moths we see these days to realize how caterpillar numbers have declined. The same goes for beetles and of course bees.

This decline is mainly due to habitat loss from intensive farming, destruction of hedgerows and use of pesticides.

Hedgehogs had to turn to other types of food. And we’ve seen a massive increase in the number of slugs (and snails) in the diet.

While this may be good news for gardeners, it’s not so good news for hedgehogs.

First, because so many gardeners still use slug pellets to control those slimy beasts. And a hedgehog that eats a slug that had slug pellets will ingest those toxins itself.

On the other hand, because healthy slugs are also intermediate hosts for certain parasites, especially lungworms and flukes. These are no problem for the snails. But they cause problems for hedgehogs when snails make up too much of their diet.

human food and garbage

With the decline of traditional food sources and hedgehogs’ natural tendency to mess, it’s no surprise they happily rummage through our trash.

But that can also get her into trouble.

Pat Morris, in his excellent book Hedgehogs, describes how hedgehogs love to lick the bottom of fruit cans, coffee cups, yoghurt pots or McFlurry containers. Aside from whether this stuff is good for them, there’s an obvious problem.

The hedgehog pokes its snout as far into the container as possible to get every last drop of delicious goodness. The hedgehog then tries to retreat, only to find that its spines have caught on the container and it wedges itself in the container.

With most containers, but not cans, the pig can eventually pry it open and fight its way out. But even the best scenario is a stressed and confused pig that has eaten something it probably shouldn’t.

Morris also describes problems that often caused the rubber bands to be dropped on the street by postmen. These look a lot like worms, so could be accidentally eaten.

But more importantly, rubber bands get tangled around the feet of hedgehogs and birds. This can cause serious problems for wildlife.

What to feed wild hedgehogs

With their natural food sources becoming increasingly scarce, offering food to wild hedgehogs is a great way to help them.

Studies have shown that hedgehogs do not become addicted to the food you give them. Especially in hot, dry weather or before hibernation, it is simply a useful addition.

So what food should you offer hedgehogs visiting your garden?

You should aim for high-protein foods that mimic the natural diet.

Wet or dry food is best for hedgehogs.

These specially formulated feeds provide the balance of vitamins and minerals the pig needs. They also come with clear serving size instructions, which can be really helpful.

Otherwise, wet or dry dog ​​or cat food is a good substitute. When using cat food, we are advised not to use fish flavors. We can’t find any concrete evidence of this, so this might just be an old wives’ tale. But safe is safe.

Aside from eating, it’s a good idea to omit a shallow bowl of water, especially in dry weather.

Serve food and water in heavy, flat bowls like this one. Hedgehogs can be clumsy creatures. A heavy bowl will help keep them from spilling it all.

What not to feed hedgehogs

Hedgehogs will eat pretty much anything you give them. They don’t care about a healthy diet. So you have to choose carefully.

Here is a shortlist of what not to feed your hedgehogs.

Bread and cake ; Hedgehogs like to eat bread and cakes. They are tasty and so filling that the hedgehog will not feel hungry after eating. However, bread and cakes do not have much nutritional value for a pig. So although he feels full, he could also be malnourished.

; Hedgehogs like to eat bread and cakes. They are tasty and so filling that the hedgehog will not feel hungry after eating. However, bread and cakes do not have much nutritional value for a pig. So although he feels full, he could also be malnourished. Milk; Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant. Milk cheese and other dairy products can cause them serious digestive problems. They’ll happily suck up milk, but end up with serious problems in the lower department later.

Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant. Milk cheese and other dairy products can cause them serious digestive problems. They’ll happily suck up milk, but end up with serious problems in the lower department later. mealworms; High in protein but also high in phosphorus. These tasty little snacks can make it difficult for hedgehogs to absorb calcium. Calcium deficiency can lead to bone fractures and bone deformities, especially in piglets.

High in protein but also high in phosphorus. These tasty little snacks can make it difficult for hedgehogs to absorb calcium. Calcium deficiency can lead to bone fractures and bone deformities, especially in piglets. sunflower seeds and peanuts; Although you may find seeds in hedgehog droppings, leaving them out as food is not a good idea. Like mealworms, they also have high levels of phosphorus, which can cause bone problems. However, they can also get wedged in the hedgehog’s mouth, making it difficult for them to eat and possibly even leading to starvation.

Setting up a hedgehog feeding station

Leaving out a bowl of feed and water will be of great help to your domestic pigs. Better yet, set up a feeding station that protects the food from the elements and other animals like cats and foxes.

How to build your feeding station:

Take a plastic storage box or an old recycling box. Cut a hole about 5 inches square in one end at ground level. Tape the edges of the hole to cover any sharp parts. Put your food inside. Place a brick on top to hold the station in place. Place a large, heavy object like a large flower pot or some bricks about 4 inches in front of the entrance. If you create this type of baffle or tunnel, the hedgehog will get in but will stop larger animals.

Watch this short video to see exactly how you can build your own hedgehog feeder.

If all this seems like too much palaver for you, you can always opt to buy a hedgehog house and use it as a feeding station.

However, remember; Hedgehogs don’t like eating and sleeping in the same place. So you have to provide two separate structures for eating and sleeping.

Gardening for hedgehog food

There are many easy ways to turn your backyard into a great, natural restaurant for hedgehogs.

Essentially, you need to focus on making the garden insect friendly. A bug-friendly garden not only helps your native hedgehogs, but many of our other native species as well.

Here are our top tips for filling your garden with hedgehog food.

Avoid slug pellets and chemical weed killers.

s and chemical weed killers. dig a pond Water in your garden is the basis for a healthy, diverse ecosystem. It doesn’t matter how small it is, and even a container pond will do.

. Water in your garden is the basis for a healthy, diverse ecosystem. It doesn’t matter how small it is, and even a container pond will do. Make a wood pile. Rotting tree trunks are a favorite home for beetles.

. Rotting tree trunks are a favorite home for beetles. Let a corner go wild. A lot of insect life can develop in a wild corner.

. A lot of insect life can develop in a wild corner. Plant a patch of wildflower meadow. Again, even a small patch can attract a variety of insects. You can buy special butterfly-friendly seed mixes that will give you plenty of tasty caterpillars.

. Again, even a small patch can attract a variety of insects. You can buy special butterfly-friendly seed mixes that will give you plenty of tasty caterpillars. Get an insect hotel.

Check out this BBC Countryfile article for more tips on hedgehog-friendly gardening.

Conclusion: Hedgehogs help to eat well

British hedgehogs are in trouble. A decrease in their natural food sources is a big problem for them.

Intensive farming, destruction of hedgerows and use of pesticides have resulted in a sharp decline in the number of invertebrates that hedgehogs love to eat.

Luckily, you can help by leaving out food to supplement their diet and by making your yard a natural hedgehog pantry.

Wild hedgehogs eat beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, snails, bird eggs and other bugs and insects.

About 75% of the hedgehog’s diet is invertebrates.

They also occasionally eat small mammals, birds and frogs.

You can help them by supplementing their diet with special hedgehog food, meaty or dry cat or dog food.

They should not be given milk or bread to eat. Bread doesn’t have enough protein and milk is bad for them.

For more information on how you can help hedgehogs visit:

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society.

hedgehog road.

And if you spot a hedgehog in trouble, you can find your local hedgehog rescue project by clicking here.

Have more questions about what hedgehogs eat? We’d love to hear from you, leave us a comment below.