How Long Can Hedgehogs Go Without Food? The 68 Latest Answer

Hedgehogs can make great pets for the right people, but are you one of them?

To answer the question above, you need to learn what to look for when buying a hedgehog and how to care for it.

Here I will go through the preliminary information on what you can expect from keeping hedgehogs as pets.

If you’re still not sure if it’s right for you, check out our Is a Hedgehog Right for You? Article. You and your family will be set for a good experience.

Facts when you have hedgehogs

“Domesticated hedgehogs are legal to own in most of the United States, but not in all states.”

Keeping African pygmy hedgehogs as pets is legal in most states. This is to protect these mammals and the fact that they are considered an exotic and protected species.

If you live in one of the states where they are protected and some other countries, you cannot keep any of them.

Inactive and active hours

As in the wild, hedgehogs sleep during the day and can be sensitive to light.

While some rare hedgehogs are okay with being played with or woken up during the day, most of them become very grumpy if not awake during their natural time.

It can be great for families who aren’t there during the day. As long as someone can take care of the mammal.

It may not be suitable for rough children or under 12 years old

Although hedgehogs are generally calm and peaceful pets. Also, they are very timid creatures and can become nervous and stretch out their spines if handled roughly.

“For this reason, they should not be handled by very young children.”

If your kids are usually loud and rowdy, you might want to consider another pet. Hedgehogs can be very frightened by loud noises!

Hedgehog Temperament & Personality

They are usually loners

Hedgehogs require as little as 30 minutes of daily socialization, and some are perfectly content with being completely on their own.

Whatever your hedgehog’s personality, it’s recommended that you spend a little time with him outside of his cage each day.

“Hedges should be handled gently and kept in a quiet, clean area.”

Although their sharp-looking spines may look a bit dangerous, they aren’t usually harmful at all, and hedgehogs rarely bite.

hedgehogs and their spines

Although a hedgehog’s spines aren’t as sharp as they look, they can poke you, especially when they’re on defensive mode.

It’s important to be careful with your pet hedgehog and remember that you’ll need to hold the spikes when caring for him.

“People with sensitive skin and young children may not be suitable for keeping hedgehogs.”

It is up to you whether you are comfortable with a hedgehog’s spines or not.

A great way to test this is to visit a breeder and have them show you how to properly care for a hedgehog.

bite and training

Pet hedgehogs are not naturally aggressive animals, and while they can bite, they only do so for a few reasons:

– Discomfort/Defense: If you touch your hedgehog when it is overwhelmed or uncomfortable, or if you handle it incorrectly, it may bite to let you know it wants to be left alone.

– Eat: If you smell food on your hands, your hedgehog might try to nibble, thinking you’re a treat!

– Curiosity: They can bite when exploring a new environment to familiarize themselves with their surroundings. If you find your hedgehog biting, you can teach him not to.

For more information, we have outlined the steps to help you train your hedgehog in our Do Hedgehogs Bite? Article.

Your experience and the personality of the hedgehog

Hedgehogs typically have one of four (4) types of personalities:

– cuddly. They enjoy human interaction and like to snuggle up on your lap.

– explorer. They usually seek plenty of exercise and prefer to explore rather than be held or cuddled during social time.

– Shy. They are naturally shy creatures, but some are shyer than others. As a sign, they may curl up when you hold them and are a little less social than others.

– Grumpy. as expected they don’t want to be held or played with – they would much rather be left alone in their cage.

Check out our hedgehog spotlight section to see interviews with real life hedgehog owners. Each owner describes their hedgehog’s personality so you can see what it’s really like to own hedgehogs as pets!

Be careful when owning a hedgehog

Relatively inexpensive and low maintenance pets.

Getting a pet hedgehog can require more money up front than some small pets like hamsters or guinea pigs.

They typically range from $150 to $300 (click here for more pricing information), plus the cost of setting up his cage.

However, since your hedgehog’s diet should consist mainly of small amounts of cat food, it is inexpensive to feed him in the long run.

However, keep in mind that if your hedgehog gets sick and needs veterinary attention, it can cost up to $300 if he needs treatment.

We recommend contacting one online via our Vet Near Me page for immediate help!

In terms of grooming, you’ll need to replace your hedgehog’s food and water on a daily basis.

To keep the cage clean, you can spot clean it daily and do a full cage clean about twice a month, or you can clean the entire cage once a week.

Please do not leave her at home alone for more than one day

While hedgehogs are content in solitude, they need to be fed and checked on a daily basis.

If you travel a lot or are out of the house often, make sure a family member, friend, or neighbor is willing to check on you daily.

Since they are unfamiliar with who you are trying to help, it is important that they introduce themselves a few days in advance.

***

Thank you Charlotte Hu Photography for the hedgehog photo featured above!

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.

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 have a questionable reputation for being lazy. Maybe you have a hedgehog that is always sleeping or always wants to sleep. If this is your first time owning a hedgehog, this might be a little worrying. But no worry! Hedgehogs have unusual sleeping patterns. In fact, they can sleep up to 18 hours a day!

As much as hedgehogs sleep, there are some abnormal behaviors to look out for to ensure your hedgehog is living their best life. It’s hard to notice these abnormalities at first, especially as a new hedgehog parent. But we are here to help!

Read on to learn more about hedgehog sleeping patterns and what you can do to keep your hedgehog sleeping safe and sound.

hedgehog sleeping habits

Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, meaning they sleep all day and stay up all night. They are only awake for about 6 to 8 hours before scurrying back to their nest and sleeping. In the wild, hedgehogs spend their waking hours foraging for food, building new nests, and searching for mates.

Hedgehogs sleep between 12 and 14 hours a day, sometimes more, sometimes less. It depends on the season. If it’s cold outside or in the room where your hedgehog lives, your hedgehog may sleep up to 18 hours a day. Likewise, hot temperatures can signal your hedgehog to sleep less.

Baby hedgehogs sleep just as much and may sleep more when they are six months old or younger. They love their sleep!

It may seem like an exaggeration, but hedgehogs sleep all day for their reasons. It’s not just a pastime, although that’s a good reason!

Where do hedgehogs sleep?

Where hedgehogs sleep is just as important as when they sleep to protect them from predators. Domesticated hedgehogs also listen to this protective instinct and arrange their sleeping place according to this instinct. Common hedgehog predators in the wild include foxes, large birds, dogs, cats, and other carnivorous animals. Hedgehogs build their nests to protect themselves from these predators.

The interesting thing about hedgehogs is that they are not very territorial and sleep in different places almost every night. This is usually because they are foraging for food, but it may be because they do not attract predators.

Wherever they sleep, chances are it will be some kind of hideout. Hedgehogs like to roost in areas with dense vegetation such as hedges, trees, undergrowth and gardens.

A proper hiding place is essential for a relaxing day for your hedgehog. Ideally, the hideout should be 3 x 4 inches. Anything larger and your hedgehog may feel vulnerable. It’s good to offer different bedding options for your hedgehog as he loves to mix it up.

Related: Why do hedgehogs dig? 5 possible reasons

How do hedgehogs sleep?

Hedgehogs like to sleep curled up. It’s a natural protective instinct. Hedgehogs in the wild need to protect their midline as there are no spines in that area.

It is best to leave your hedgehog alone when it is sleeping, especially if it is a new pet. Sometimes new hedgehog owners want to wake their hedgehog up in the middle of the day to cuddle or play. Remember that hedgehogs are prey animals. So if they’re suddenly disturbed, they’ll retreat into a ball, possibly mistaking you for a threat.

If your hedgehog sleeps on its back with its tummy outstretched, congratulations! That’s the hedgehog’s way of saying he loves you. Normally, prey animals do not sleep with their midline exposed. But if they are in a comfortable environment, they will enjoy a nice nap.

Hedgehogs are usually quiet sleepers. But every animal has unique quirks. You might get a squeak every now and then depending on what your prickly pet dreams about.

Common sleep problems in hedgehogs

We understand that hedgehogs enjoy their sleep. Not only that, they also need a good sleep schedule to function normally. But how do you know if your sleepy hedgehog is sleeping well? There are a few anomalies to look out for.

Blocked entrance

A common problem that some Hedgie owners should watch out for is a blocked entrance to the hideout. Sometimes owners like to move things around the enclosure to keep the space fresh and new. Other times things get knocked over, especially after cleaning the pen. Hedgehogs don’t sleep outdoors, so having access to their safe space blocked will disrupt their sleep schedule.

Fortunately, this is an easy fix. Move some items around and make sure your hedgehog has access to everything, including food and water.

temperature and light

Hedgehogs are sensitive to seasonal changes. Temperature fluctuations signal your pet to sleep depending on whether it’s cold or warm. As a hedgehog owner, you should know the exact temperature of your hedgehog’s cage. Look for fans, heaters or vents near our hedgehog’s enclosure. Cold temperatures can cause hibernation, so make sure you maintain a constant temperature.

Hedgehogs need around 12 to 14 hours of light to fulfill their sleep schedule. This can be done naturally or artificially. Having a light on all the time will disrupt your hedgehog’s sleep pattern and cause him to sleep more. Likewise, your hedgehog sleeps less when he is in a dark place, which could be bad for him.

territorial problems

Hedgehogs are not usually territorial and prefer to be left alone. However, external influences can affect your hedgehog’s sleep. Perhaps a dog or cat is disturbing the hedgehog so that it does not feel safe.

Sometimes a second hedgehog can drive the other hedgehog out of hiding. Every hedgehog is different, so this is not always the case. If you have two hedgehogs, keep an eye on them and provide a second hiding spot if needed. You may even need a second case.

Housing

Make sure your hedgehog has plenty of space to romp and play. In the wild, hedgehogs can travel long distances in one night. Some hedgehogs in Europe can travel 3 to 4 km! Your pooch should have enough space for a food station, exercise bike, hiding place, and litter box. Ideally, your hedgehog should have around 4 square meters to roam around.

It is important that your hedgehog has the right bedding and feels comfortable in his enclosure. Make sure the pen is clean and well ventilated.

mites

What all hedgehog owners should watch out for are mites. Mites are tiny parasites that bite and irritate your hedgehog’s skin. Mites itch like fleas on hedgehogs and can disturb your hedgehog’s sleep rhythm. Hedgehogs of all ages and breeds can get mites. They usually come from a contaminated cage or another hedgehog.

Fortunately, mites are relatively easy to treat. But you want to treat them as soon as possible, or they can get serious. Signs of mites are:

If you suspect your hedgehog has mites, make an appointment with your veterinarian to begin treatment.

Illness

A clear sign that your hedgehog is not doing well is when he is sleeping outside. Hedgehogs don’t usually do this, so it’s best to take your hedgehog to the vet right away.

Aside from mites and other parasites, common diseases in hedgehogs include:

Other signs your hedgehog is sick include missing spines, lethargy, loss of appetite, nasal and eye discharge, and diarrhea. These are all vague symptoms and can indicate many different diseases. More serious symptoms can include an inability to curl up in a ball, difficulty breathing, walking in circles, and a dull facial expression.

Overall, any change in normal hedgehog behavior is worth a trip to the vet!

hedgehog and hibernation

Hibernation is something you want to avoid. Animals that hibernate feed on their body fat while they sleep, which can cause feeding problems for your hedgehog.

If your hedgehog sleeps through the night, it’s probably hibernating. You can check this by touching (gently!) your hedgehog’s tummy. If it’s cold, it’s probably hibernating and needing to wake up.

The most common cause of hibernation is low temperatures. To wake a sleeping hedgehog from hibernation, you need to warm up the room. This can be remedied by changing temperatures in the cage. Ideally, cage temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees F are good.

Conclusion

Hedgehogs are one of the cutest creatures out there, and they’re even cuter when they’re sleeping! If you already have a hedgehog, don’t be alarmed if your prickly pal sleeps all the time. This is normal behavior for hedgehogs. What you want to avoid is hibernation.

A few simple adjustments to your hedgehog’s enclosure can prevent this. With these tips and careful observation, you and your hedgehog should be sleeping soundly and thriving!

Credit for selected images: Piqsels

I’m Andy, the owner and author of Natience.com. I’m a teacher with 18 years experience and I love sharing information about nature and science! Thanks for stopping by.

Whether in a spacious tank or out in the hedges of an English garden, hedgehogs prefer to live solitary lives. If you are thinking of buying two hedgehogs, try to keep them in separate cages. They are happier alone and do not need a companion to meet their emotional needs.

Why are hedgehogs solitary?

Aside from the mating season, animals prefer to spend every moment of their lives separated from their own kind. As mothers and fathers, hedgehogs emerged at the bottom end of the animal kingdom for their parenting skills. After the man has performed his deed, he takes off and leaves the family. He doesn’t stay to protect the piglets from predators or to gather food for his mate; He kicks out alone and hopes to mate with another female in the future.

Female hedgehogs are slightly better at child care than males, and they feed the babies and show them how to gather food. However, around 6 weeks after birth, the mother and her babies go their separate ways. As long as her offspring are young, the mother will defend the nest from predators, but sometimes the piglets are more vulnerable to their mother than to predators.

If the mother has few viable food options or is afraid of an uncomfortable environment, she may eat some of her babies. Cannibalism is not uncommon in the wild or in a breeding facility, but curiously scientists have observed a mother hedgehog caring for a cub from another litter. If the abandoned hedgehog is of a similar age and does not have an unpleasant smell, the mother will feed and raise the hedgehog like one of her babies.

The ideal home for two pet hedgehogs

Given the hedgehog’s poor parenting skills and love of solitude, you should avoid keeping two pets in the same enclosure. After growing up, hedgehogs are not friendly to their siblings or parents. Putting two unrelated animals in a cage is just as dangerous as bringing adult siblings together. Male hedgehogs are incredibly violent with one another, fighting to the death for dominance. If placed in a cage with infants, a male will likely not enjoy their presence and may choose to eat them for food.

Although some hedgehog owners have housed two females together without incident, there is no guarantee that you will experience the same situation with your pets. Keeping two females together may be the safest option, but it’s still a risky environment that can result in injury or death. Companionship is against their nature, and even in the wild they hunt and sleep alone. Mating is the only reason hedgehogs seek companionship. If you have a male and a female, they should be kept in separate tanks. When breeders put males and females together for mating, they often remove the male soon after conception to protect the mother.

Buying two tanks and doubling the amount of food and supplies can be expensive, but using a single tank when trying to fit two wheels, separate food and water bowls, and bedding material can be challenging. Each hedgehog needs a tank that is at least 4 feet long and 2 feet wide. However, a larger tank is even better.

Two separate play areas are better than one

A running bike can reduce the chances of your hedgehog becoming obese, but the little creature needs to run away from its habitat to stay happy and comfortable. Hedgehogs are constantly on the move in their natural environment at night and are used to traveling long distances to find food and water. Letting your pet run around for at least an hour every night can keep them fit, but it’s more complicated with two hedgehogs.

Hedgehogs need supervision when they’re roaming around, but it can be difficult to keep two animals in the same space without conflict. They may not be as aggressive when given the freedom of a larger space compared to a small cage, but two hedgehogs, regardless of sex, will still fight if they crossbreed.

Your sleep schedule is important

If you go to bed early, hedgehogs may not be the ideal pets for your schedule. They are nocturnal and you cannot play with them during the day unless you want an angry welcome. With two hedgehogs, you’ll need to schedule separate playtimes in the room, or have a family member play with one in a different room. You can use dog or child gates to prevent your hedgehog from escaping into the house, but you should keep them in your line of sight throughout the session. Hedgehogs like to burrow and hide in a natural environment, and in your home they will find a tight hiding spot when you leave the room.

Conclusion: stick hedgehogs together

Hedgehogs are curious creatures that are fun to watch when they are nocturnal. Although keeping two hedgehogs together might seem like it doubles the fun and provides camaraderie, hedgehogs are much happier alone. You never have to worry about a hedgehog getting lonely, but when you introduce them to a new friend, the results can be disastrous. It’s possible that two females could live without incident, but risking injury or death to one or more hedgehogs is an unnecessary risk. If you buy two hedgehogs, they will be happier and safer in separate cages.

You might also want to know: do hedgehogs live alone or in groups? What you need to know!

Featured IImage Credit: markito, Pixabay

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.

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.

The Importance of Light for Hedgehogs [And How to Provide It]

When we think of hedgehogs, it’s hard not to picture them curled up in a ball and sleeping for days – which might lead you to believe they don’t need a lot of light to thrive.

Do hedgehogs need light? Hedgehogs need at least 12 hours of light a day, as this corresponds to the day-night rhythm of their natural habitat. Since natural light can be unstable for home hedgehogs, to maintain health and avoid artificial hibernation, sunlight must be supplemented with artificial light.

Yes, hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, but light plays a pretty important role in their biology.

Hedgehogs have sort of an inverted version of our human circadian rhythm, which can be difficult for first-time owners to understand.

To shed some light on the situation (no pun intended), we’ve answered the whys and hows of providing light for your hedgehog, as well as some common questions about light and sleeping habits.

Lighting requirements for hedgehogs

Your hedgehog works on a 12-hour day and night cycle, so it’s important to maintain a constant source of daylight with the addition of artificial lighting and a timer.

If the “daylight”, as a hedgehog knows it, becomes too short, this can trigger attempts to hibernate, which can have serious health consequences, including death.

Why hedgehogs need light

Hedgehogs are nocturnal, which means they are nocturnal, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need light to function.

They require and respond to light cycles like any animal, and many vital biological events such as hormone production, internal body temperature, and cellular regeneration rely on this pattern.

A 2019 research paper published in the Journal of Hepatology explains that even a hedgehog’s organ tissues “adapt to the rhythmic cycles of feeding and activity” dictated by their natural light-dark cycle.

It also noted that “experimental evidence has shown that disrupting or deviating from this circadian rhythm increases the risk of various types of disease and may even contribute to obesity and cancer.”

How much light do hedgehogs need every day?

Twelve to 14 hours is the recommended amount of light for hedgehogs to replicate their natural cycle, so a typical schedule might look like this:

The lights go on at 8am and off at 10pm – during this time they mostly sleep to save energy.

A seasoned owner on the Hedgehog Central grooming forum suggests:

“Think of them like vampires. When the ‘sun’ (aka their light) is shining, they sleep in their hiding place (coffin), and when the sun goes down, they come out!”

Using this schedule as an example, you can be there to play and connect with your pig by dimming the lights down around 9pm to signal it’s time to wake up.

As we’ve found, it’s crucial that you don’t stray too far from this type of light-dark routine.

This ensures that your hedgehog gets enough light every day

Natural sunlight provides a decent dose of daily light, but you’ll need to supplement that with artificial light to make up for the 12 hours required.

Before discussing the ideal lighting setting, we should emphasize that a hedgehog should never be kept in the following conditions:

basement, cellar

Windowless rooms

cabinets

direct sunlight

Ideal sources of artificial light can be regular desk lamps and overhead lights (between 50 and 75 watt bulbs), which can often be clipped directly onto their cage.

LED bulbs and light strips are also suitable, although colored incandescent lights or infrared lighting are best avoided as some owners say this tends to render some hedgehogs dormant.

While low heat levels are the main trigger for hibernation, reduced daylight hours can trigger the same instinct in your hedgehog that can lead to health complications for most and even prove fatal for the smallest native species – the African pygmy hedgehog.

Lacking the fat deposits needed for successful hibernation, AP hedgehogs become immunocompromised and eventually starve.

To ensure your hedgehog gets enough light each day, regulate the light patterns using a lamp timer to automatically adjust and turn off daylight hours.

If you don’t already have one, this digital timer is ideal. Easy programming, manual override function, large screen with clear settings and side-entry connector design. Perfect!

No products found.

Do hedgehogs need light at night?

Being nocturnal by nature, hedgehogs are better adapted to the dark and do not require light at night as this could disrupt their circadian rhythm.

Does light bother hedgehogs?

No, 12-14 hours of light is part of their evolution and keeps their biological clock in check.

Hedgehogs are also unaffected by supplemental night light, according to a 2020 study on the effects of artificial light on activity in European hedgehogs, which concluded that it had “no effect on their diet or general activity”.

Do hedgehogs need sunlight?

Hedgehogs can benefit from the extra vitamin D from sunlight, but it’s not as important to their health and well-being.

As nocturnal insectivores, hedgehogs are naturally very efficient at processing essential vitamins.

Do hedgehogs need a lamp?

Yes, it’s important to place a lamp on or near their cage to supplement the natural daylight hours as the days get shorter in the fall and winter.

Regardless of the time of year, lamps should also be used in naturally low-light homes, as you need to provide light for at least 12 hours a day.

Can hedgehogs see in the dark?

Hedgehogs can see in the dark. Although their eyesight is poor, hedgehogs have sharper vision at night than during the day.

To make up for the somewhat poor eyesight, they also possess keener senses of hearing and smell to help them hunt and forage in their wild habitat.

How many hours does a hedgehog sleep?

Adult hedgehogs typically sleep up to 18 hours a day, while babies (0-5 months old) can sleep 20 hours or more.

This is perfectly normal given their nocturnal behavior and can sometimes overlap day and night giving them around 4-6 hours of feeding/play time.

Do hedgehogs hibernate?

Wild hedgehogs hibernate from late December to late March in response to persistently low temperatures and lack of food availability.

To survive the harsh winter, they slow their metabolism and heart rate down to just 20 bpm (beats per minute).

With comfortable room temperatures and a reliable food supply, house hedgehogs have no reason to hibernate and should never be encouraged to do so.

Why is my hedgehog outside during the day?

A hedgehog’s sleep pattern varies slightly depending on the weather. So if your hedgehog is outside during the day, it could be a reaction to warmer summer weather where he may only sleep for 8 hours.

Pregnant or lactating hedgehogs are also seen during the day due to their nesting and foraging instincts.

Disruptions to their normal routine, such as loud music or heavy machinery running outside, could also prompt them to get out of their beds, perhaps in search of a quieter place.

Of course you want your hedgehog to be as comfortable and happy as possible. Read our article on setting up the hedgehog cage to make sure you don’t miss anything essential.

Related Questions:

Do hedgehogs need a heat lamp?

Yes, hedgehogs benefit from a heat lamp to regulate the temperature in their enclosure to a comfortable 72-80°F range.

Choose a ceramic radiant heater (CHE) as it only gives off heat, not light that could trick you into thinking it’s day and disrupt your circadian rhythm.

Combine these bulbs with a reflector dome, thermometer and thermostat and you’re done.

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Do hedgehogs need chew toys?

no Unlike rodents, a hedgehog’s teeth don’t continue to grow and don’t need to be filed, so chew toys can actually risk breaking their adult teeth.

Hedgehogs prefer wheels and toys that allow them to forage and dig with their feet, such as B. Grab boxes.

Conclusion

In summary, light is vital to a hedgehog’s overall health and well-being, as they require a 12-hour day-12-hour night cycle to regulate essential bodily processes.

As nocturnal animals, they sleep during the day and need at least 12 hours of “daylight”, which can be provided by a combination of natural and artificial light.

Compliance with this consistent light-dark rhythm is crucial to prevent unwanted hibernation in your hedgehog.

Sources:

Here’s When Hedgehogs Do Need a Heat Lamp (Must Know)

Do hedgehogs need heat lamps?

https://www.hedgehogcentral.com/threads/hedgehog-lighting-questions.109386/

http://blog.critterconnection.cc/are-hedgehogs-nocturnal-crepuscular-or-diurnal/

https://www.hedgehogworld.com/hedgehog-hibernation/

https://www.exoticdirect.co.uk/news/pygmy-hedgehog-setup

https://www.applevalleyhedgehogs.com/lighting-and-heating

https://www.hedgehogcentral.com/threads/chews-and-toys.56569/

Last updated on 08/01/2022 at 04:44 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

When we think of loving pets, a hedgehog might not be the first animal that springs to mind. These critters are adorable, however, and those interested in welcoming one into their home may be wondering if hedgehogs like to cuddle.

In the wild, hedgehogs are loners who prefer to keep to themselves. If you’re looking for a pet that is instantly affectionate, a hedgehog is not a good choice. It takes a lot of time and patience for your new little friend to warm to you.

Hedgehogs can be affectionate, but that largely depends on their upbringing and individual personality. Even if you have a friendly hedgehog, that doesn’t mean they’re clingy or like to cuddle. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a happy, healthy pet who enjoys spending time with you.

Do hedgehogs show affection?

Hedgehogs are aloof loners. While many are not quick to show signs of affection, some can and do. It depends on the upbringing and personality of the animal.

If you have a new hedgehog or are considering getting one, early socialization is key to getting him to warm up to you. Many hedgehogs shy away from being handled, but they can learn to trust you over time if you are patient and willing to work with them.

Socializing your hedgehog from a young age will give you the best chance of success. When you adopt an elderly hedgehog from a rescue—and there are many who need a loving home—it can take them a long time to feel comfortable and safe around you. Some may never fully warm to you, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to be cared for and loved.

A hedgehog is not a pet you should expect much from in terms of cuddling, but they are rewarding in many other ways. Just remember that in the United States it is illegal to own one of these animals in California, Georgia, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, all counties of New York and Washington, D.C. to own. Always check your local ordinances and regulations to ensure you are allowed to own a hedgehog before acquiring one.

Do hedgehogs like to cuddle?

Hedgehogs don’t usually like being touched by humans. Some may tolerate petting, others shy away from hands entirely. Because of their spiny bodies, hedgehogs are also difficult to cuddle. Made of keratin, these spikes are sharp and can be painful to humans. Hedgehogs use these spines to defend themselves against predators. Adult hedgehogs have between 5,000 and 7,000 spines covering their bodies.

Since hedgehogs are solitary by nature, they do not instinctively bond with other animals or humans. Over time, however, you may be able to bond with your hedgehog.

How do hedgehogs show affection?

Some hedgehog owners think they show affection when their pet licks them. Others disagree, saying that licking only leads to a nibble because the curious hedgehog likes your smell. Licking should be curbed before it turns into biting. This is not behavior that should become a habit.

When a hedgehog feels affection for you, the simplest way to show it is not to run away when you try to pick it up. While you’re holding them, hedgehogs can curl up into a ball and take a nap. They seem eager and interested in interacting with you and will perch on your shoulder or in your lap to relax. Petting your hedgehog’s head will not shy away from being affectionate.

How to socialize a hedgehog

Hedgehogs do not have good eyesight as they are nocturnal creatures. They lack sophisticated vision because there isn’t much to see in the dark. They also don’t have good depth perception and need to be close to objects to see them.

New noises easily startle hedgehogs and may cause them to curl up in a ball to protect themselves. Because they can’t see well and don’t like new sounds, it will take a while to socialize a hedgehog. Patience is key when it comes to socializing and bonding with animals.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when trying to bond with your hedgehog. Remember that each hedgehog adapts at its own pace.

Surroundings

Once a hedgehog has become accustomed to their environment, it becomes easier to socialize them. If you’ve just brought a hedgehog home, give it time to settle in and become familiar with its surroundings. Too many new things at once can overwhelm them. Give your hedgehog at least 2-3 weeks to get used to his new home.

Plan your time

The socialization of a hedgehog requires a time investment that must be planned every day. Skipping days or just trying to socialize your hedgehog if you feel this is dooming you. Some hedgehogs quickly bond with their owners. Others can take up to a year to become truly comfortable around their owners. Still others don’t warm up at all.

To begin the bonding process, you need at least 30 minutes each day to devote to hedgehog interaction, and that’s just the minimum. The more time you can devote to your hedgehog, the faster he will learn to trust you.

sense of smell

Because hedgehogs can’t see well, they rely on their sense of smell to navigate their surroundings and learn what things are. Once a hedgehog becomes accustomed to your scent, they will find it easier to relax around you. You will be familiar to them.

The easiest way to do this is to sleep in a shirt for several nights and then drape it over part of your hedgehog’s cage. If you buy a bed for the hedgehog, sleep in it in your own bed for a few nights before letting him use it. New lotions, perfumes, or shampoos can confuse your hedgehog and cause it to take longer to learn your smell.

sense of hearing

Hedgehogs are sensitive to new sounds, so give them time to get used to the sound of your voice. Talk to them often. Play a radio at a low volume for them every day to help them get used to new sounds.

Using the same greeting for your hedgehog every time will help him know it’s you and get used to you quickly.

Hold your hedgehog

The bond between you and your hedgehog will grow the more you touch and hold them, but some hedgehogs may be against it at first. Human touch isn’t something they’re looking for, so they need to get used to it slowly.

If you notice your hedgehog hissing, puffing up, rolling in a ball, panting, or running away, he needs more time to become comfortable with touch. Give them a few minutes to relax and explore on their own. Allow them to get used to your hand before attempting to touch or pick them up.

When your hedgehog is comfortable being picked up, hold him to your chest with both hands so he can feel your heartbeat. For example, keeping them watching TV gives them plenty of time to relax.

Once the hedgehog is asleep or visibly relaxed, you may be able to pet it lightly. Keep a towel or blanket nearby so the hedgehog can hide when he’s uncomfortable.

Play with your hedgehog

Gather toys and treats and go to a quiet room with your hedgehog. Put them on the ground and add your hedgehog – make sure the space is safe for them and there are no dangers. Sit on the ground and let your hedgehog explore how he feels comfortable. If your hedgehog is wandering around, he can also climb on you and explore you. This will help them get to know you.

Interacting with your hedgehog like this is an effective way to show him that he can trust you. Reward your hedgehog with treats for letting you pet or hold him.

Manage your expectations

Socializing your hedgehog requires patience. Don’t expect too much from them too soon. Everyone adapts at their own pace. Attempting to force them too soon could result in them fearing you or biting you. Approach the situation slowly and give them time.

If your hedgehog is socialized but never gets cuddly, then that is your pet’s personality and nothing can change that. It is better to accept your pet for who they are rather than how you would like them to keep your relationship as good as possible. A hedgehog that likes you but isn’t affectionate is much better than one that fears you and hides when you approach.

Final Thoughts

Hedgehogs are not naturally clingy. They are loners who prefer to go through life alone. However, with patience and time, you can show your hedgehog that he can trust you. Early socialization is crucial in helping your hedgehog learn who you are and bond with you.

Some hedgehogs will never be as affectionate or cuddly as you might like, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t happy and content. We hope you learned a little more about hedgehogs and what to do if you decide to adopt one of these cuties in the future.

Selected images: Jenn Huls, Shutterstock

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

Handling tips

If you find an injured hedgehog wearing heavy gardening gloves, pick it up by holding it in the middle with both hands and lifting it up. Place it in a newspaper-lined box and give it a small towel or tea towel to hide.

If your hedgehog is feeling very bad or is freezing, you can also give him a hot-water bottle or a drinking bottle filled with warm water and wrapped in a tea towel to cuddle with.

If you have it a long time before it can be taken to a rescue center, offer dog or cat food in a shallow bowl, along with a non-tipping bowl of fresh water.

Dos and don’ts for protecting hedgehogs in your garden

Leave some areas of wilderness where the hedgehogs can sniff for insects.

Turn off drinking water.

Set out a bowl of dog food or meaty cat food at dusk.

Install a hedgehog house in a quiet part of the garden.

Be aware if your hedgehog is limping or appears to be injured, or keep an eye out for underweight hedgehogs in late fall

Do not lay out bread and milk

Don’t pick up fit hedgehogs

Don’t leave black bags lying around.

Do not use slug pellets or other chemicals, they can poison hedgehogs and other animals.

Don’t light a campfire without checking to see if a hedgehog or other wild animal has moved in.

Do not drive over the compost heap if hedgehogs or other animals have taken up residence.

Do not spray hedgehogs with dog or cat flea sprays. That harms the hedgehog.

FAQ

hedgehog fleas and ticks

Hedgehog fleas do not live on dogs, cats, humans or in homes, they are host specific so your pet cannot get fleas from a hedgehog. Ticks on hedgehogs (seen as greyish shiny lumps, often behind the ears) are not usually a problem unless there are dozens, which can lead to anemia. Removing ticks should be avoided as it is very easy to leave the mouthparts behind which can lead to serious infection.

I saw a hedgehog during the day, what should I do?

Hedgehogs are nocturnal and only come out at night. In general, any hedgehog that is out during the day is likely to be in trouble and will need to be picked up and taken to a wildlife sanctuary. You can pick them up with gardening gloves and put them in a box, although they’re good climbers so you’ll have to make sure they can’t escape. If you are in our area please bring it with you to Tiggywinkles, no need to call first as we are open 24 hours a day 365 days a year. To find your nearest rescue center visit www.helpwildlife.co.uk.

However, please note that during the summer months female hedgehogs may come out in the late afternoon to look for nesting material and additional food for their young; She will be active and should appear bright and healthy. If you are unsure whether a hedgehog needs rescuing please call us on 01844 292292 and we will help you assess the situation.

Too small to hibernate/hibernate hedgehogs

Underweight hedgehogs do not survive hibernation and must therefore be kept indoors until April. These hedgehogs are typically hatchlings born too late in the year to gain the weight they need to survive hibernation. If these late babies don’t reach the safe weight of 600g by the end of November and we experience a cold snap, they may hibernate and burn off their limited fat stores quickly.

Hibernated hedgehogs need to be kept indoors in a constant temperature room (around 65°F or 18°C) to prevent them from attempting to hibernate.

Hedgehogs usually start hibernating from the end of December, but this depends on the weather and the individual hedgehog. If you see a small hedgehog at this time and are concerned that it weighs less than 600g please contact your local wildlife sanctuary as it may need to be overwintered. Visit www.helpwildlife.co.uk to find your nearest wildlife rescue centre.

So that the hedgehogs can build up their fat reserves in time for the winter, please put a flat bowl with water and some meaty flavored canned cat or dog food out in the evening.

Hedgehog in the fenced garden

Unfortunately, a fenced yard would only be suitable for a disabled hedgehog as these creatures are nomadic and in their natural environment can walk up to two miles in an evening. We do not place hedgehogs that cannot be released. If he has a permanent disability, meaning he would not be able to survive in the wild, he will be kept on the hospital grounds where he can live out his life in a natural setting and will be checked regularly by our veterinary team to make sure he is thrive.

Release of overwintered hedgehogs

There is no definitive time for releasing wintered hedgehogs, but once the frost is over you should be fine. These hedgehogs need hardening like a plant. Keep indoors at first, but turn off the heating in the room. When everything is in order, move into an outdoor shed or garage and finally into the garden for release. Make sure the nocturnal habit is well established and if at any point the hedgehog stops eating, go back one level and start again from there.

Hedgehogs must weigh at least 600 grams for their hibernation and are significantly lighter when they wake up. Hedgehogs that grow too large lose their ability to curl up tightly, their only natural defense.

Can I move a hedgehog that overwinters in an unsuitable place?

No, they really should be left alone. A hibernating hedgehog uses up valuable body fat when disturbed. If you accidentally disturb a hibernating nest, cover it again with a thick layer of dry leaves and maybe leave some dog food and water nearby so that when the hedgehog wakes up it can easily find something to eat before setting out to find it makes a new wintering site and rebuilds its nest.

Do I have to clear out my hedgehog box?

The only time you can clear out a hedgehog box is early spring, after hedgehogs have awakened from hibernation and before they start mating and looking for maternity nests, which really means April only. Check the box carefully during the dark evening so any hedgehog using it as a day nest has had a chance to hunt and if it is in use you should leave it alone as the nesting hedgehog might decide to leave the nest box. When you clean it, don’t forget to put in new dry litter ready to use.

How big does a hedgehog have to be to hibernate?

We suggest that a hedgehog should weigh around 600 grams before going into hibernation to ensure they have a good source of body fat to get them through the long sleep. Hedgehogs, being much smaller, will still try to hibernate, but if body fat is too low, he won’t survive and wouldn’t wake up again.

How can I tell if a hedgehog is too small for hibernation? Hedgehogs should weigh about 600 grams by early December to have enough body fat to survive hibernation. From the beginning of November you should keep an eye on any hedgehogs to see how much they weigh. She wouldn’t mind too much weighing one on your kitchen scale. At the beginning of November they should weigh around 500 grams, otherwise they will have to be taken to a wildlife clinic for overwintering.

How long do young hedgehogs stay with their mother?

Hedgehog mothers feed their babies for up to eight weeks and then leave them to fend for themselves. If the nest is disturbed during those first few weeks, the mother may abandon or eat her babies, so you really need to leave her alone. Placing extra food near the nest can encourage them not to stray too far and will help babies gain extra weight when they start foraging for themselves.

How long should I keep feeding a hedgehog during the winter months?

Fall and early winter are prime times to feed hedgehogs in your yard as they need to gain enough weight to reach a safe wintering weight before the end of December. However, hedgehogs may not be the only visitors to your garden who would appreciate an easy place to find food during those harsh winter months. So put out food for several days after it stops being eaten. A hedgehog may have just gone elsewhere for a while to find food. Hedgehogs can also wake from hibernation when disturbed or when weather conditions change, potentially foraging for food when the ground is frozen and simple meals are hard to come by.

I have a hedgehog sleeping on my lawn, is that ok?

No, hedgehogs only sleep in a nest during the day, so any hedgehog lying on the lawn is in very poor condition and needs to be picked up and taken to the nearest wildlife clinic as soon as possible. You can pick them up with gardening gloves and put them in a box, although they’re good climbers if they’re okay, so you’ll have to make sure they can’t escape. If you are in our area please bring it with you to Tiggywinkles, no need to call first as we are open 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Or search “wildlife rescue” or “animal welfare” on yell.com or 192.com to find the center closest to you.

What should I feed a hedgehog?

Hedgehogs are insectivores, so the best diet is the beetles and larvae in your garden, which also help keep the “pests” down. Therefore, the best way to feed hedgehogs would actually be to attract more insects to your yard. You can do this by leaving some areas a little wild, planting native plants and shrubs, creating wood piles, building bug hotels, and providing fresh water (ideally a wild pond with a ramp for mammals to climb out of).

However, to encourage them to come into your garden, you could offer a “top-up meal” with a good meat-based diet. We recommend a small bowl of any meat-flavored dog or cat food and a handful of dog or cat biscuits to keep teeth healthy. Feeding hedgehogs in your garden should only be a supplement to their natural diet or to help them through the harsher winter months, so it’s important not to offer too much of one type of food.

Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant, so milk can make them very ill and should never be offered. Instead, set out a bowl of fresh water every night. Hedgehogs are nocturnal, so the best time to put out food is just after dark when they start foraging. The fall and winter months are the most important for them to find food to gain enough weight before hibernation, so always make sure you put out food at this time of year.

When do hedgehogs hibernate?

Typically, hedgehogs hibernate from late December/early January to late March. However, this is very dependent on the weather and the individual, as sooner or later some hibernate and some not at all!

What should I do if I accidentally disturb a hibernating hedgehog?

A hibernating hedgehog uses up valuable body fat when disturbed. If you accidentally disturb a hibernating nest, cover it again with a thick layer of dry leaves and maybe leave some dog food and water nearby so that when the hedgehog wakes up it can easily find something to eat before setting out to find it makes a new wintering site and rebuilds its nest.

relationship

One of 17 hedgehog species worldwide. Aside from hedgehogs, the hedgehog is most closely related to the moon rats of Southeast Asia.

state of preservation

least of your worries But is listed as a priority species under the UK Biodoversity Action Plan.

Trains

Hedgehogs are nocturnal and only come out at night. They are covered in a coat of very sharp spines that are hollow and made of keratin (like your fingernails). Hedgehogs can curl up into a ball and the spines protect them from predators, with the exception of badgers and the occasional dog.

During the day and during hibernation, the hedgehog sleeps in a specially built nest in dense undergrowth, under a shed, in piles of leaves or unlit campfires. It will never roost or hibernate outside of a nest.

Hedgehogs are insectivores that eat all manner of garden invertebrates, from beetles, centipedes and worms to snails and snails.

habitat

Found in most parts of western Europe and also in New Zealand where it was introduced in the 19th century. Lives in forests, meadows and grasslands. They are common in orchards, vineyards, farmland, parks and gardens, including in urban areas. Their range extends in pine zones up to an altitude of 2,000 m, but they do not occur above the tree line.

Young

called sea urchins. A typical litter consists of 4 to 6 babies but can have around 10. Usually born early to late in the summer, although the babies born late will have difficulty gaining the weight needed for hibernation.

The male hedgehog does not take part in the rearing of baby hedgehogs. They are born after a 35-day pregnancy. The mother will have made a maternity nest as a nursery. This can be under a hedge, in a pile of leaves, in a black sack, or very often under a shed or outbuilding.

The sea urchins are born with their first spines that are white and covered with skin. As soon as they are born, the spikes start coming through. Usually they only have one litter per year. Baby sea urchins have their eyes and ears closed when they are born. These open after about 14 days and their teeth begin to erupt after 21 days. After 8 weeks they are ready to become independent.

A urchin outside a nest needs rescuing. Its emergency call is a high-pitched whistle. It is not good to put stray sea urchins back in a nest or with other hedgehogs, they will be eaten. If you uncover a nest of sea urchins, do not disturb it, but cover it again and leave it there. The mother usually returns, but not if the babies have human scent.

How to make a hedgehog at home

Hedgehog houses are a great way to help the hedgehogs that visit your garden and can also be good “cat-safe” feeding stations. Download our step-by-step guide here.

Hedgehog houses should be placed under a shrub or hedge, or even next to a compost heap, or somewhere with good cover and in a quiet part of the yard so they won’t be disturbed.

If you display food and water, it should be well away from nesting boxes so you don’t attract other animals to the nesting area.

You can put soft hay or dried grass in there for bedding, but also try to leave some fallen leaves lying around for the hedgehog, which not only expands the bedding options, but are also good places for hedgehogs to find insects and bugs that will feed the hedgehog make up most of their diet.

losses

If you have found a sick/injured/orphaned wild animal please contact our Emergencies Section for assistance or call 01844 292292.

Too small to overwinter

Any hedgehog that hasn’t reached 600 grams by late fall doesn’t have the fat reserves to survive hibernation and will therefore need to be kept indoors throughout the winter.

Internal parasites

We find that around 85% of the hedgehogs we treat (particularly in the autumn and winter months) suffer from lungworm, which can be fatal if left untreated. We also see a lot of liver flukes and thornworms – so every hedgehog that comes in is tested for internal parasites.

traffic accidents

We see numerous hedgehogs found on the side of the road. If they are only shorn, they may have a concussion or broken limbs – so get them to a wildlife sanctuary quickly.

Barbed Wire

Keep all barbed wire at least 30cm off the ground and never let it hang or lie on the ground. If a hedgehog manages to get impaled on a thorn, it instinctively curls up into a ball and becomes entangled.

bonfire

Stacks of dry leaves, rolled-up newspaper, twigs and wood are irresistible to hedgehogs looking for a nest or dry shelter, so always check campfires by gently turning them over before lighting them. We get partially burned hedgehogs every year and the smoke inhaled can damage their health even more.

compost heap

These are ideal nesting sites for hedgehogs, who often injure themselves when forking or turning the compost. Break up the pile carefully and if you find a nest of hedgehogs (or other animals), leave them alone. You will move of your own accord.

drains

Uncovered drains are a common source of trouble, especially the small waste siphons outside many kitchens. So cover all the drains and if you find a hedgehog that is really trapped in a drain, pull it out by clipping two pliers onto its spines and gently lifting. If chemicals have been spilled down the drain, the hedgehog can also suffer chemical burns and should therefore be taken to a wildlife sanctuary.

Oil painting

If there is a pit or tray with old swamp oil, since they are very curious animals, a hedgehog is likely to fall into it. They will also likely examine open cans of paint or other liquids, so always put the lids back on. If a hedgehog is covered in oil, paint, or tar, take it to your local wildlife sanctuary. Don’t try to cleanse with Swarfega.

hypothermia

Hedgehogs that are outside during the day have problems, and if it’s a cold day they can lie there seemingly lifeless and cold. Bring the hedgehog indoors and place it on a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel in a cardboard box. When it’s lighter, offer some dog food and water. If the hedgehog doesn’t respond, take him to your local wildlife sanctuary. Warning: Hedgehogs do NOT hibernate outdoors.

mowing machine

Sometimes hedgehogs snuggle up unnoticed in tall grass and can be caught with knives and string trimmers, so walk around the area to be mowed to look for small animals and nesting sites before you start working on the lawn.

net & cord

This can act like a noose as the string gets caught around the hedgehog’s spines. As he tries to escape, the strands form ligatures around the hedgehog, and these ligatures can serve as a tourniquet around the limbs. Keep all nets and cords 30cm off the ground and never leave them lying around. If you find an animal entangled in a net, do not simply cut the net and let go, as it can take up to seven days for pressure necrosis (where tissue dies outside the restricted area) to develop. occurs.

Pesticides and other garden chemicals

Many of these contain deadly toxins – slug pellets, for example, kill hedgehogs and birds. Organic methods are much safer. Soapy water works well for sprinkling aphids and other insects, and there are a wide range of safer insect killers on the market. Read the pack carefully and always mix according to the directions. Or try natural repellents like marigolds or peppermint plants.

pets

Besides badgers, dogs are the only other animals that regularly injure hedgehogs. Keep your dog under control at all times, and if your dog finds something in the yard worth barking at, find out what it is. Both the hedgehog and the dog are likely to be injured in the conflict.

Ponds & Pools

Hedgehogs are very good swimmers, but if they cannot escape from a pool, they will become exhausted and drown. Laying a ramp or gently sloping the banks of your pond will ensure the hedgehog can escape, or a piece of chicken wire hung over the edge makes a good escape ladder.

garbage

Hedgehogs are commonly killed by litter, so always make sure your yard is free of it, especially if you’re likely to get windblown litter in your hedge. Cover rubbish bins and tie up rubbish bags to prevent contents from being blown away. Broken glass and other sharp objects are obvious hazards, rings and tin cans with lids only partially open are all deadly. Hedgehogs can also stick their heads in empty cans, yoghurt pots and other cardboard boxes – flatten them before throwing them away. Hedgehogs also love nesting in black plastic sacks – check open sacks before discarding.

shed

Hedgehogs regularly nest under sheds and outbuildings and are often injured when the shed is knocked down or moved, so always check for hedgehogs by carefully lifting the ground. If there is a nest with cubs, do not disturb them, but postpone work for about a month.

slug pellets

Never use slug pellets. The poison they contain almost always kills hedgehogs that eat them or the poisoned snails (as well as birds). Use alternative methods like sprinkling rose sprigs or nettles around the plants you want to protect, or sinking a mug of beer in the ground – this will attract and drown the snails. Better yet, why not just plant an extra row of lettuce in the garden?

wood keeper

Many wood preservatives are toxic and harm hedgehogs, as they often lick freshly treated fences. Ask your garden center for an eco-friendly, water-based product.

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

What do wild hedgehogs eat?

In the wild, hedgehogs will eat a diverse range of insects, as well as some plant matter and very occasionally small mammals or baby mammals (such as small mice). Hedgehogs are nocturnal and usually feed at night.

How should I feed my pet hedgehog?

A pet hedgehog’s diet should consist primarily of high-quality hedgehog chow mixed with high-quality, low-fat cat food. The following dietary supplements can be offered in small amounts two to three times a week:

• Gut-laden insects such as mealworms and crickets. Gut loading refers to feeding the insects a nutritious diet before you feed them to your hedgehog so your hedgehog can benefit from the added nutrients.

• Fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, bananas and small portions of cooked carrots

• hard boiled egg

“Insects should be purchased from a pet store or raised at home.”

Check with your veterinarian for recommended vegetables and fruits for your hedgehog. Insects should be purchased from a pet store or raised at home. Care should be taken when harvesting insects from gardens where insecticides and fertilizers have been used. Earthworms can be a very nutritious treat. Your veterinarian may be able to give you some tips on how to successfully raise your own insects to offer to your hedgehog.

What should I NOT feed my pet hedgehog?

• Avoid lettuce and celery, which have low nutritional value.

• Do not feed avocados as they are poisonous to your hedgehog.

• Do not feed your hedgehog raw meat or raw eggs.

• Hedgehogs cannot digest milk. Consuming milk and milk-based foods can cause diarrhea.

• Do not offer nuts, seeds, or hard foods such as raw carrots, as these can get stuck in the palate (especially peanut halves).

• Do not offer “human food” without first consulting your veterinarian.

Can I feed my hedgehog as much as he wants?

Hedgehogs are prone to obesity if their food intake is not monitored or controlled. Diet given in measured proportions and with the appropriate amounts of protein, carbohydrate, fiber and minerals will help avoid this problem. As with all animals, exercise is extremely important for weight control. Some hedgehogs walk on a wheel, others need a cage big enough to walk around in.

“Hedgehogs are prone to obesity if their food intake is not monitored or controlled.”

Do I need to give my hedgehog vitamins?

With a balanced diet, hedgehogs do not need any additional vitamins.

Can I offer treats to my hedgehog?

Hedgehogs don’t need treats, although an occasional offering of fresh vegetables, fruits, and grains is acceptable.

what about water

Water should be available 24 hours a day. Filtered water is preferred. Most owners choose to offer water through a drinking bottle suspended in the cage. If you use a water bottle, make sure your hedgehog drinks from it. Check the hose every time you change the water (at least daily) to make sure the sipper hose isn’t clogged with food.

Clean all food bowls and water sippers daily with soap and water and rinse well.