What Can I Feed To Hedgehogs

So, you've got a hedgehog, huh? Maybe you found him waddling in your garden, or perhaps he's a new addition to your family. Either way, you're probably wondering, "What on Earth do I feed this little guy?" Well, grab a cuppa, let's chat about it.

First Things First: The Basics

Before we dive into the fun stuff, let's get the boring bits out of the way. Hedgehogs are insectivores, which is just a fancy way of saying they love bugs. Think of them as nature's tiny little vacuum cleaners, hoovering up all those pesky critters that could be wreaking havoc in your garden.

In the wild, they'd be chowing down on a variety of insects, worms, and even the occasional small snake or lizard. But don't worry, we're not suggesting you start a pet snake farm in your backyard. We'll keep it simple and safe.

Mealworms: The Hedgehog's Pizza

Now, let's talk about the hedgehog's favorite food: mealworms. They're like the hedgehog's version of pizza. You know how you could eat pizza every day and never get bored? That's mealworms for hedgies. They're high in protein and fat, which are essential for our little friends.

You can buy them dried or live. If you go for live ones, make sure to feed them a bit of dog or cat kibble first to clean out their digestive systems. No one wants a wormy tummy, right?

Variety is the Spice of Life

While mealworms are the star of the show, it's important to give your hedgehog a varied diet. Think of it like your own diet. You wouldn't want to eat nothing but pizza every day, would you? (Well, maybe not, but you get the point.)

You can introduce other insects like crickets, superworms, and even waxworms. Just make sure they're the right size for your hedgehog. You don't want them choking on a giant worm, now do you?

Veggies and Fruits: The Hedgehog's Salad Bar

Believe it or not, hedgehogs do eat some plants. Think of it as their salad bar. They love fruits like apples, bananas, and berries. Just make sure to chop them up into tiny pieces so they don't choke.

As for veggies, they're not as keen, but they'll still eat them. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach are all good choices. Again, chop them up small and make sure they're not covered in pesticides.

Hedgehog - A-Z Animals

Commercial Food: The Easy Option

If all this talk of chopping up worms and veggies has you feeling a bit squeamish, don't worry. There are commercial hedgehog foods out there that make life a lot easier. They're usually a mix of insects, veggies, and sometimes even some cat food for extra nutrition.

Just make sure to read the labels and choose one that's high in protein and fat, and low in fiber. You don't want your hedgehog filling up on fiber and not getting the nutrients they need.

Water: The Drink of Choice

Last but not least, let's talk about water. Hedgehogs need access to fresh, clean water at all times. They might not seem like it, but they can drink a surprising amount of water. Think of them as the hedgehog version of a thirsty teenager after soccer practice.

Make sure their water bowl is heavy enough that they can't tip it over, and change the water daily. No one likes drinking from a dirty bowl, right?

Treats: The Hedgehog's Cheat Day

Just like us, hedgehogs deserve a treat every now and then. But remember, treats should make up no more than 10% of their diet. Too many treats can lead to a very round hedgehog, and no one wants a hedgehog with a muffin top.

Some safe treat options include dog biscuits, cat treats, and even a small piece of cooked chicken. Just make sure it's plain and not covered in seasoning.

What Cat Foods Are Safe For Hedgehogs at Molly Nielsen blog

Feeding Time: The Hedgehog's Dinner Party

So, you've got your food, your water, and your treats. Now it's time to set the table, hedgehog style. Hedgehogs are usually fed once a day, in the evening. They're nocturnal creatures, so that's when they're most active and ready to chow down.

Put their food and water in a shallow dish, something they can't tip over. And remember, hedgehogs are messy eaters. You might want to put down some newspaper or a towel to catch any spills.

Leftovers: The Hedgehog's Lunch Box

If your hedgehog doesn't eat everything in their dish, don't worry. They're not being rude, they're just saving leftovers for later. Hedgehogs in the wild often eat only every other day, so it's normal for them to leave some food.

Just make sure to clear away any uneaten food the next day to prevent it from going off. No one likes moldy leftovers, not even hedgehogs.

And That's a Wrap!

So there you have it, folks. Feeding a hedgehog isn't as scary as it seems. It's all about providing a varied diet of insects, veggies, and commercial food, and making sure they've got plenty of fresh water. And remember, a little mess never hurt anyone. It just means your hedgehog is enjoying their dinner.

Now go forth and feed your hedgehog. They're waiting for their mealworm pizza!