In the wild, hedgehogs eat a diverse selection of insects as well as some plant material and very occasionally small or baby mammals (like pinkie mice). What do African pygmy hedgehogs eat? The 7 Best Wet Foods for Your Kitten in 2020, The 8 Best Premium Dry Foods for Cats in 2020, The 8 Best Cat Foods for Weight Loss in 2020, The 8 Best Frozen and Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food. Popular food to offer your pet hedgehog is unseasoned lean meat (chicken, turkey, and beef), farm-raised insects. There are a few things to be sure you don’t feed your hedgehog. What Do Hedgehogs Eat? Different species of hedgehogs will have slightly varied diets depending on the … Bacon. Another treat of a different kind is to feed a wet meal. As well as nutrient deficiencies (which can cause a whole host of problems) these include: These can usually be prevented by managing your hedgehog’s weight well and sticking to the recommended dietary levels of protein and fat. Occasionally, they may also dine on worms, slugs or snails, which could help to keep your garden pest- free. This is balanced so that it contains the right amounts of proteins and fats. Therefore, it is difficult to be precise about how much to feed your hedgehog. See … You will need to place this in a heavy ceramic bowl so that it doesn’t get spilled. Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. Like other mammals, it’s important to remember that a hog’s nutritional needs will vary over its lifetime, so you will need to change your hedgehog’s feeding schedule as they age. They eat a diet rich in protein and low in fat, not too dissimilar to cats. Throughout this article when we refer to the hedgehog, we are talking about the African Pygmy Hedgehog (atelerix albiventris), though much of this will transfer to other species. Highly processed carbs (will increase weight gain). Raw meats unless part of a properly sourced (pre-frozen) raw diet. Your email address will not be published. The hedgehog or cat kibble should make up the majority of the daily diet, and even though a hedgehog is very active at night and burns a lot of energy, you'll want to control how much kibble it gets. Other foods are added because variety is essential in a hedgehog’s diet. You can feed your hedgehog cat food in the absence of special hedgehog food, with treats such as crickets, earth worms, slugs and mealworms when you can find them! A ‘base food’ cat kibble or premium hedgehog food. Additionally, wild hedgehogs will hibernate in cold seasons in colder climates (not in Africa) and rely on fat reserves in extremely hot seasons. These include when they are pregnant, nursing, growing, recovering from illness, getting older, or when the weather is cold. Mixing more than one cat kibble (or hedgehog food) together gives the main diet variety in terms of nutrients, taste, smell and the size of the biscuit pieces. Small amounts of gut loaded insects (i.e. If this kind of diet interests you, please seek out someone who is well-established in feeding their hedgehogs with the kind of diet you intend to use and ask them to assist you. Raw potatoes (best avoided as they may contain the toxin solanine). What fruits do hedgehogs eat? Follow these guidelines and you’ll soon be able to relax about your hedgehog’s food and concentrate on enjoying their quirky ways. Hedgehogs mainly eat creepy crawlies. Fatty liver disease, liver failure, and cancer. Different species of hedgehogs will have slightly varied diets depending on the part of the world they are from, but most pet hedgehogs are African Pygmy hedgehogs so being a hybrid, their diet isn't the same as a wild hedgehog. Hedgehogs can enjoy a wide variety of treats from cooked meat to cottage cheese (which is naturally lactose-free) and eggs to baby food. So, what do pet hedgehogs eat? Lower protein and fat levels are needed for fully grown adults and those who have a tendency towards putting on weight. But, as yet, their specific nutritional requirements are unknown. Most of the information available leads back to work done in zoos by researchers such as Anthony J. Smith and Dr. Graffam-Carlsen. Hedgehogs are insectivores, feeding primarily on grubs, spiders, snails, small vertebrates, and more. Try starting with 2 teaspoons of kibble in the evening (along with the other elements of the diet), and then assessing what is left in the morning. It is the safest. Here is a list of animals that could pose a threat to the hedgehog or even eat them. Hedgehogs are widely recognised as a potent ally in the garden, but what do they actually eat? There are times when a hedgehog will naturally need to eat more. Each individual feed should be suitable for use as hedgehog food and will need: Many fruits and vegetables are enjoyed by hedgehogs and add interest, vitamins, antioxidants and healthful phytochemicals to the diet. Despite some of what you might read, there are a variety of healthy hedgehog diets, but they mostly follow the same basic pattern: A ‘base food’ cat kibble or premium hedgehog food. This simply means that hedgehogs are adapted more for digesting insects than plants. Feeding on … Pet hedgehogs. Many hedgehog owners buy high … Some other animal protein foods (could be different types of cat kibble). They will eat any bugs such as worms, night crawlers, earwigs, millipedes, slugs, and caterpillars that they can find. Naturally, hedgehogs are insectivores, taking over 70% of their key nutrients from insects and beetles in the wild. However the hedgehogs we keep as pets are far removed from the wild, and risk getting parasites if they eat wild bugs. Freeze-dried insects can also be re-hydrated easily. The worms are higher in fat, so don’t overdo it. Pet hedgehogs are unique in both their appearance and their care as a small pet. Top 20 Safe Woods for Rats (& Toxic Woods to Avoid), How Do Guinea Pigs Sleep? Insects would be a major part of a wild hedgehog’s diet and should always be included in the diet. A baby hedgehog is called a hoglet. Looking at a wide spread of hedgehog articles and information, in the US and UK, sources state a range of 20 to 50% protein (dry food matter) and 5 to 20% fat. Some vegetables and fruit. Hedgehogs have been known to eat certain species of fish. Some other animal protein foods (could be different types of cat kibble). Your email address will not be published. Feeding Your Hedgehog Fruits and vegetables. Steven is the guy behind SmallPetJournal. All Your Questions Answered, Invertebrates (termites, millipedes, grasshoppers, ants, worms, etc. The kibble size is important too. In order to keep a pet hedgehog healthy, you need to mimic this diet. In the solid diet of the hedgehog, the main components are insects, rodents, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. It’s much harder to get your hog to lose weight than it is to prevent weight gain in the first place. Hedgehogs are not difficult to feed and usually thrive on a fairly set dietary routine, so long as it includes the important elements of quality animal protein, insects, and some fruit and vegetables. A little fruit and veg should be given on most days. ), Vertebrates (small lizards, mice, snakes, frogs, etc.). This can help your hedgehogs to stay healthy and live a long life. It’s best to take advice from your hedgehog’s breeder on this as they will know which foods suit the hogs they breed. There is some information available about their digestion of plant fiber (digested at a rate of 38%), compared to chitin – the fibrous exoskeleton of insects – (digested up 68%). They use their senses (primarily smell, hearing and sight) to locate their prey and can even sense grubs in the soil to around 4cm depth. It is best however to avoid the fish flavors as hedgehogs are not partial to it. In addition to it being raw, it is usually “aged”. Offer each new treat on its own alongside the main food and wait to see how the hedgehog responds before feeding anything else. Hedgehogs are considered either omnivores or insectivores, depending on the source referenced. Instead, they eat everything raw. Hedgehogs earned the title of opportunistic eaters. A few pieces of apple, carrot or greens are suitable for this purpose. correct levels of fat and protein (see above); an easily digested meat (such as chicken or turkey) as the primary ingredient. It is helpful to keep a log of your hedgehog’s weight each week so that you can spot issues quickly. What Do Hedgehogs Eat? In the wild, hedgehogs are opportunistic omnivores, who may eat virtually any small animal they encounter, although they exhibit a distinct preference for insects and other invertebrates. Pet hedgehogs will also each cooked, lean chicken and … This post may contain affiliate links. Hedgehogs are becoming popular among pet lovers. From April on, moths and their larvae are popular hedgehog food. All commercial kibble will already be supplemented. Hedgehogs will often eat small amounts of vegetable and can be given small amounts of fruit as treats. Then we will discuss the variety of foods that make up a healthy hedgehog diet, how much to feed, and – just as importantly – which foods to avoid. They may also enjoy occasional treats in addition to these foods. When they awaken from hibernation in spring, hedgehogs usually eat earthworms and snails, easy prey even for the not too nimble hedgehog. Hedgehogs feast primarily on … Weight variation in adult hedgehogs is huge – with healthy adults, who are not obese, ranging from 200g to 1,000g. Many people suggest leaving out a bowl full of kibble all the time, which will work for many hogs. In some regions, they can also be called pups or urchins. These predators include birds of prey like hawks, several types of carnivorous mammals, some snakes, and humans. As well adapted insectivorous omnivores, they have a set of 36 teeth, including 22 sharp, raspy molars and premolars for crushing and grinding prey. By knowing what a hedgehog should be eating you can make better food decisions for your pet. There are hedgehog enthusiasts who feed their own mixes and fresh diets with success. In addition to these, hedgehogs also feed on a wide range of other insects. Most hedgehogs will need between 1 and 2 teaspoons of kibble if they are getting insects and fruit/veg as well. When pieces are too large, they can be hard to chew. However, many people keeping them as pets get their diet wrong. Feeding insects live is obviously most natural but doesn’t suit everyone. Most of their diet is made up of invertebrates. However, they are great runners and in their search for food (according to the African Pygmy Hedgehog Club UK) they can cover up to 12 miles a night. There is so much more to know. So what do Hedgehogs eat? Hedgehogs can eat other pet food. Hedgehogs are considered either omnivores or insectivores, depending on the source referenced. Here are our favorite list of foods that can be provided to your hedgy every day. You can buy a specially prepared hedgehog food mix from some larger pet stores, but. The problems arise with those who are rather greedy and those who are very lazy! The Hedgehogs’ Diet. However, for the pet hedgehog, their diet is more of that of an omnivore. Should Your Hedgehog Eat Cat Food or Hedgehog Food? Live insect food especially is an important source of enrichment for African pygmy hedgehogs - allowing them to carry out their natural foraging and hunting behaviour. Hedgehogs are insectivores (insect-eaters), but they are not strict insectivores, as wild hedgehogs will eat different types of food, including mollusks (snails and worms), amphibians, lizards, snakes, birds’ eggs, fish, carrion, mushrooms, roots, berries, and melons. ), Healthy Treats for Your Hedgehogs (Plus, Unhealthy Treats to Avoid). Around 15% fiber is also thought to be desirable. Being insectivores, hedgehogs need nutrients that may not be found in many other pet foods. A check should also be done for preservatives and harmful elements. Before we begin to look at hedgehog diet in captivity, it’s important to understand how wild hedgehogs are adapted to their diet. make for a greedy eating style. Hedgehogs live mostly in Africa, Asia, Europe, and New Zealand. If you would like to find out what to feed a pet hedgehog check out this article. But, what eats hedgehogs? This results in a species that is well adapted to gaining weight, which is a major consideration when feeding and caring for them in captivity. Hedgehogs in the wild, however, are opportunistic eaters. Domesticated hedgehogs can consume anything from one teaspoon to one tablespoon of dry food in one night. However, because of the captive hedgehog’s much less active lifestyle, too many insects – which can be high in fat – can lead to obesity. They must be refrigerated after opening. Kibble itself is an unnatural way of presenting nutrition to an animal like a hedgehog because every bite is the same in terms of texture, smell, and taste. Copyright © 2018 - 2020 SmallPetJournal.com. Others may upset their stomach and can be fatal as well. Some owners of pet hedgehogs will mix cat food in with scraps of chicken, turkey or lean pork, and this is one of the best things that you can feed these little guys. Good quality dry cat food is usually a good food source for a hedgehog. Larger and very active hedgehogs may need more food, but your hedgehog's weight should be monitored with the use of a baby scale. The diet of hedgehogs largely centers around foraging — this is actually how they got their name, as they are mostly known to forage through hedges and similar forms of roots to find small beings to snack on. What do baby hedgehogs eat? Hedgehog Diets in the Wild. Each day, one to two tablespoons of kibble should be offered to an adult hedgehog in addition to a teaspoon of fruits and vegetables and some insects. Most hedgehog enthusiasts have a preferred base product for their hedgehog’s dry food. By Elton Dunn. Heat dried insects have the advantage of being widely available, but they may have a lower nutritional quality. What do wild hedgehogs eat? and small amounts of … It’s also worth noting that many captive hedgehogs will refuse new food, and others can get diarrhea with changes in the diet. Preferably not pork or beef as these are harder to digest; a named bird or animal (‘chicken’ rather than ‘poultry’), either as meat or meat-meal, rather than derivatives which have much less food value and less digestible protein; no artificial preservatives (such as BHT or ethoxyquin) which are associated with potential tumor growth; if using a hedgehog food, it should still list meat as the first ingredient. However, because of the tendency of the captive hedgehog to be picky, these diets should only ever be fed after proper research and advice from experienced people. As pets, hedgehogs should mainly be fed high quality hedgehog food. Higher levels of nutrients are usually needed for: Despite some of what you might read, there are a variety of healthy hedgehog diets, but they mostly follow the same basic pattern: Let’s consider each of these in more detail. We hope that we have given you some food for thought! Overgrown patches, compost heaps and log piles can all be used by resting hogs. You can usually get away with feeding them scraps of meat, from cooked beef to lean pork, turkey and chicken. Beetles, butterflies, moths and earwigs are common targets, although they will even eat some stinging and biting insects, such as ants and wasps. Baby food is a common way to feed treats. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Many owners stay away from fish as it can cause the hog’s feces to be very smelly. I n nature, wild hedgehogs are insectivores and feed off of wild bugs and insects. fiber (sometimes given as extra insects or vegetables to prevent constipation in susceptible hedgehogs); joint supplements (to reduce arthritis as hedgehogs age); probiotics (useful for maintaining gut health during stressful periods). What do hedgehogs eat and drink? Pet hedgehogs may eat such table foods as cooked, lean chicken, turkey, beef or pork (in moderation due to fat content). If you offer an array of foods safe for hedgehogs, your pet should not need vitamin supplements. Required fields are marked *. In this article, we will be giving you all the information you need to feed your hedgehog a great diet. This kibble has mashed up insects along with vitamins and minerals to create a balanced diet specifically formulated for an African pygmy hedgehog. In the wild, hedgehogs live on a diet of insects and sometimes rodents like small mice. However, there is some agreement that for pet hedgehogs the ranges that produce the best results are around 28 to 35% protein (dry food matter) and 5 to 15% fat. He currently lives with his wife & three guinea pigs in Texas. Some insects. You can buy hedgehog foods in some pet shops and supermarkets but this type of food is usually for wild hedgehogs, and because of this it is too fatty for our little pets! If your hedgehog is likely to look for food during the day (some do), then leave a few pieces for them to find around the habitat but remove the dish until the evening. The Good, the Bad (& the Wonderful? They can be useful for those who make up their own mix or feed a cooked or raw fresh diet. Hedgehogs usually eat at night. They will often take advantage of baby rodents, fallen fruit, birds’ eggs, baby birds, frogs, and carrion. Lack of information and attention to detail when preparing these diets can sometimes lead to deficiencies and health issues. This means that they are eating a wide variety of food sources in the wilderness. Apple seeds (contain a compound that converts to cyanide in the stomach. Recreate this nutrient balance for your pet hedgehog to keep him happy and healthy. The nocturnal animals also do not shy away from gnawing on a dead mouse and other carrion. What Do Hedgehogs Eat When Kept As Pets? If there is more than a 10 percent weight gain you should cut back on how much food is offered. If you look at the actual diet of a hedgehog you'll see that the omnivore description is probably a more accurate one since hedgehogs in the wild will eat a variety of foods, not just insects. Sometimes, they encounter some wild fruits and vegetables that they’ll happily eat. If you look at the actual diet of a hedgehog you'll see that the omnivore description is probably a more accurate one since hedgehogs in the wild will eat a variety of foods, not just insects. Treats are enriching for your hog. This will not only help with weight management but enriches life for your prickly friend. What Do Hedgehogs Eat? Hedgehogs do not seem to be very picky eaters, but it is important that you do not feed them the wrong things. What makes up a wild hedgehog’s diet? Some people choose to use a hedgehog chow as the base food instead, and while many of these products are inappropriate for hedgehogs, there are a few that are quality feeds with a good ratio of protein and fat. The majority of their diet is made up of invertebrates (or creepy crawlies). We’ll look at what (and how) wild hedgehogs eat, and what is known about their nutrient requirements. This is often an excellent dry cat kibble, picked to be suitable for their pet’s life stage and weight. He has six years of experience keeping small pets, from guinea pigs, rabbits, to hedgehogs. However, as far as the liquid is concerned do not give them any other thing other than water. The hedgehog’s gut and pancreas contain the enzyme chitinase which enables this process. Hedgehogs have been popular pets in homes since the 1980s. Chitin is a necessary component to a hedgehog's diet but it isn't the only thing a hedgehog needs from its food, so various items should be fed in addition to insects. Mealworms and crickets are the most commonly fed insects in captivity but the staple diet for a hedgehog should be a store-bought, specially formulated hedgehog kibble. They mainly feed on insects and vegetation. Hedgehogs are not picky eaters so they will eat much of what they have been given. Treats should only ever be fed in small amounts because of the danger of obesity. The main supplements given to pet hedgehogs tend to be: General vitamin and calcium supplements are unnecessary for all hedgehog owners who feed a good quality cat food. Hedgehogs are prone to obesity, so it is of utmost importance to monitor how much you are feeding it. Fresh water should always also be available to your hedgehog. Hedgehogs Eat High-Quality Dry Cat Food with a Main Ingredient of Chicken. Supplements (optional). Wild hedgehogs eat and drink specific things that are easily accessible and found while foraging. Don’t feed insects from the garden, countryside or fishing (bait) shops as they often have parasites, pesticides or microorganisms that can affect your hedgehog. Many hogs seem unwilling or unable to learn to use a water bottle, and it’s safer if these are never be used as the only water source. No, do not feed your hedgehogs pineapple as they are highly acidic, and they also contain high sugar content which does more harm long term. This could make them sick and could hurt their digestive system. It is generally accepted that hedgehogs have a good level of dietary flexibility, having a wide range of foods that they can use depending on their habitat. They get their main source of fiber and chitin from the exoskeleton of insects or invertebrates. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a63208d43ef58b4dac3cd57ad848418c" );document.getElementById("baaea177ed").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); SmallPetJournal is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.ca. The natural diet is extremely variable, and the opportunistic tendencies of this little forager mean they would experience a widespread of textures, tastes and smells when eating. These include: There are a few foods that are often mentioned as potentially toxic to hedgehogs because they are toxic to some other species, and toxicity is unclear. There’s always the concern of possible insecticides that come with almost any place you can purchase insects. Obviously, a large hedgehog is likely to eat a great deal more than a very small one. But, as hedgehogs are quite different from most other animals, the food label should be checked for ingredients and nutrients before providing to the hedgy. But then there are certain predators that are able to successfully hunt and eat hedgehogs. Foraging opportunities can help to keep the hedgehog active and can easily be offered by putting the kibble in various places around the habitat. For example, they eat earthworms, slugs, snails, caterpillars, and baby mice. Can hedgehogs eat pineapple? General Pet Hedgehog Food Guidelines . The main purpose of treats is to add variety and extra nutrition to the main diet. That said, there’s little point leaving insects out for a hedgehog as they can get all they need for themselves. This leads to a greater tolerance for macronutrients, such as protein and fat. The main types of insects that are suitable for hedgehogs are mealworms, waxworms, silkworms, crickets, and grasshoppers. Often, hedgehogs are given bread and milk because owners are under the misguided notion that it is good for them. Some hedgehog keepers do feed their pet hedgehogs with pineapples, but in small portions where they do not get any side effects. Canned insects are usually devoured happily as they have a strong smell, but – for the same reason – might not be acceptable to some humans. These are usually different types of cat kibble but could also include good quality hedgehog feed. Berries – such as blueberries, strawberries and raspberries – and green leafy vegetables are a particularly helpful addition from a nutritional perspective. You may want to keep a written log of the different foods you try. Activity levels also vary greatly between individuals, so this will affect how much food is needed. Because the hedgehog diet is so different from what you’d feed a cat or dog, these pets can be a challenge to keep. The main issue with this method of feeding is that it’s often then difficult to get the hedgehog to convert to a kibble-based diet later if the need arises. Hedgehogs are to eat fish in moderation due to the level of mercury that could be in the fish. Opportunistic eaters, hedgehogs snack on meat, produce and bugs in the wild. Hedgehogs have a short, simple gut that includes a stomach, and they do have the ability to vomit. A Pet Hedgehog ’s staple diet should be mostly dry cat biscuits. What do pet hedgehogs eat? They feed on multiple foods groups including protein, low-fat carbs, fruits, vegetables, and water, which is very essential to them. The nutritional benefits are also limited to what’s been added to the packet. What do pet hedgehogs eat. Freeze-dried make a great alternative, as this process maintains nutritional value very well. Other (fruit, fungi, vegetation, eggs, roots, carrion, etc. The most essential invertebrates in hedgehogs’ diet are caterpillars, slugs, millipedes, earwigs, beetles, and worms. A hedgehog may eat more at night when it is most active and running on its wheel, so don't worry if you don't see it eating much during the day. This includes … If you suspect that your hedgehog is obese or ill, it is important to take them to see an exotics vet as soon as possible for advice and treatment. Hedgehogs are nocturnal and so eat at night, and the best time to feed them is just before you go to bed. [ 2] T They also eat at night. Small seeds (hard to pick up and hedgehogs can’t remove the seed case, so the seed is essentially indigestible). From fish and chicken, Asparagus and green collards, watermelons, and berries, their diet is … As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Undomesticated hedgehogs have a natural range of 200 to 300 meters from their nest. Chitin is found in the hard exoskeleton of insects and is primarily a protein source but also provides some fiber. Never feed a ‘live’ insect that has died in the box, as it may already be decomposing. Wet diets also need to include crunchy insects and other ‘teeth cleaning’ elements. Occasionally, hedgehogs even eat vertebrates, such as snakes, … The exception to this is a diet based on quality wet cat food, which is an appropriate diet for a hedgehog, at least nutritionally.
Australian Marsupials That Look Like Rats, Woolacombe Surf Hire, Epiphone Signature Models, Elderberry Benefits 2020, Sweet Potato Chips With Guacamole, Lay's Kettle Cooked Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper Chips, Ts Degree Online Application Date 2020, Psalm 33 Tagalog,