What Do Hedgehogs Eat?

2021-05-24

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Hedgehogs are fascinating and adorable creatures that can be found in many parts of the world. They are known for their distinctive spiky coats, which they use to protect themselves from predators. Hedgehogs are also known for their unique dietary habits, which include eating a wide variety of insects, worms, snails, and other small animals.

In this article, we will take a closer look at what hedgehogs eat and how their diet affects their health and well-being. We will also provide some tips on how to feed your pet hedgehog a healthy and balanced diet.

Hedgehogs are omnivores, which means that they eat both plants and animals. Their diet consists mainly of insects, worms, snails, and other small invertebrates. Hedgehogs will also eat fruits, vegetables, and seeds on occasion.

What Do Hedgehogs Eat

Hedgehogs are omnivorous and eat a variety of food items, including:

Insects
Worms
Snails
Small invertebrates
Fruits
Vegetables
Seeds
Eggs
Small mammals
Carrion

In captivity, hedgehogs can be fed a diet of high-quality cat or hedgehog food, supplemented with fresh fruits, vegetables, and insects.

Insects

Insects are a major part of a hedgehog's diet, and they provide essential nutrients like protein, fat, and vitamins. Hedgehogs are particularly fond of:

Beetles
Crickets
Grasshoppers
Mealworms
Waxworms

Hedgehogs can find insects in their natural habitat by rooting around in the soil, under rocks and logs, and in vegetation. They will also eat insects that are attracted to lights, such as moths and flies.

In captivity, hedgehogs can be fed insects that are purchased from pet stores or online. It is important to choose insects that are gut-loaded, meaning that they have been fed a nutritious diet themselves. Gut-loading ensures that the insects are providing your hedgehog with the nutrients they need.

When feeding insects to your hedgehog, it is important to remove the head and legs, as these parts can be sharp and could injure your hedgehog. You can also offer your hedgehog live insects, but be sure to supervise them while they are eating, as live insects can bite.

In addition to insects, hedgehogs can also eat a variety of other foods, including fruits, vegetables, and small mammals. A varied diet is important for hedgehogs, as it ensures that they are getting all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy.

Worms

Worms are another important part of a hedgehog's diet, and they provide essential nutrients like protein, fat, and calcium.

Earthworms: Earthworms are a favorite food of hedgehogs, and they can be found in gardens, compost piles, and other moist areas. Earthworms are a good source of protein and calcium.
Mealworms: Mealworms are the larvae of the darkling beetle, and they are a good source of protein and fat. Mealworms can be purchased at most pet stores.
Waxworms: Waxworms are the larvae of the wax moth, and they are a high-fat food that hedgehogs love. Waxworms should be fed to hedgehogs in moderation, as they can be fattening.
Redworms: Redworms are a type of earthworm that is often used as fish bait. Redworms are a good source of protein and calcium, and they can be purchased at most bait shops.

Hedgehogs can find worms in their natural habitat by rooting around in the soil, under rocks and logs, and in compost piles. Hedgehogs will also eat worms that are attracted to lights, such as nightcrawlers.

Snails

Snails are a good source of protein and calcium for hedgehogs, and they can also provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Garden snails: Garden snails are a common type of snail that can be found in gardens, parks, and other grassy areas. Garden snails are a good source of protein and calcium.
Land snails: Land snails are another common type of snail that can be found in forests, fields, and other areas with lots of vegetation. Land snails are a good source of protein and calcium.
African giant snails: African giant snails are the largest species of snail in the world, and they can grow to be up to 8 inches long. African giant snails are a good source of protein and calcium, but they should only be fed to hedgehogs occasionally, as they can be high in fat.
Mystery snails: Mystery snails are a type of aquatic snail that can be found in pet stores. Mystery snails are a good source of protein and calcium, but they should only be fed to hedgehogs occasionally, as they can be high in fat.

Hedgehogs can find snails in their natural habitat by searching under rocks, logs, and leaves. Hedgehogs will also eat snails that are attracted to lights, such as streetlights and porch lights.

Small invertebrates

Small invertebrates are a major part of a hedgehog's diet, and they provide essential nutrients like protein, fat, and vitamins.

Spiders: Spiders are a common type of invertebrate that can be found in gardens, fields, and other areas with lots of vegetation. Spiders are a good source of protein and fat.
Centipedes: Centipedes are another common type of invertebrate that can be found in gardens, fields, and other areas with lots of vegetation. Centipedes are a good source of protein and fat.
Millipedes: Millipedes are a type of invertebrate that is similar to centipedes, but they have more legs. Millipedes are a good source of protein and fat.
Slugs: Slugs are a type of mollusc that is related to snails. Slugs are a good source of protein and calcium.

Hedgehogs can find small invertebrates in their natural habitat by searching under rocks, logs, and leaves. Hedgehogs will also eat small invertebrates that are attracted to lights, such as streetlights and porch lights.

Fruits

Fruits are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for hedgehogs. However, it is important to feed hedgehogs fruits in moderation, as too much fruit can cause diarrhea.

Apples: Apples are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. Apples should be peeled and cored before feeding them to hedgehogs.
Bananas: Bananas are a good source of potassium and magnesium, as well as vitamins C and B6. Bananas should be peeled before feeding them to hedgehogs.
Berries: Berries are a good source of antioxidants and vitamins C and K. Berries should be washed thoroughly before feeding them to hedgehogs.
Grapes: Grapes are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium. Grapes should be halved or quartered before feeding them to hedgehogs.

Other fruits that hedgehogs can eat include pears, peaches, plums, and melons. It is important to introduce new fruits to hedgehogs slowly, and to watch for any signs of digestive upset.

Vegetables

Vegetables are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber for hedgehogs. However, it is important to feed hedgehogs vegetables in moderation, as too many vegetables can cause diarrhea.

Some good vegetables to feed hedgehogs include:

Carrots: Carrots are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as beta-carotene. Carrots can be fed to hedgehogs raw or cooked.
Green beans: Green beans are a good source of vitamins K and C, as well as fiber. Green beans can be fed to hedgehogs raw or cooked.
Broccoli: Broccoli is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. Broccoli can be fed to hedgehogs raw or cooked.
Spinach: Spinach is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. Spinach can be fed to hedgehogs raw or cooked.

Other vegetables that hedgehogs can eat include peas, sweet potatoes, and squash. It is important to introduce new vegetables to hedgehogs slowly, and to watch for any signs of digestive upset.

Hedgehogs should not be fed vegetables that are high in oxalates, such as rhubarb and spinach. Oxalates can bind to calcium in the body and prevent it from being absorbed. This can lead to health problems, such as kidney stones.

It is important to provide your hedgehog with a varied diet that includes a variety of insects, worms, snails, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. A healthy diet will help your hedgehog stay healthy and happy for many years to come.

Seeds

Seeds are a good source of protein, fat, and fiber for hedgehogs. However, it is important to feed hedgehogs seeds in moderation, as too many seeds can cause digestive problems.

Some good seeds to feed hedgehogs include:

Sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds are a good source of protein, fat, and vitamins B and E. Sunflower seeds can be fed to hedgehogs raw or roasted.
Pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein, fat, and zinc. Pumpkin seeds can be fed to hedgehogs raw or roasted.
Flax seeds: Flax seeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Flax seeds can be fed to hedgehogs ground or whole.
Chia seeds: Chia seeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Chia seeds can be fed to hedgehogs whole or ground.

Other seeds that hedgehogs can eat include sesame seeds, hemp seeds, and quinoa. It is important to introduce new seeds to hedgehogs slowly, and to watch for any signs of digestive upset.

Hedgehogs should not be fed seeds that are high in oxalates, such as poppy seeds and sesame seeds. Oxalates can bind to calcium in the body and prevent it from being absorbed. This can lead to health problems, such as kidney stones.

Seeds can be offered to hedgehogs as a treat or as part of a balanced diet. It is important to provide your hedgehog with a variety of foods, including insects, worms, snails, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. A healthy diet will help your hedgehog stay healthy and happy for many years to come.

In addition to the foods mentioned above, hedgehogs can also eat small amounts of cooked chicken, turkey, or beef. It is important to remove any bones from the meat before feeding it to your hedgehog. You can also offer your hedgehog occasional treats, such as mealworms, waxworms, or fruits. However, treats should only be given in moderation.

Eggs

Eggs are a good source of protein and fat for hedgehogs. However, it is important to feed hedgehogs eggs in moderation, as too many eggs can cause digestive problems.

You can feed your hedgehog either cooked or raw eggs. If you choose to feed your hedgehog raw eggs, make sure that the eggs are fresh and from a reputable source. You can also feed your hedgehog hard-boiled eggs or scrambled eggs.

Some good ways to feed eggs to hedgehogs include:

As a treat: You can offer your hedgehog a small piece of hard-boiled egg or scrambled egg as a treat once or twice a week.
Mixed in with food: You can also mix a small amount of hard-boiled egg or scrambled egg into your hedgehog's regular food.
As a meal replacement: If you are short on time, you can feed your hedgehog a hard-boiled egg or scrambled egg as a meal replacement.

It is important to watch your hedgehog closely when they are eating eggs. Some hedgehogs may be allergic to eggs, so it is important to stop feeding them eggs if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or skin irritation.

Eggs can be a healthy and nutritious part of a hedgehog's diet. However, it is important to feed eggs to hedgehogs in moderation and to watch for any signs of an allergic reaction.

Small mammals

Small mammals are a natural part of a hedgehog's diet. In the wild, hedgehogs will eat mice, voles, shrews, and other small rodents.

Mice: Mice are a common prey item for hedgehogs. Mice are a good source of protein and fat.
Voles: Voles are another common prey item for hedgehogs. Voles are a good source of protein and fat.
Shrews: Shrews are small, mouse-like animals that are also a common prey item for hedgehogs. Shrews are a good source of protein and fat.
Other small rodents: Hedgehogs will also eat other small rodents, such as hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs. However, it is important to note that these animals are not as nutritious as mice, voles, and shrews.

It is important to feed hedgehogs small mammals that have been raised in captivity. This is because wild small mammals may carry diseases or parasites that can be harmful to hedgehogs.

You can purchase frozen or freeze-dried small mammals from pet stores or online. You can also feed your hedgehog live small mammals, but it is important to supervise them while they are eating. Live small mammals can bite or scratch your hedgehog.

Small mammals can be a healthy and nutritious part of a hedgehog's diet. However, it is important to feed small mammals to hedgehogs in moderation. Too many small mammals can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

Carrion

Carrion is the dead flesh of animals. Hedgehogs are opportunistic feeders, and they will eat carrion if it is available. Carrion is a good source of protein and fat, but it can also be a source of bacteria and parasites.

In the wild, hedgehogs will eat the carrion of small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They will also eat the carrion of larger animals, such as deer and rabbits. Hedgehogs are not picky eaters, and they will eat carrion that is fresh or decaying.

It is important to note that carrion can be a health risk for hedgehogs. Bacteria and parasites can contaminate carrion, and these can make hedgehogs sick. If you are feeding your hedgehog carrion, it is important to make sure that it is fresh and that it has not been contaminated. You should also wash your hands thoroughly after handling carrion.

Here are some tips for feeding carrion to hedgehogs:

Only feed your hedgehog carrion that is fresh and has not been contaminated.
Wash your hands thoroughly after handling carrion.
Do not feed your hedgehog carrion that has been treated with chemicals, such as pesticides or herbicides.
Do not feed your hedgehog carrion from animals that have died of disease.

Carrion can be a healthy and nutritious part of a hedgehog's diet. However, it is important to feed carrion to hedgehogs in moderation and to take precautions to avoid the risk of contamination.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about what hedgehogs eat:

Question 1: What is the best diet for a hedgehog?

Answer: The best diet for a hedgehog is one that is varied and includes a variety of insects, worms, snails, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. It is also important to provide your hedgehog with a constant supply of fresh water.

Question 2: What are some good insects to feed my hedgehog?

Answer: Some good insects to feed your hedgehog include crickets, mealworms, waxworms, and grasshoppers. You can purchase these insects at most pet stores.

Question 3: What are some good fruits and vegetables to feed my hedgehog?

Answer: Some good fruits and vegetables to feed your hedgehog include apples, bananas, berries, grapes, carrots, green beans, broccoli, and spinach. It is important to introduce new fruits and vegetables to your hedgehog slowly, and to watch for any signs of digestive upset.

Question 4: Can I feed my hedgehog cooked meat?

Answer: Yes, you can feed your hedgehog cooked meat, but it is important to remove any bones from the meat before feeding it to your hedgehog. You can also offer your hedgehog occasional treats, such as mealworms, waxworms, or fruits. However, treats should only be given in moderation.

Question 5: How often should I feed my hedgehog?

Answer: Hedgehogs should be fed once or twice a day. The amount of food you give your hedgehog will depend on its size and activity level.

Question 6: What should I do if my hedgehog is not eating?

Answer: If your hedgehog is not eating, there may be a medical problem. You should take your hedgehog to the vet as soon as possible.

Question 7: What are some signs of a healthy hedgehog?

Answer: Signs of a healthy hedgehog include a bright, alert appearance, clear eyes, a clean nose, and a healthy appetite. Hedgehogs should also have a healthy weight and a shiny coat.

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If you have any other questions about what hedgehogs eat, please consult with your veterinarian.

In addition to providing your hedgehog with a healthy diet, there are a few other things you can do to keep your hedgehog healthy and happy. These include providing your hedgehog with a clean and舒适 cage, taking your hedgehog to the vet for regular checkups, and providing your hedgehog with plenty of opportunities to exercise.

Tips

Here are a few tips for feeding your hedgehog a healthy and balanced diet:

Tip 1: Offer your hedgehog a variety of foods.

Hedgehogs need a variety of nutrients to stay healthy. The best way to ensure that your hedgehog is getting all the nutrients it needs is to offer it a variety of foods, including insects, worms, snails, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.

Tip 2: Feed your hedgehog live food whenever possible.

Live food is the most natural food for hedgehogs. Live food is also more nutritious than dead food. If you can, try to feed your hedgehog live food at least once a day.

Tip 3: Make sure your hedgehog has access to fresh water at all times.

Water is essential for hedgehogs. Hedgehogs need to drink water to stay hydrated and to regulate their body temperature. Make sure that your hedgehog has access to a clean and fresh water source at all times.

Tip 4: Avoid feeding your hedgehog processed foods.

Processed foods are not good for hedgehogs. Processed foods are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. These foods can lead to health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

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By following these tips, you can help your hedgehog live a long and healthy life.

Hedgehogs are fascinating and adorable creatures that make great pets. By providing your hedgehog with a healthy diet and a clean and comfortable home, you can help your hedgehog thrive.

Conclusion

Hedgehogs are fascinating and adorable creatures that make great pets. Hedgehogs are omnivores, and they eat a wide variety of foods, including insects, worms, snails, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. It is important to provide your hedgehog with a healthy and balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from all food groups.

In addition to providing your hedgehog with a healthy diet, there are a few other things you can do to keep your hedgehog healthy and happy. These include providing your hedgehog with a clean and comfortable cage, taking your hedgehog to the vet for regular checkups, and providing your hedgehog with plenty of opportunities to exercise.