How often should you feed your hedgehog?

A lot of hedgehog owners recommend one tablespoon of food once to twice a day. Most prefer a free feeding schedule. Baby hedgehogs need to have constant access to food. Pregnant and nursing hogs are expected to eat more.

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How much food does a hedgehog need per day?

Hedgies require about 70 to 100 calories a day which isn't all that much. Roughly, depending on the specific calorie content of the food offered, this would break down to about 1 to 3 Tablespoons per day. But remember, if more is offered, hedgehogs will gorge, consuming many more calories than they need.

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Do you feed a hedgehog everyday?

Young, pregnant, or lactating pets can be fed free-choice, but the amount should be measured out for all others. An adult hedgehog will thrive on 3 level teaspoons of the main diet (eg Mazuri), 1 level teaspoon of meat, egg, and/or insects, and 1 level teaspoon vegetables and/or fruits per day.

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Can I overfeed my hedgehog?

Hedgehogs have evolved to metabolise fat easily and gain weight quickly, ideal for an animal that hibernates. While I've never seen an obese hedgehog in the wild, I've seen plenty in captivity! Just bear this in mind and avoid overfeeding, or excessively fatty foods.

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How do I know if my hedgehog is hungry?

Grunting and snuffling, like a pig = hedgehog out and about, looking for food. Chuffing like a steam train = mating season. Chirping like a baby bird = hungry hoglets in the nest. Screaming Hedgehog = in pain and distress.

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What SHOULD You Be Feeding Your Hedgehog?

26 related questions found

Do hedgehogs prefer wet or dry food?

Hedgehogs will relish any combination of meat-based wet dog or cat foods, or dry cat/kitten food. Just remember, they will be getting most of their food from insects and worms in the wild, and this food is only supplementary.

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Should I put food out for hedgehogs every night?

It's a good idea to put out food for hedgehogs all year round. In spring, it will be a boost for those emerging from hibernation, while in late summer and autumn it will help hogs build up those all-important fat reserves to survive the winter.

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Do hedgehogs eat banana?

Fruits: Dried fruit should be avoided, but a small amount of fresh fruit can be offered to your hedgehog as treats. Apples, bananas, berries, and melons are popular choices among hedgehogs.

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What fruit can hedgehogs eat?

Pygmy hedgehogs can eat:
  • Berries.
  • Kiwi.
  • Papaya.
  • Watermelon.
  • Peaches.
  • Cherries.
  • Bananas.
  • Apples.

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Why shouldn't you give hedgehogs mealworms?

But mealworms can actually cause a painful bone disease in hedgehogs and, in worst case scenarios, result in them losing their ability to walk. The high phosphate levels in theses worms are sapping hedgehogs of calcium and reducing the strength of their bones.

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What is a hedgehogs favorite food?

Hedgehogs mainly eat creepy crawlies

The most important invertebrates in their diet are worms, beetles, slugs, caterpillars, earwigs and millipedes. As well as these, they also eat a wide range of other insects.

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How often do hedgehogs need to be washed?

Hedgehogs do not groom or clean themselves like most other animals. You will know your hedgehog is ready for a bath when it looks dirty, has dry skin, “poop boots” (dirty feet from, well, you know!), or anointed spots of dried “stuff”. Once a month bathing is adequate for the average hedgehog.

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What is a hedgehogs daily routine?

Hedgehogs are fun, friendly, inquisitive pets. They prefer to sleep during the day and are active at dusk and in the evenings.

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What food should I leave out for my hedgehog?

Feeding hedgehogs

You can encourage hedgehogs into your garden by providing food and fresh water. Tips for leaving out food and water: Leave out foods like tinned dog or cat food and crushed cat or dog biscuits. Supply good quality, meaty hedgehog food from wildlife food suppliers.

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What veggies can hedgehogs eat?

Here's a list of vegetables hedgehogs can eat:
  • Arugula.
  • Spinach.
  • Dandelion greens.
  • Asparagus.
  • Carrots.
  • Broccoli.
  • Sweet potatoes.
  • Radish.

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When should I stop feeding my hedgehog?

The answer is YES… as long as it's being eaten. It's difficult to tell exactly when hedgehogs will begin hibernation, so when you start to see that food is not being taken, you can stop putting so much out and perhaps just offer a few dry cat biscuits that don't go off so quickly.

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Can hedgehogs have cheese?

Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant. Milk and cheese will give them bad diarrhoea and can lead to serious illness as well.

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How long do pet hedgehogs live?

Pet hedgehogs have an average life span of four to six years and weigh about a pound. Most owners will feed them a low-fat dry cat food supplemented with vegetables, mealworms, and crickets, and keep them in a large, flat-bottomed cage.

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What do hedgehogs like to play with?

Best Toys for Hedgehogs
  • Exercise Wheels. Your hedgie will enjoy having an exercise wheel in his cage. ...
  • Mazes. Hedgehogs love to play in mazes. ...
  • Cat Toys. Some cat toys are appropriate for hedgehogs. ...
  • Boxes. Tissue boxes and other small boxes may be fine for your hedgehogs. ...
  • Tube Tunnels. ...
  • Stuffed Animals. ...
  • Toy Dump Trucks.

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What to avoid with hedgehogs?

Toxic foods are poisonous to hedgehogs and should be completely avoided.
  • Grapes.
  • Raisins.
  • Tea Tree oil.
  • Chocolate.
  • Avocado.
  • Garlic.
  • Potato.
  • Egg yolk.

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Can hedgehogs eat broccoli?

Yes, Hedgehogs Can Eat Broccoli

The thicker stalks of the broccoli plant are also safe for hedgehogs to eat, although they're a little tougher and may not appeal as much to your pet. Petkeen.com recommends you avoid feeding your hedgehog raw broccoli, but boiled and steamed vegetables are completely okay.

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Do hedgehogs eat eggs?

Hedgehogs mostly eat invertebrates at ground level that are inactive. They are opportunistic omnivores though and will sometimes eat eggs, small mammals, chicks, frogs, flies and carrion.

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What smell do hedgehogs hate?

Essential Oils: I have been advised that oils that are considered "hot" are toxic to hedgehogs. Oils that are considered hot: Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Hyssop, Lemongrass, Ocotea, Oregano, Peppermint, Thieves, and Thyme. These are often contained in blends.

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Do hedgehogs need blankets?

Whether it's on your lap or in its enclosure, your hedgehog needs something they can hide under or in to feel safe. This can be anything from a fleece blanket to a guinea pig hut. Hedgehogs are natural burrowers and love dark confined spaces where they can feel safe.

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Should hedgehogs have bedding?

Hedgehogs naturally like to burrow, providing additional bedding gives them a more natural ability to make a bed inside their shelter. Many hedgehogs will sleep under their shelter as opposed to inside it. Providing 12x12 squares of fleece also make good sleeping material.

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