What Do Hedgehogs Eat? Hedgehogs Diet By Types | BioExplorer (2024)

FAQs

What Do Hedgehogs Eat? Hedgehogs Diet By Types | BioExplorer? ›

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. More infrequently, they will take advantage of carrion, frogs, baby rodents, baby birds, birds' eggs and fallen fruit.

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. More infrequently, they will take advantage of carrion, frogs, baby rodents, baby birds, birds' eggs and fallen fruit.

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. Never feed hedgehogs milk or bread - milk can cause diarrhoea and bread isn't very nutritious.

A pet hedgehog's diet should mainly consist of high-quality hedgehog food mixed with high-quality, low-fat cat food. The following supplemental foods can be offered in small amounts two to three times a week: Gut-loaded insects, such as mealworms and crickets.

Hedgehogs are opportunistic feeders and will eat frogs, mice or birds that are small enough or slow enough to catch. So, if you're wondering “Do hedgehogs eat meat?” While they do possess sharp canine teeth, meat is only a small part of their diet and is normally only obtained by scavenging from carcasses.

Fruits: 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 choices among hedgehogs.

What can I feed hedgehogs? 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.

Tea Tree oil/ Eucalyptus/Thieves - this includes: tea tree shampoo, tea tree oil, tea tree sprays and anything tea tree. Even Candles inhaled can harm your hedgehog! This can be fatal in as little as one dose or application. It causes renal, liver and complete organ failure.

The texture of peanut butter is thick and sticky, which can prove hazardous to hedgies. It can become stuck to the roof of their mouth or even in their throats, so there is a strong risk that they can choke on it.

Provide some fruits, such as apples, plums or pears, and nuts, such as unsalted peanuts or brazils. Leave out root vegetables like carrots, along with some cooked potato. If food isn't eaten overnight, remove anything that will go off and replace it with fresh offerings in the evening.

Can hedgehogs eat scrambled eggs? ›

Hedgie may also enjoy the occasional bit of cooked eggs. We recommend scrambling or hard boiling them. Small amounts of tofu and rice are fine as well.

Many people have reported that their hedgies adore cooked peas. Unseasoned chicken is another favorite snack. You can also give your hedgehog a teaspoon of yogurt or baby food; my hedgies love the little hot dogs.

What do hedgehogs drink? Don't forget to put out a shallow dish of water which can be a lifeline for hedgehogs, especially during a hot, dry summer. Contrary to popular belief, hogs are lactose intolerant and milk can make them ill, so please only offer them water.

Hedgehogs enjoy a natural diet of insects such as beetles, caterpillars, slugs, earthworms and snails, but sometimes food can be scarce, and we may want to help supplement their diets by putting out hedgehog food in our gardens.

Like other small animals, hedgehogs love exploring mazes. You can use store-bought ones, or make your own out of PVC pipe or even boxes. Make sure it's big enough, so Hedgie won't get stuck.

Thankfully, the answer is yes! Watermelon is a great low-calorie treat for hedgehogs, and most of them will adore it! You can safely feed your hedgehog some watermelon several times per week, and this watery fruit can help keep them hydrated too.

Insects are a favorite for hedgehogs. You can offer live bugs, which will also give your tiny buddy the chance to 'hunt' his dinner. Frozen ones are fine as well. Mealworms, wax worms, silk worms and crickets are all good options.

Tunnels. Like many pocket pets, hedgehogs love to explore mazes and tunnels. This will keep Hedgie active, and offer him mental stimulation. You can buy labyrinths, or make your own out of shoeboxes or PVC pipe.