Hedgehog!!!! - Page 2

feorag · #11 (**permalink**) 26-04-2008, 09:27 AM

Can I just say that hedgehogs can eat any meat based dog or cat food, not just chicken, but you are right they don't eat the fish varieties. You can also feed them any meat leftovers, raw or cooked, minced meat, chopped liver or scrambled eggs. Dog biscuits, bran and peanuts can also be used to supplement their diet and provide roughage. You can also give them the occasional digestive biscuit as a treat, but they love custard creams.

Putting out water and food is particularly important when there hasn't been any rain for a while as the ground will be hard and worms (their staple diet,not slugs) will be deep under ground. They do eat slugs but slugs carry lungworm which is the biggest killer of hedgehogs (apart from us humans!)

So can I also add don't use slug pellets in your garden, don't leave plastic mesh lying around and if you have a pond provide a shallow 'beach' area or a 'stepping stone' in case one falls in. Don't leave ring pull style drink cans lying around as hedgehogs are attracted to the sweet smell and tear open the plastic holders that hold 4 cans together as hedgehogs (and any other animal) can get caught in these. And NEVER light a garden fire without checking there isn't a hedgehog asleep in there.

Hedgehogs are nocturnal - if you see one about during the day then almost certainly something is wrong and you should help it either by feeding it and observing it to see if it is just hungry and thirsty or ill. If it is ill take it to a rescue centre or a vet.

One other thing is that in order to survive hibernation a hedgehog must weigh over 500g. Late litter hoglets are in danger of hibernating before they reach this weight and will die while asleep. If you see a small hedgehog around October time, weigh it. If it is less than 500g it will need to be prevented from hibernating and cared for over the winter.

hamsterhaven · #12 (**permalink**) 27-04-2008, 09:05 AM

Yes, but Chicken dog/Cat is the best for them really.
Remeber not to give them any IAMS Cat food, as this is really bad for them.

feorag · #13 (**permalink**) 27-04-2008, 09:26 AM

Have to say that nothing I've read in any book or via any of the major hedgehog rescue organisations says that chicken is best. A lot of people say that they prefer chicken, but I've never read anywhere that it is best to give them chicken, only that white meat is preferable, but any meat based pet food is suitable.

hamsterhaven · #14 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 06:14 PM

Yes I know, but it is more natural, several websites I have visited say that. But you are right, alot of meats are suitable.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode