No, you should not feed hedgehogs sunflower seeds because they are high in phosphorus and low in calcium, which leads to serious health issues like Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) that causes brittle bones, pain, and often requires euthanasia. While hedgehogs might eat them if found in bird food spills, they lack proper nutrients and can be fatal, so it's crucial to avoid them and offer meat-based cat/dog food or specialized hedgehog food instead.
What not to feed hedgehogs The following foods should be avoided when feeding hedgehogs:-
Try tinned meaty cat or dog food and crushed cat or dog biscuits. Place the food and water in shallow bowls so they can access them easily. Refresh daily, disposing of food if it's not been eaten. Never give hedgehogs milk, as they're lactose intolerant and it can cause diarrhoea.
Insects and other invertebrates are the hedgehog's main natural food source. A typical diet includes: beetles.
You could also, only leave food out for the hedgehogs whilst you are around to watch. That way you can scare the rats away from the food. (rats are much more sensitive to movement than hogs are, so it's easier than it sounds).
Avoid lettuce and celery, which are low in nutritional value. Do not feed avocados, as they are toxic to your hedgehog. Do not feed raw meats or raw eggs to your hedgehog. Hedgehogs are not able to digest milk.
Our observations show that nesting Mums often leave their young ones to rest elsewhere. That rest is often through the first and last part of the night but can also be in the day time. Routinely we expect to see hedgehogs come out in the evening around 9.30pm and go back to bed by 5am.
Hedgehogs will not usually eat and sleep in the same place so it's best not to offer food inside the home (except perhaps to tempt them in initially). Once there is a resident, move food away from the box so as not to attract predators or rival hedgehogs to the site.
Making Friends With a Hedgehog
If you see a hedgehog using your garden at night then the best thing to do is nothing! This is a perfectly normal occurrence and you should be happy that your garden can support these declining mammals. If you see a hedgehog out during the day in summer then it could be a mother popping out to find food or water.
Hedgehogs typically hibernate from autumn to spring (October - March), but this can vary depending on the temperature and food available.
The intelligence of a hedgehog is to that of a hamster, they may learn certain behaviors through positive reinforcement or conditioning but only at a very basic level. Hedgehogs are known to be very communicative when it comes to their needs, and often make a low purring sound when they are happy or content.
The British Hedgehog Society recommends that in captivity adults should be fed a meat- based tinned dog or cat food mixed with unsweetened cereal (Weetabix, oats or bran). Complete dry cat biscuits are good for the teeth.
The best food that you can leave out for hedgehogs is meat-based cat or dog food, specially made hedgehog food from a wildlife retailer, or crushed up cat biscuits. 'Human food' will upset their tummies and make a mess in your garden.
Hedgehog - Threats to the Hedgehog
If you see a hedgehog out in the day, it may be unwell and in need of urgent first aid advice.
Hedgehogs often comfort their owners with cuddles, licks, and offer their paws or cuddly bellies for rubs. Their defences completely drop if they are able to form a close connection with their hedgie parents.
Just like any other pet, hedgehogs love treats. Waxworms are a favorite with these guys. You can also offer Hedgie some cooked chicken, turkey, or egg. Low fat/high protein wet cat or dog food is also fine, as is the occasional pinky mouse.
Dig boxes are a great way to provide your pet hedgehog with a unique foraging experience that supplies both mental and physical stimulation. A dig box should consist of hedgie-safe material and treats for foraging incentives.
As pets, hedgehogs can recognize and remember their owners' scent and voice, making them a loyal and affectionate companion. They can also quickly learn routines and habits, such as when it's time to eat or play.
Signs of stress
Many hedgehogs are busy and want to try to explore but a stressed hedgehog will be much more persistent and not easily distracted. The stressed hedgehog may also twitch or shake its head nervously. It is almost as if the hedgehog is saying “Sensory overload. I can't take it anymore.”
Place your hedgehog house in a quiet, sheltered part of the garden, near natural hedgehog pathways. Fill the base with a generous layer of bedding for hedgehogs, around half the height of the house.
Severe parasitic infestations constituted the primary cause of death of 10.7% (17/159) of hedgehogs, all being caused by the respiratory nematodes Crenosoma spp. and/or Capillaria spp. Clinically significant parasitic infestations were also the most prevalent contributing factor (44.7%, 71/159).
In terms of water, hedgehogs ingest water from their prey and natural sources like dew and puddles. Ponds also provide a water source so it's important to ensure garden ponds have sloping sides or an exit ramp so 'hogs don't fall in and get stuck.
Hedgehogs hibernate between October or November to around mid-March to April, but it depends on the weather. If it's mild, they might still be active into December.