Only put out small amounts of food, as this is supplementary to their natural diet. Never feed
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.
With the cold winter approaching, hedgehogs are fattening up for hibernation by eating plenty of food. During the autumn, it's therefore best to put food and water out continually.
Hedgehogs are active during the night, so the best time to put out food is just after dusk, when they are starting to search for food. The Autumn and Winter months are the most important for them to find food to put on enough weight before hibernation, so always make sure you put out food at this time of year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
The right quantity of food along with enough exercise is the key to keeping your hedgehog at an optimal weight. 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.
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.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and are active at night. They also make sure to hide themselves away in their nest when they're resting, to avoid disturbance and predation. For these reasons, sleeping and resting aren't behaviours we're likely to see a lot in the garden!
Hedgehogs are fun, friendly, inquisitive pets. They prefer to sleep during the day and are active at dusk and in the evenings.
So, should we be putting bedding in hedgehog houses? On balance yes we should. A hedgehog box is not a natural environment. Placing natural materials like leaves, dry grass, straw or hay in it will make it feel more natural for the hog.
In a bath tub or sink, get the water going at a warm temperature. If it's too hot or too cold for you to be comfortable, your hedgehog won't be comfortable either.
Water Bowls
Baby hedgehogs or hedgehogs that have difficulty using a bottle may do better with a water bowl. Some hedgehog owners prefer using glass or stainless steel bowls for drinking. Water bowls will need to be checked frequently to make sure they are clean and full.
While hedgehogs aren't usually aggressive, they will extend their quills when they feel threatened. Supervise children to ensure they aren't playing too rough with your hedgehog. They don't like being wet and generally don't like their heads petted.
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.
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.
Many people get confused about how often they should bathe their hedgehogs. Your vet should be the ultimate authority here. That said, in general, about once a month is good. Don't bathe your pet too often: this could dry out his skin!
The poo of a healthy hedgehog is black to dark brown in colour. Each poo is around 1.5 to 5 centimetres long. They are sausage shape, with one or both ends slightly pointed. They are often almost sparkly due to the bits of beetle skeleton they contain.