Hedgehogs dislike or cannot eat dairy (milk, cheese), sugary foods (dried fruit, sweets, honey), nuts, seeds, mealworms, bread, raw meat, fish, onions, garlic, avocado, citrus fruits, and tomatoes, as these cause digestive issues, nutritional imbalances (like Metabolic Bone Disease from poor calcium/phosphorus), or are toxic, so always offer specialist hedgehog food, wet cat/dog food, and fresh water instead.
What can hedgehogs NOT eat?
Generally, Hedgehogs are scared of humans so as long as you observe them from a distance, they pose no threat.
Motion activated sprinkler repellents provide an innovative way to deter unwanted animals, such as hedgehogs. They use a blast of water to safely and effectively scare away intruders and keep your garden free of pests.
What should I never feed a hedgehog? Foods that are toxic to hedgehogs...
Hedgehogs can occasionally eat human foods, such as cooked lean meat, fruits, and vegetables. Always check with a veterinarian before feeding anything new to your hedgehog, and remember that human food should not make up the majority of their diet.
This decline is partly due to a loss of natural habitat, which provides both shelter and food for hedgehogs. Fencing, pesticides, garden hazards (like ponds, strimmers and netting) and development and construction also have an impact. And of course, cars are a major threat to hedgehogs, killing thousands each year.
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.
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).
If you're wondering what smells attract hedgehogs, they're not all that different to us: they love the smell of food, whether that's insects, slugs and snails, or recommended foods.
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.
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.
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.
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 them build up those all-important fat reserves to survive the colder months.
Hedgehogs mainly eat creepy crawlies
The majority of their diet is made up of invertebrates (or creepy crawlies). We know what they eat from scientific studies that have analysed hedgehog poo or looked in the stomachs of hedgehogs killed on roads.
Hedgehogs are very sensitive to smells. Often, when they encounter a new smell, they will start to produce a large amount of frothy saliva. Then, they reach to their side and spread the saliva over their spines. They often wiggle around in weird positions in order to try to cover all of these spines.
Hedgehogs typically hibernate from autumn to spring (October - March), but this can vary depending on the temperature and food available.
Rats and mice are nocturnal with most activity taking place between approximately one half hour after sunset to about one half hour before sunrise. Garbage is an excellent food source for rodents. Store garbage and rubbish in rodent-proof containers.
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. Consumption of milk and milk-based foods may lead to diarrhea.
Yes, hedgehogs often return to the same garden - especially if it provides a good food source, shelter, and safety.
They tend to follow the same routes each night, so these pathways can become more noticeable over time. Sounds: Despite their small size, hedgehogs can be surprisingly noisy. Listen for snuffling, huffing, and puffing sounds at night, particularly in spring after hedgehogs hibernate.
The breeding season for hedgehogs typically starts in May, with most young born in June and July. We now see a later one in September and October but in our experience if there is food and water and a safe place to sleep hedgehogs can breed all year. Their gestation period is around 35 days.
Hedgehogs can travel around 3km (almost two miles) every night. Make sure they have a clear route between gardens by cutting 13 x 13cm (5 x 5in) holes at the base of fences, removing bricks from walls or digging tunnels under the garden boundary – just check with your neighbours first!
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.
Dangers to hedgehogs
Badgers are the main predators to adult hedgehogs; the rest tend to target hoglets. Additionally, dogs regularly attack hedgehogs (Hedgehog Rescue gets a lot of dog-related injuries). Cats are curious, but not a threat except to tiny hoglets.