What Hedgehogs Eat
Natural Diet of Wild Hedgehogs
European hedgehogs are insectivores, meaning they eat a variety of invertebrates. Their diet includes worms, insects (especially beetles), caterpillars, and small slugs. They may also occasionally eat carrion (dead animals), frogs, small rodents, and birds’ eggs.
Can Hedgehogs Eat Slugs and Snails?
Yes, hedgehogs do eat slugs and snails, but not as many as we might like. Hedgehogs have small mouths, so large slugs and snails are usually avoided. Additionally, slugs and snails often carry lungworm, a parasite that can infect a hedgehog’s lungs and cause illness or even death.
Do Hedgehogs Eat Fruit?
No, hedgehogs cannot digest fruits or vegetables. They lack a cecum, a pouch in the digestive tract that is used to break down plant material. As a result, fruits and vegetables pass through their gut quickly without providing any nutritional value.
What Do Hedgehogs Drink?
Hedgehogs drink water. They will drink from natural sources such as ponds or bird baths, or from water bowls placed near food sources.
Feeding Hedgehogs in Your Garden
The best way to feed hedgehogs in your garden is to provide a variety of natural food sources such as beetles and caterpillars. This can be done by creating habitats such as log and leaf piles, large compost heaps, native shrubs, and long grass. Avoid using slug pellets or other insecticides that could harm hedgehogs or their food supply.
Supplementing a Hedgehog’s Diet
If you want to supplement a hedgehog’s diet, the best choice is dry kitten biscuits or cat food. Dog food is also acceptable. Avoid hedgehog food specifically designed for wild hedgehogs, as it may contain harmful ingredients such as honey, fruit, or mealworms.
How to Make a Hedgehog Feeding Station
A hedgehog feeding station is a simple enclosure with a hedgehog-sized entrance hole that prevents other animals from getting in. It can include a tunnel system to protect hedgehogs from predators and a heavy brick on top to keep foxes out.
What to Avoid Feeding Hedgehogs
Avoid feeding hedgehogs bread and milk. Bread is not nutritious and can fill them up without providing any nutrients, while milk can cause dehydration. Also avoid mealworms, seeds, and nuts, as they can lead to Metabolic Bone Disease, a serious condition that can cause brittle bones and fractures.
Advice on Buying Hedgehog Food
When buying hedgehog food, always check the ingredients list and ensure that meat is the main ingredient. Avoid foods that contain insects, seeds, or nuts. Cat and dog food are highly regulated and nutritionally balanced, making them a safe and healthy choice for hedgehogs.
