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What Should I feed My Hedgehog
Feeding a hedgehog isn’t difficult or expensive. It is just a matter of knowing what his dietary needs are, as well as knowing what he likes, and what he dislikes. Some people consider hedgehogs to be omnivores, when in reality they are really insectivores, although they also eat meat, vegetables, and fruits.
When you are selecting foods for your hedgehog, the first thing to consider is their natural diet. This is what the hedgehog would eat if he was in the wild. He would enjoy insects, of course, including slugs, worms, snails, and bugs of all sorts. He may also feed on vegetables, fruits, and other plant life.
Many people mistakenly think that if they feed their hedgehogs a quality cat food, that he is getting everything that he needs, and this simply is not the case. While cat food or ferret food is good for your hedgehog, that diet must be supplemented with worms, including mealworms and earthworms. He will also enjoy crickets. You will also need to provide him with fresh fruits and vegetables, in their raw form, and cut into bite sizes just for him.
Because hedgehogs are becoming more popular as pets, pet food manufacturers have started developing foods that are specific for hedgehogs. However, there is still a great deal of debate as to whether or not these commercial hedgehog foods provide all of the nutrients that your hedgehog requires.
In most cases, the cat food, ferret food, or hedgehog food will provide your hedgehog with the meat that he needs. However, many owners actually cook for their hedgehogs. You can boil or bake a chicken, and pull the meat off of the bones. He will also enjoy fish and beef. Just make sure that any meats that you cook him are well done, and that he is not subjected to any small bones. Scrambled eggs will also be a favorite.
It is a good idea to discuss your hedgehog’s diet with your veterinarian, just as you would with any other pet. Your veterinarian should be able to recommend a diet for your hedgehog, as well as supplements that your hedgehog needs and treats. In the beginning, determining what your hedgehog wants and needs may require a great deal of trial and error.
Your hedgehog will need to eat at least twice a day. He will require food once in the early morning, and again in the evening. Remember that he is nocturnal, and will be most active at night. During his waking hours, however, he may want treats as well. If you will not be awake to feed him treats during the night, hide those treats inside containers that he can play with and open himself, such as plastic Easter eggs.
Finally, your hedgehog will require a steady supply of fresh water. This can be delivered to him in a crock bowl, or in a water bottle. Different owners have different preferences; however different hedgehogs also have different preferences. Most owners prefer water bottles, because the water stays clean, and the water isn’t spilled and tracked all over the cage. However, many hedgehogs will not drink for a water bottle, and prefer a bowl, as this is how they would naturally drink.
Hedgehogs, Hedgehogs information, Hedgehog tips, Hedgehog pets, Hedgehog advice
Next Article: Hedgehog Hygiene
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