Thinking about getting a hedgehog, but I'm not too keen on feeding it insects. I can manage maybe a few things it happens to find if I take it outside but I don't think I can really handle much more than than. I just feel bad. Are insects a requirement for the diet of a hedgehog? If so, are there any substitutes I can give it rather than buy crickets and live worms? Thank you... :0)
ℂait
Favorite Answer
Hedgehogs are insectivores and insects are a part of their natural diet. This being said, they should be given bugs that you get at a store, not ones that they find outside. Bugs that your hedgie finds in the backyard may have been in contact with poisons (ie.- pesticides, herbicides, natural toxins, etc...).
I feed freeze-dried mealworms to my herd. You can buy them at most pet stores and then scoop them into the hedgehog's dish with a spoon (so you don't need to touch them). I don't like the idea of feeding bugs either, but it is a necessary part of the hedgehog's diet so it is best if you can work out a way to use them but without too much guilt :)
You should feed between 5 and 15 mealworms per week.
Good luck!
sopiabug 3212
I had a hedgehog. I gave him pellet food, you can find this at some pet stores. I got a special kind of food from the breeder I got my hedgehog from. I also gave mine yellow tomatoes sometimes, he loved them ! When hedgehogs really really like a food they spit all over themselves, I it's so weird, and funny ! You definitely don't have to always give them live bugs, although they might need it once and a while. Some foods have crushed bugs in it. Just make sure they get the right nutrition ! Give them bugs once or so a week, you don't have to everyday, just bite the bullet, it's worth it!
http://www.exoticnutrition.com/Hedge-Hog-products.htm
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060623180036AAzhs7s
http://www.ehow.com/how_2293161_feed-pet-hedgehog.html
^ this one is the best
patty
I had a hedgehogwhich kept cuming in to my garden so i went on google and found out tht they like cat food the one in jelly but dont give them fish based sort
SavvySue
I have no clue. Will star so you get more answers. Although it looks like you have some all ready.