Hedgehog Feeding Calculator – Chart and Schedule

Welcome to the wild and wonderful world of hedgehog ownership! These pint-sized creatures may be small, but they’ve got appetites that would put a grizzly bear to shame.

But fear not! With a little know-how and a dash of TLC, you’ll have your hedgehog munching away contentedly in no time. Get ready to become the hedgehog feeding pro you never knew you could be!

Hedgehog Feeding Calculator

Feeding Schedule For a Hedgehog

Alright, let’s talk logistics. Hedgehogs may not be the most demanding creatures when it comes to mealtime, but they do have their preferences.

Here’s a basic feeding schedule to keep your spiky pal satisfied:

• Daily Feeding: Offer a mixture of high-quality hedgehog food, such as specially formulated pellets or dry cat food. Aim for about 1-2 tablespoons per day, adjusting based on your hedgehog’s appetite and activity level.
• Occasional Treats: Who doesn’t love a little snack now and then? Treat your hedgehog to small portions of fresh fruits or veggies a few times a week. Just remember to keep it in moderation – nobody wants a pudgy hedgehog!
• Fresh Water: Hydration is key, folks! Make sure your hedgehog always has access to clean, fresh water. A shallow dish works great, just be prepared for the occasional splish-splash!

Age	Time of Day	Food Type	Quantity	Special Instructions
Juvenile	Morning	High-quality dry food	1-2 tablespoons	Ensure fresh water is available
	Evening	Protein (e.g., mealworms, crickets)	2-3 insects	Supplement with fruits or vegetables
	Night	Fresh fruits or vegetables	Small portion (e.g., 1-2 slices of apple or cucumber)	Rotate variety for nutritional balance
	Treats	Hedgehog-safe treats	Occasional treat	Avoid sugary or fatty treats
Adult	Morning	High-quality dry food	1-2 tablespoons	Ensure fresh water is available
	Evening	Protein (e.g., mealworms, crickets)	2-3 insects	Supplement with fruits or vegetables
	Night	Fresh fruits or vegetables	Small portion (e.g., 1-2 slices of apple or cucumber)	Rotate variety for nutritional balance
	Treats	Hedgehog-safe treats	Occasional treat	Avoid sugary or fatty treats

Remember, every hedgehog is unique, so feel free to tweak the schedule based on your furry friend’s preferences. Some hedgehogs are early risers, while others prefer a midnight snack – it’s all about finding what works best for them.

Good Food To Feed Your Hedgehog

Now that you’ve got the timing down, let’s talk grub! Hedgehogs are omnivores, meaning they enjoy a balanced diet of both plant and animal-based foods.

Here are some tasty options to keep those little tummies happy:

• High-Quality Hedgehog Food: Look for specially formulated hedgehog pellets or dry cat food with a high protein content (around 25-35%). These provide essential nutrients to keep your hedgehog healthy and happy.
• Lean Protein: Treat your hedgehog to occasional servings of cooked lean meats, such as chicken, turkey, or scrambled eggs. Just be sure to remove any bones or excess fat – nobody likes a choking hazard!
• Fresh Fruits and Veggies: Mix things up with small portions of hedgehog-safe fruits and veggies, like apples, bananas, carrots, or peas. Not only are they nutritious, but they also add some variety to your hedgehog’s diet. Win-win!

When in doubt, think diverse and balanced. Just like humans, hedgehogs thrive on a mix of different foods to keep them in tip-top shape.

What Not To Feed a Hedgehog

Now, let’s talk about the “no-go” zone. While hedgehogs may have adventurous palates, there are some foods that should never make it onto their dinner plate.

Here’s a handy list to keep in mind:

• Junk Food: Sorry, folks, but hedgehogs and junk food just don’t mix. Avoid feeding your hedgehog sugary snacks, salty treats, or anything overly processed. Stick to wholesome, natural foods for a happy and healthy hedgehog.
• Toxic Foods: Some foods that are perfectly safe for humans can be downright dangerous for hedgehogs. Avoid feeding your hedgehog anything toxic, such as chocolate, caffeine, grapes, onions, or garlic. When in doubt, do your research or consult with a vet.
• Large Portions: Hedgehogs may have big appetites, but that doesn’t mean they can eat everything in sight. Avoid overfeeding your hedgehog, as this can lead to obesity and other health issues. Stick to portion control and keep an eye on your hedgehog’s waistline.

Remember, when it comes to hedgehog feeding, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’re ever unsure about whether a certain food is safe for your hedgehog to eat, it’s best to err on the side of caution and skip it altogether.

Hedgehog Feeding Summary

Food Item	Description
Insects	Mealworms, crickets, waxworms, beetles, and cockroaches
Fruits	Apples (no seeds), bananas, berries, melons, grapes
Vegetables	Carrots, peas, broccoli, sweet potatoes, squash
Cooked Meat	Chicken, turkey, lean beef, cooked liver (in moderation)
Commercial Hedgehog Food	High-quality, specially formulated hedgehog kibble
Eggs	Cooked eggs (scrambled or boiled)
Meal Replacements	Commercially available hedgehog-specific formulas
Live Prey (Optional)	Live insects for enrichment (supervised feeding)
Water	Fresh, clean water available at all times

Citations:

• Supplementary food for hedgehogs
• What Do Hedgehogs Eat? How to Feed Them