Hedgehogs - Pictures

Hedgehogs

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Hedgehogs - Diet

In the wild Hedgehogs eat small birds, eggs, mice, lizards, snakes, fruit, roots, nuts, and etc. There seems to be no limit to what a Hedgehog will eat. Breeders are still guessing about what the right food for Hedgehogs in captivity is. They eat chicken breast meat, raw and cooked fruit and vegetables, green grass, mealworms, crickets.

Insects should be the major part of the Hedgehogs' diet, not just a treat. It's advisable to buy insects, such as mealworms, waxworms, large crickets, and etc. But never feed your Hedgehog wild caught insects, as they can carry parasites, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals. There exist many kinds of commercially prepared food for Hedgehogs or dry cat formulas. The food should be offered for 15 minutes and then removed. Pay attention that fresh water is always available.

Hedgehogs - Caring

Hedgehogs require secure cages with a top. Being good climbers, they can escape from open-topped cages for guinea pigs. The cage should be situated in a warm, well-lit area, without drafts and direct sunlight. In the cage there should be accessories: bedding, food bowl, water bottle, hiding place, litter box, various toys.

New Hedgehogs, especially babies, should have absolute privacy for several days, before they begin to feel at home. For the first time hold the Hedgehog in your warm cloth to allow it to become familiar with your scent. Place its cage in a moderately trafficked area of the house to get the Hedgehog used to the sounds of humans.

Check to see if your room is Hedgehog-proof. It shouldn't have gaps behind the furniture; sofa beds are particularly dangerous and should be secured. To find an escaped Hedgehog place several dishes with food under paper bags, which will make a rustle, when being investigated. Owning a Hedgehog requires great patience; you should prove yourself to be a friend.

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