How much food should you leave out for hedgehogs?

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The appropriate amount of food to leave out for hedgehogs depends on factors such as local hedgehog population, availability of natural food sources, and the supplementary nature of your feeding; however, a good starting point is one to two tablespoons of dry cat or hedgehog food per hedgehog per night, adjusting based on consumption. Providing too much can lead to dependence, while providing too little might not be sufficient to help struggling individuals.

Understanding the Hedgehog’s Dietary Needs

Hedgehogs are insectivores by nature, relying on a diet of beetles, caterpillars, slugs, and other invertebrates in the wild. However, habitat loss, pesticide use, and other environmental factors have reduced the availability of these natural food sources, leading to many hedgehogs struggling to find enough to eat, especially before hibernation. Supplementing their diet can be beneficial, but it’s crucial to do so responsibly.

Benefits of Supplementary Feeding

Supports Weight Gain: Providing food, especially in the autumn, helps hedgehogs gain the necessary weight to survive hibernation. A healthy weight is crucial for survival.
Aids Sick or Injured Hedgehogs: Weakened hedgehogs, often those recovering from injury or illness, may struggle to find enough natural food. Supplementary feeding offers a readily available source of nutrition.
Boosts Survival Rates for Hoglets: Providing food for nursing mothers increases their milk production, benefiting their young.
Allows Observation: Feeding stations allow you to monitor the health and activity of local hedgehogs.

Choosing the Right Food for Hedgehogs

Hedgehog-specific food: This is the ideal choice, as it’s formulated to meet their nutritional needs. Look for brands with high protein and insect content.
Dry cat food (chicken or poultry-based): A good alternative, but ensure it’s small kibble to prevent choking.
Wet cat food (chicken or poultry-based): Offer in moderation to avoid attracting flies.
Cooked meat (without bones or seasoning): A small amount can be offered occasionally as a treat.

AVOID: Milk (especially cow’s milk, as hedgehogs are lactose intolerant), bread, mealworms (as they can lead to metabolic bone disease), and sunflower seeds (a choking hazard).

How Much Food Should You Leave Out? A Practical Guide

Determining how much food should you leave out for hedgehogs is not an exact science, as it depends on several variables. The following guidelines offer a starting point:

Initial Amount: Begin with 1-2 tablespoons of dry cat or hedgehog food per hedgehog per night.
Monitor Consumption: Check the feeding station each morning. If all the food is gone, you can gradually increase the amount. If food remains, reduce the amount.
Consider the Season: In the autumn, hedgehogs need more food to prepare for hibernation. You may need to increase the amount during this period.
Adjust for Multiple Hedgehogs: If you observe multiple hedgehogs visiting the feeding station, increase the amount accordingly.
Provide Water: Always provide a shallow dish of fresh water alongside the food.

Here’s a simple table to guide you:

Factor	Recommendation
—————————–	——————————————————————————————————————
Initial Amount	1-2 tablespoons per hedgehog per night
Consumption	Adjust based on how much is eaten each night
Season	Increase in autumn
Multiple Hedgehogs	Increase proportionally to the number of visitors
Water	Always provide a shallow dish of fresh water

Common Mistakes When Feeding Hedgehogs

Leaving out too much food: This can lead to uneaten food attracting pests like rats and slugs. It can also cause hedgehogs to become overly reliant on artificial feeding.
Providing the wrong type of food: As mentioned earlier, avoid milk, bread, and mealworms.
Not cleaning the feeding area: Regularly clean the feeding station to prevent the spread of disease.
Using deep water bowls: Hedgehogs can drown in deep water bowls. Always use a shallow dish.
Feeding during the day: Hedgehogs are nocturnal. Feeding during the day can attract unwanted attention and disrupt their natural behavior.
Disrupting hibernation: If a hedgehog wakes up from hibernation prematurely, avoid feeding it sugary foods, which can cause more harm than good. Offer small amounts of appropriate food and water and consider contacting a wildlife rescue center.

Creating a Safe Feeding Environment

Use a feeding station: This protects the food from the elements and other animals. A simple plastic box with a hole cut in the side is sufficient.
Place the feeding station in a quiet, sheltered area: This will help hedgehogs feel safe and secure.
Keep the area clean: Regularly clean the feeding station and surrounding area to prevent the spread of disease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I tell if a hedgehog is underweight?

An underweight hedgehog will appear thin and weak, with its spine and hip bones easily visible. You may also notice a ‘hourglass’ shape when viewed from above. Healthy adult hedgehogs typically weigh between 450g and 700g before hibernation.

Is it okay to feed hedgehogs every night?

While supplementary feeding is helpful, it’s best to avoid making hedgehogs completely dependent on it. Offer food regularly, especially during lean times, but ensure they still have opportunities to forage naturally.

What should I do if I find a baby hedgehog alone?

If the hoglet is small (under 200g) and appears distressed, it’s likely orphaned and needs immediate help. Contact a local wildlife rescue organization. If the hoglet is larger and appears healthy, monitor it from a distance to see if its mother returns.

How do I stop cats from eating the hedgehog food?

Using a feeding station with an entrance too small for cats can help prevent them from accessing the food. Position the feeding station in an area less accessible to cats.

Can I feed hedgehogs dried insects?

While some dried insects are suitable, mealworms should be avoided due to their potential to cause metabolic bone disease. Offer a variety of insects, including black soldier fly larvae and crickets, as a treat.

Is it safe to handle hedgehogs?

It’s best to avoid handling hedgehogs unless absolutely necessary. If you must handle one (e.g., to move it out of danger), wear gloves to protect yourself from parasites and diseases.

What are the signs of a healthy hedgehog?

A healthy hedgehog will be active at night, have a good weight, and move around freely. Its eyes should be bright and clear, and it should not have any visible injuries.

How can I encourage hedgehogs to visit my garden naturally?

Create a hedgehog-friendly garden by providing natural food sources and shelter. Leave areas of long grass, plant native shrubs, and avoid using pesticides.

Should I be concerned about hedgehogs hibernating in my garden?

Hibernating hedgehogs should be left undisturbed. If you find a nest, avoid moving it or making noise nearby. Ensure there is access to fresh water nearby.

What should I do if I find a hedgehog out during the day?

A hedgehog out during the day is often a sign of illness or injury. It may be weak, dehydrated, or disoriented. Contact a local wildlife rescue organization immediately.

Is it better to offer food on a plate or directly on the ground?

Offering food on a plate is generally better, as it helps keep the food clean and dry. This reduces the risk of attracting pests and prevents the food from becoming contaminated.

How much food should you leave out for hedgehogs? Again, it’s crucial to remember that the key is to observe and adjust. Start with a small amount, monitor consumption, and adapt based on your local hedgehog population and their individual needs. Always prioritize their well-being by offering appropriate food and a safe environment.