So, you’ve decided to get a hedgehog as a pet. Congratulations! Now you will need to buy a hedgehog heater to stop your hedgehog hibinating, A hedgehog heater should be placed in the vivurium to keep them warm. Petnap sell a great hedgehog heater They’re adorable, friendly, and relatively low-maintenance creatures that make perfect pets for anyone who wants an interesting and interactive companion. But before you bring your new friend home, there are a few things you should know about how to take care of him or her properly.
Among the most important are what you should and should not feed your hedgehog. While hedgehogs are not picky eaters, there are certain foods that can be dangerous or even deadly to them.
There are several foods that you may be tempted to share with your little friend but can be dangerous for them. Here are five foods you should not feed a hedgehog.
That’s right; avocados can be deadly to hedgehogs. The reason for this is that hedgehogs have a very different digestive system than we do. Hedgehogs are unable to properly digest avocado flesh, and the oils found in the skin can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin, which is harmful to many animals. In large doses, it can be fatal. Symptoms of persin poisoning in hedgehogs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, hedgehogs can even die from eating avocados.
So, if you’re looking to share a healthy snack with your hedgie friend, leave the avocados off the menu. There are plenty of other foods that both you and your hedgehog can enjoy together!
Chocolate is a known toxin to hedgehogs. Theobromine, which is present in all chocolate, can be fatal to them. Even a few grams of chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhea in hedgehogs, and larger amounts can lead to more serious problems, including an irregular heartbeat, seizures, and death.
While some people believe that white chocolate is safe for hedgehogs, it still contains small amounts of theobromine and should not be given to them. If you suspect your hedgehog has eaten chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, are also toxic to hedgehogs. The reason for this is that they contain citric acid, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation in hedgehogs. This can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive problems.
The essential oils in citrus fruits can be irritating to a hedgehog’s skin and eyes. If your hedgehog comes into contact with any citrus fruit, be sure to wash him or her off immediately with warm water and soap.
Onions and garlic, like avocados, contain Persin. This toxin can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite in hedgehogs. In large doses, it can be fatal. So it’s best to avoid giving your hedgehog any onions or garlic, whether cooked or raw.
Raw meat and fish may contain bacteria that can be harmful to hedgehogs. If not cooked properly, these foods can lead to food poisoning in hedgehogs. Symptoms of food poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. In severe cases, it can even lead to death.
It’s best to avoid giving your hedgehog any raw meat or fish. If you do want to give them these foods, make sure they are cooked thoroughly first.
Now that we know about some of the foods you should not give your hedgehog, let’s talk about some of the foods you can give them.
Hedgehogs are naturally insectivores, so insects should make up a large part of their diet. Some good choices of insects to feed your hedgehog include crickets, mealworms, and earthworms. You can buy these live or frozen from most pet stores.
Be sure to avoid giving your hedgehog wild-caught insects as they may contain pesticides or other harmful chemicals.
It’s best to give your hedgehog live insects as they provide mental and physical stimulation. If you opt for frozen insects, be sure to thaw them completely before feeding them to your hedgehog.
While there are some fruits and vegetables that are harmful to hedgehogs, there are plenty that are safe for them to eat. Some good choices include dark, leafy greens such as spinach and kale, carrots, apples, and blueberries.
As with insects, you should avoid giving your hedgehog wild-caught fruits and vegetables as they may contain pesticides or other harmful chemicals.
It’s best to give your hedgehog fresh fruits and vegetables. If you opt for frozen ones, be sure to thaw them completely before feeding them to your hedgehog.
Cooked meat is a good source of protein for hedgehogs. Some good choices include chicken, turkey, and beef. Be sure to remove all the bones from the meat before giving it to your hedgehog.
As with insects and fruits, you should avoid giving your hedgehog wild-caught meat as it may contain pesticides or other harmful chemicals.
It’s best to give your hedgehog cooked meat that is free of seasoning or spices. If you do season the meat, be sure to use herbs and spices that are safe for hedgehogs.
You can also give your hedgehog commercial hedgehog food. This food is specially formulated to meet a hedgehog’s nutritional needs and is a good way to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need.
When choosing a commercial hedgehog food, be sure to select one that is high in protein and low in fat. You should also avoid brands that contain fillers, such as corn and wheat, as these can be harmful to hedgehogs.
Hedgehogs are fun and unique pets that can bring a lot of joy to your life, they also love a hedgehog heater. When it comes to feeding them, it’s important to know what foods are safe for them to eat and which ones should be avoided. Remember, hedgehogs are not picky eaters and will nibble on just about anything. As a parent, it is your responsibility to provide them with a diet that is nutritious and will help them to stay healthy.
A good way to supplement your hedgehog’s diet is to give them a variety of different foods. This will not only provide them with the nutrients they need but also help to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
If you are ever unsure about what food to give your hedgehog or if they are showing any signs of illness, be sure to consult with a veterinarian familiar with hedgehogs.
Remember hedgehogs hibernate during the year, the best way to avoid your pet hedgehog from doing this is to keep them warm. Purchasing or buy hedgehog heater from Petnap is certainly a worth while investment for this reason.
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