Hedgehogs can make good pets but before getting this critter it is important to know their diet and how much to feed them.

The hedgehog is going to need to eat a diet with high protein and low fat. They like some variety in their diet so an occasional treat is okay to give them.

There are some options to making sure the hedgehog gets a proper diet.

 Hedgehog Commercial Foods

These foods can be found in pet stores and are designed with the nutritional needs of the hedgehog in mind. When looking for a brand of high-quality food, look for formulas that are hard to the touch.

 Fruits and Vegetables

 The hedgehog can have around a teaspoon of fruits of vegetables three times a week. They like most fruits including apples and pears. Do not give the hedgehog raisins or grapes. They can be harmful. Limit the amount of fruit since it is high in sugar.

 Unseasoned Meat

Hedgehogs like meat from time to time such as ground beef. The meat should not be raw and no seasoning can be used on it. Avoid giving the hedgehog meat that comes from a can or has been processed.

 Bugs

Hedgehog likes bugs in nature and they can be given mealworms, silkworks, or crickets.

 Baby Food

Baby food is a great treat for the hedgehog. This food contains plenty of nutrients and it is easy for them to digest.

It is recommended to give the hedgehog Stage 2 foods. An example of this is mushy meat that comes in a gravy. Do not feed them anything above a Stage 2 due to the increase of sugar in the formula.

 Daily

Avoid most dairy products. Do not give the hedgehog mil because they are lactose intolerant. It is okay to give them a teaspoon of yogurt or cottage cheese once a week.

Following these guidelines, the hedgehog will get the nutrition it needs to live a long and healthy life. The hedgehog diet even allows for an occasional treat to keep this pet happy.

The Ultimate Guide To Owning A Pet Hedgehog

This will give some tips about owning this pet.

Hedgehogs can make great pets if you know what it takes to keep them happy and healthy.

Hedgies gained popularity as pets with the rise of the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series.

This, unfortunately, led to an increase in the number of abandoned and ignored hedgehogs.

A little research and information before bringing one of these pets home.

You can go a long way toward making sure they are a good fit in your life.

Hedgehogs should be let out of their cage on a daily basis. This time should include time for you.

Things That You should do Before Bringing a Hedgehog at home.

At first, you may want to use a towel of the blanket to pick them up because they will, most likely, be little nervous toward you.

Once they are accustomed to you and your scent. They will relax their quills and can be very affectionate toward you.

Extended isolation will make them unfriendly and uptight.

Many knowledgeable hedgie owners recommend feeding your pet a high-quality cat food rather than foods. That is packaged for hedgehogs.

The reason for this is that because cats are more popular. There is more of a demand for cat food.

Which results in higher quality ingredients. In the long run, this is more cost-effective, anyway.

You can buy cat food in bulk as long as you keep it from getting wet. For treats, crickets and mealworms are hedgie favorites.

These can be purchased either live or frozen. Sometimes there will be a preference for one type over the other.

Despite their need for attention and affection. Hedgehogs enjoy solitude from time to time.

The larger the cage the better but they don’t need as much space as some other pets.

Glass aquariums do not make good cages because of the poor airflow.

Wire mesh cages are widely available and work very well for housing.

The cage should be kept in a dry area of the house.

The temperature, also, needs to be kept above 62 degrees to prevent your pet from starting to hibernate.

Hedgehogs are unique pets that can be faithful companions if cared for properly and kept healthily.