FOOD AND WATER!
In the summer, when it’s hot, there can be a shortage of water and hedgehogs can dehydrate. Alternatively, in the winter, there can be a shortage of food when they wander out in-between hibernation. Therefore, they could starve. Food and water shortage is a huge problem for hedgehogs but YOU can help them in a few simple steps.
YOU CAN
- Put out food for our garden friends- hedgehogs eat a wide variety of food in the wild. You are able to buy hedgehog food, however be cautious as hedgehog food does not have to be regulated and therefore is not always the most nutritional option and can be expensive. In the garden, I’d advise you to feed them cat and dog food (meaty or biscuits) as this is nutritionally good for them. Studies have found that mealworms are not the most nutritional food for hedgehogs and can lead to ‘metabolic bone disease’ due to an imbalance of phosphorous and calcium. There is now new evidence to suggest that a good replacement for mealworms are calci-worms. It is also advisable to refrain from putting out fishy food.
- To ensure that your food is not eaten by cats and other mammals as well as staying dry in wet weather, cover bowls of food with a hedgehog feeding station (see page 11 for a link on a simple and cheap way to make your own feeding station for hedgehogs.)
- Give hedgehogs water- water is an essential part of every living thing’s diet. Supplying plenty of water is crucial for hedgehogs in hot, dry months as well as in the winter. All you have to do is leave out a shallow bowl of water that’s easily accessible for hedgehogs.
do not
- Studies have proven that milk and bread should NEVER be given to a hedgehog as it causes them to become ill and get diarrhoea. In the past people were told that bread and milk was a good thing to give hedgehogs. Many people still believe this today, this is not the case… spread the word!
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