Can Hedgehogs Eat Hay? (Is It Really Safe for Them?) (2024)

Hedgehog enthusiasts!

Are you feeling a little uncertain about what to feed your spikey friend?

Maybe you're sitting there, wondering and worrying:

"Can hedgehogs eat hay?" 😊

Well, hold your horses (or hedgehogs)!

I get it, the world of hedgehog diets can be a confusing maze.

But fear not, because I've got some answers that will bring clarity to your hedgehog’s hungry belly.

So let's dive right in and explore the wonderful world of hedgehog nutrition together, shall we?

Can Hedgehogs Eat Hay as a Treat?

While hedgehogs can enjoy hay as a treat, it should not make up a significant portion of their diet. Hay helps maintain their dental health, but a balanced and nutritious diet is essential, including specialized hedgehog or cat food. Occasional treats like fruits, veggies, and insects add variety.

However, here's the thing:

Hedgehogs don't get any nutritional value from hay.

In fact, it's basically like eating plain, dry toast.

Sure, it might be crunchy and satisfy your craving for a nibble, but it won't give your body the nutrients it needs.

So you're probably wondering, how much is too much hay?

Well, if you want to treat your hedgehog, limit their hay intake to no more than twice a day and no more than four times a week.

Anything more than that just fills their bellies with empty calories.

And let's be honest, hedgehogs need real sustenance.

They need protein, fiber, carbs, fats, minerals, vitamins, and water in their diet.

To keep these prickly pals happy and healthy, you've gotta provide proper care, attention, and a well-balanced, nutritious diet.

Because I mean, who wants their hedgehog carrying around extra weight, right?

Obesity is actually pretty common among pet hedgehogs, so you really gotta watch their food intake and ensure they don't go overboard on hay or any other treats.

Oh, and speaking of hydration and temperature regulation, hedgehogs also need water.

Make sure to always have fresh, clean water available for your little buddy.

Now listen up, there's a rule you should remember:

By early December, hedgehogs should weigh around 600 grams to have enough fat for hibernation.

It's their biological clock ticking, so let them eat, but ensure they eat the right stuff!

While hay can be a fun snack for hedgehogs, it shouldn't replace their main meals.

Stick to a well-balanced diet and sprinkle in some occasional treats to keep your spiky friend smiling!

Now that you know hedgehogs need a well-balanced diet, you might be wondering about their options for treats.

Luckily, I've written an in-depth guide about feeding hedgehogs cat food.

Can Hedgehogs Eat Timothy Hay?

For hedgehogs, Timothy hay is a great choice to ensure they get enough fiber.

Aside from Timothy hay, there are other options like hay cubes, pellets, and pelleted hay that can be beneficial for hedgehogs.

You have different choices to consider when it comes to their diet, giving you flexibility in providing varied options for your spiky friend.

But here's the thing – finding top-notch food designed specifically for hedgehogs might not be an easy task.

However, with some dedicated searching, you'll surely discover the perfect hedgehog food that meets all their nutritional needs.

The Unsuitability of Straw as a Hedgehog Food Source

To ensure the health of your hedgehog, avoid using straw as a food source and follow these 11 essential steps:

1. Regularly check for parasites like fleas and ticks.
2. Opt for bedding options such as shredded paper or fabric without loose threads.
3. Avoid cedar bedding to prevent respiratory problems.
4. Clean the hedgehog's box in preparation for mating season.
5. Provide toys and stimulation for their wellbeing.
6. Understand that hedgehogs hibernate from late December.
7. Juveniles stay with their mothers for around eight weeks.
8. Continue feeding them during winter for their survival.
9. If you encounter an injured hedgehog, handle it with gardening gloves.
10. Place it in a cardboard box lined with newspaper and a towel for hiding.
11. Offer dog or cat food along with water before taking it to a rescue center.

If you accidentally disturb a hibernating hedgehog, cover its nest, leave food and water nearby, as disturbing it can deplete its body fat reserves. Stay mindful of these tips to keep your hedgehog healthy and happy.

Can Hedgehogs Eat Grass?

Hedgehogs can eat fresh grass as an occasional treat, as long as it is organic and pesticide-free.

They are omnivores and have a balanced diet of both plant and animal matter, with a preference for high-quality cat food kibble.

It is recommended to feed them around 1/3 cup of food per day.

Older hedgehogs can benefit from additional pelleted hay.

In the wild, their diet includes insects, frogs, snakes, mice, bird eggs, and fruit.

To maintain their health, hedgehogs need a mixture of carbohydrates and proteins, regular exercise, and immediate veterinary attention if they show signs of illness.

If hedgehogs are seen out during the day or sleeping on lawns, it may indicate a problem and they should be taken to wildlife rescue centers.

Underweight hedgehogs should be kept indoors until April to prevent starvation, and they should weigh at least 600 grams for winter hibernation. 🦔

Hedgehogs face numerous hazards including chemicals, road traffic accidents, barbed wire, bonfires, compost heaps, drains, oil/paint, hypothermia, lawnmowers, nets/string, pesticides/garden chemicals, pets, ponds/pools, rubbish, sheds, slug pellets, and wood preserver.

Enclosed gardens should only be used for disabled hedgehogs, while overwintered ones can be released after the frosty period.

Providing food can be done by attracting insects through cultivating native plants, shrubs, log piles, and bug hotels.

Hedgehogs generally hibernate from late December/early January until late March, depending on the weather and the individual hedgehog.

And now let's move on to the topic of hedgehogs' diet, specifically focusing on vegetables and other high-nutrition foods that can be included in their meals.

I highly recommend incorporating a variety of fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, and meats into their diet to ensure they receive all the essential nutrients they need.

Let me share some delicious options you can offer your hedgehog as occasional snacks or treats!

What Vegetables Can Hedgehogs Eat?

Hedgehogs dig veggies.

Got any leafy greens?

Go for spinach and kale.

Bell peppers work too.

Carrots and peas are a hit.

Hold on though, don't go overboard with the veggie feast.

Remember, their main diet is insects, fruits, seeds, nuts, and leaves.

So, ensure to feed them high-nutrition foods like fresh fruit, veggies, whole grains, and meats.

Now, let's chat about the best way to serve those veggies.

Cooking them up is safer.

Snack-wise, apples, strawberries, bananas, and blueberries are good in moderation.

Just remember, hedgehogs might struggle with digesting fiber from veggies.

So, either cook 'em or give small amounts of raw ones as treats.

Bigger hedgehogs might need more food each day.

Oh, and avoid hay or straw, we already covered that earlier.

Hedgehogs' Hay Diet: Key Considerations

Key takeaways:

And that's a wrap for today, folks.

Before you head off, can I ask you something? Did my blog post prove useful to you? If it did, I would be incredibly grateful if you shared it with your friends and family. Just click on any of the social media sharing icons to instantly spread the word. Thank you so much!

Until next time,

-Lara Hoffman