Can hedgehogs eat hay? (2024)

Hay: Hedgies don't digest or need to eat hay, and there is a risk of blockages if they eat too much. Soft hay, however, is sometimes used for digging and nesting boxes, though some owners fear that the pointy ends of hay could potentially cause an eye injury.

Is hay safe for hedgehogs?

You can put soft hay or dried grass in as bedding, but do also try and leave some fallen leaves around for the hedgehog, not only add to options for bedding but are good places for hedgehogs to find insects and beetles which make up the bulk of their diet.

What food is toxic to hedgehogs?

Never give your hedgehog grapes or raisins as they are reported to be toxic to them. Some fruits, such as bananas and apples, contain a lot of sugar so are best given as rarely as possible as sugar can cause weight gain and even diabetes.

What is the best hay for hedgehogs?

The Nature's Own Devon Meadow Hay is perfect for your hedgehog's bedding needs. Made from fresh, dust-free hay , this material is perfect for keeping your hedgehog comfortable and cozy.

What food do hedgehogs love the most?

Hedgehogs mainly eat creepy crawlies

The most important invertebrates in their diet are worms, beetles, slugs, caterpillars, earwigs and millipedes. As well as these, they also eat a wide range of other insects.

What Do HEDGEHOGS EAT? 🍎🦔 Full Hedgehog Diet!

What smell do hedgehogs hate?

Essential Oils: I have been advised that oils that are considered "hot" are toxic to hedgehogs. Oils that are considered hot: Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Hyssop, Lemongrass, Ocotea, Oregano, Peppermint, Thieves, and Thyme.

What calms a hedgehog?

bath may help your hedgehog relax and get to know you through the bathing process. Even the grouchiest hedgehogs will uncurl in water. Allow a tiny gentle stream of water to run over your hedgehog's back. Many times the sound of the water alone is enough to get a hedgie to uncurl.

Do hedgehogs need hay or straw?

Q: Why is hay more suitable than straw for use as hedgehog bedding? A: Hay is made from soft grass, which the hogs will naturally collect for bedding. Straw is hard and brittle which can splinter into sharp edges.

Are hedgehogs high or low maintenance?

Pet hedgehogs are typically quiet, active, and low maintenance. Furthermore, they are nocturnal, which makes them a good pet for someone who works a regular nine to five job. These animals prefer to be alone and may fight another hedgehog if it's brought into their environment.

Can you give a hedgehog a banana?

Fruits: Dried fruit should be avoided, but a small amount of fresh fruit can be offered to your hedgehog as treats. Apples, bananas, berries, and melons are popular choices among hedgehogs.

What is the biggest threat to hedgehogs?

Threats: The biggest threat to hedgehogs is probably habitat loss, with the change from pastoral farming to arable crops, over the last 30 years. The use of chemicals in gardens and for intensive farming kills the creatures hedgehogs need for food and may also poison them directly. Many are also killed on roads.

What can hurt hedgehogs?

Can you use timothy hay for hedgehog bedding?

A few owners have used hay as a nesting option for their hedgehogs. As long as the hay is packaged from a pet store it should be fine. Hay used for large livestock hasn't been treated for anything and that could make your hedgehog very sick. Hay is generally NOT recommended as the main cage bedding.

What bedding is toxic to hedgehogs?

Avoid corncob bedding as it tends to grow mold when wet. Dusty shavings or cedar shavings should never be used as they can be irritating to your hedgehog's eyes and respiratory system.

What can humans feed hedgehogs?

Feeding hedgehogs:

Do hedgehogs like coffee grounds?

Some people have reported success at protecting plants by sprinkling coffee grounds round the base (coffee shops will often let you have these for free).

Do hedgehogs need blankets?

Hedgehogs like to burrow so the more bedding the better for them. Recycled paper bedding and towels or blankets are often used inside the enclosure. Remove any strings from the towels or blankets because these pieces could wrap around a hedgehog's legs or feet.

Should I put food out for hedgehogs every night?

It's a good idea to put out food for hedgehogs all year round. In spring, it will be a boost for those emerging from hibernation, while in late summer and autumn it will help hogs build up those all-important fat reserves to survive the winter.

Do hedgehogs like to be rubbed?

Places some hedgehogs like to be scratched include: their ears, chin, along the edge of their quill line or skirt, belly fur or feet. Other hedgehogs may not like to be touched anywhere near its face and may be especially protective of its feet.

Why is my hedgehog hissing at me?

Keep your distance from a hissing hedgehog, just like you would from a hissing snake. When a hedgehog hisses, it means he is really annoyed and wants you, other hogs or other animals to clear off. Hedgehogs will often make the hissing noise if their nest is disturbed or if they are cornered or approached by a predator.

What stresses out hedgehogs?

Long-term elevated stress levels, as in humans, can have serious physiological consequences for hedgehogs. The higher level of stress shows that being handled and placed in captivity can cause long-term stress in the animals.

What is a hedgehogs worst enemy?

A badger and a hedgehog feeding together on a lawn. Badgers are hedgehogs' main predators in the UK. They are the only animals strong enough to tackle a hedgehog's spiny defences.

Do hedgehogs hate light?

Hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures, this means that they typically sleep during daylight hours and are active at night. Therefore, we need to wake up our hedgehogs in order to play with them.

Do hedgehogs stink up a room?

Hedgehogs do not take up much space and are not smelly (as long as the cage is cleaned properly) and they are a quiet pet. They can be the perfect option for people in apartments. Just don't expect your hedgehog to be like a dog or cat.