Are mealworms harmful to hedgehogs?

But mealworms can actually cause a painful bone disease in hedgehogs and, in worst case scenarios, result in them losing their ability to walk. The high phosphate levels in theses worms are sapping hedgehogs of calcium and reducing the strength of their bones.

How many mealworms do you feed a hedgehog?

Registered. The standard reply is 6 daily but I know people who are studying that this could be more. Just watch for runny poo.

What food is best for a hedgehog?

What can I feed hedgehogs? Hedgehogs will relish any combination of meat-based wet dog or cat foods, or dry cat/kitten food, as these are high in the protein that they need. Just remember, they will be getting most of their food from insects and worms in the wild, and this food is only supplementary.

Can wild hedgehogs eat live mealworms?

The main things to avoid when feeding hedgehogs in your garden are peanuts, oats, sunflower hearts and mealworms because these can lead to metabolic bone disease.

Do hedgehogs eat bird seed?

Bird Seed? Hedgehogs are often first seen in gardens eating spilled bird food under feeders. They will be eating the seeds as well as all the insects and invertibrates that gather there. Small quanities of seeds and nuts are not harmful to hedgehogs but can cause issues if eaten to excess.

What do wild hedgehogs like to eat?

Insects and other invertebrates are the hedgehog’s main natural food source….A typical diet includes:

  • Beetles.
  • Earwigs.
  • Caterpillars.
  • Earthworms.
  • Millipedes.
  • Fly larvae.

Should I feed hedgehogs in my garden?

Feeding hedgehogs in your garden should only be a supplement to their natural diet, or to help them during the harder Winter months, so it is important to not offer too much of any one type of food. Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant so milk can make them very ill and should never be offered.

Will hedgehogs eat fat balls?

Hedgehogs will nibble on fat balls made for birds if they have insects in them, such as fat balls which include mealworms. However, unlike birds, hedgehogs need a low-fat diet, so they should only nibble a fat ball occasionally — eating too many could cause serious health problems.

Is it lucky to have a hedgehog in your garden?

Few people know that hedgehogs are actually valuable pest controllers in gardens. They eat snails, slugs, and insects, protecting your lovely plants from disease and pest infections. It’s official: hedgehogs are a gardener’s best friend.