Feeding Hedgehogs

[Tolsty]

I have recently (since last weekend) been leaving food out for the hedgehog that we have come into our garden. On the packet of food though, it says that hedgehogs hibernate in winter because of the colder weather and the fact their natural food source dries up.

I was wondering if I keep feeding this hedgehog every night, will I stop it from hibernating? I know it sounds a bit daft if I could have such an effect on it but it has been on my mind now.

[scotman]

Not an expert on hedgehogs but I would not have thought so. They will go into hibernation when the night temperatures get down far enough. They will be grateful for the food to build them up for it.
I presume you are feeding them 'proper' food ie no bread or milk etc.

[B00]

It'll still hibernate, and you feeding it will help that process, they have to eat ALOTTTT in order to get their maximum body weight in order to survive the winter's hibernation.

[sherrardk]

You could email Tiggywinkles or the Hedgehog Preseration Society (or a similar place) to get a definitive answer. If it is a small hedgehog it won't survive hibernation so if you see it out and about during the daytime you will need to rescue it and find a home for it.

[scotman]

some info here

http://www.britishhed...s.org.uk/FAQS/faq.htm

[Tolsty]

Thats good to know, thanks! No, it is proper hedgehog food from the garden centre - got bananas and raisins in it (and smells suspiciously like cat biscuits!)

[scotman]

apparently cat food or dog food will do almost as well.

[Tolsty]

Its an adult hedgehog and quite large - I accidently watered it when I was watering the garden and it had wedged itself between two pots. I thought it was the head of the broom it was that big!

[ladybirder]

Tolsty this is from Tiggywinkles and tells you exactly what to do, when to do it and how to do it. Please have a look. Good on you for looking after your hedgehog.
http://www.sttiggywin...org.uk/hedgehogs.html

[sandyRoe]

I'm feeding the hedgehog in my garden a mixture of peanuts and raisins. The plates cleared every morning. Don't forget a saucer of water,too.

[mrs.chappie]

How do Tolsty.

I always fed my hedgehogs branded cat food, at only 4% meat, until I recently found some for sale in Home Bargains at 45% meat.

My hogs absolutely love it and lick the dish clean. It's called HiLife Essentials and it's £2.99 for 12 pouches. If you have a local Home Bargains, give it a go...I bet your hedgehog will love it too.