Do you have a pet hedgehog and you wonder if they can eat anything you give them? In this blog post, you will find answers to common questions that pop up on your mind when caring for this cute pet.
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Can Hedgehogs Eat Eggs?
Will your hedgie like eggs? Hedgehogs love to eat eggs and you can feed them to them on a regular basis, or as an occasional treat! It is considered an alternative food to a commercially formulated diet. Unlike other domesticated animals, these pets can eat either scrambled or hard-boiledexcept raw eggs.
Since eggs are rich in proteins for a hedgehog, it makes a great addition to the nutrients essential for their growth and development. Some owners doubt including eggs in their pet’s daily diet. Somehow, eggs have side effects on other animals, and hedgehogs are an exception, especially when you give raw eggs.
The best way to serve the eggs to your pet is to scramble the eggs in the microwave with no added oils or seasoning. Additives or any food with artificial content is not suitable for the capacity of their nutrients. It may be toxic to these hedgehogs. Before you give the eggs, make sure it is not too hot.
Hedgehogs don’t like it when food is hot. They are impatient and can’t wait any longer to grab the food. In other cases, hedgehogs only enjoy fresh breakfast scrambled eggs. So, remember not to feed them leftovers. They know the difference between fresh-quality and not. If given leftover eggs, they might lose their appetite.
Egg Facts & Nutrients
A single large egg contains varying amounts of essential vitamins and minerals. It is considered one of the best nutritional foods for humans and animals. As we all know, it produces high amounts of protein.
Its white contains protein, and the yolk is rich in both Vitamin A and protein. For hedgehogs, they need calcium and iron. It supports their bones and to carry many functions. These nutrients can be found in eggs as well. However, eggs have their cons too. It has high cholesterol content that makes it bad for your pet’s circulatory system.
There are other vitamins and minerals that hedgehogs can get like Vitamin A, B, D, E, B12, Selenium, Folate, Choline, Phosphorus, and Zinc.
These are all essential for hedgehogs’ diet. While Vitamin D is rare, eggs are one of the only foods with a natural and significant source of Vitamin D. This vitamin is for the hedgehog bone health and immune system.
Vitamin A keeps skin and eye tissue healthy. It assists the hedgehog in night vision as they are known nocturnal.
Vitamin E plays a vital role in maintaining good health and preventing diseases.
The Choline ensures effective brain development and function for your hedgehogs. Another advantage of eggs to your pet is it is easy to eat and to digest.
How Many Eggs Should My Hedgehog Eat?
So, how many eggs should I feed them? Feed one teaspoon or less of an egg to your pet hedgehog. A mix with other food varieties like meat, vegetables, and fruits is fine. It is advisable to feed eggs in moderation because of their high cholesterol. That is why it is best to give eggs if you follow the prescribed amount of serving because it is for safety purposes.
Before adopting a hedgehog, you need to investigate or know the proper nutritional diet content they need per day. If you have the list of foods already, you can now plan their daily or weekly diet. This dietary plan may vary as your pet likes to try different varieties of flavors.
For their diet, you need to include foods rich in proteins, specifically eggs. The protein level should range between 28 and 35 percent. Hedgehogs can eat small portions of eggs a day, or you can make it as an occasional treat. You have to feed them with discipline as too much egg produces high cholesterol. And you don’t want them to experience becoming overweight. To follow a healthy pattern, you can either scramble or boiled the egg.
How Often Should Hedgehogs Eat Eggs?
Hedgehog may eat more at night. If you don’t see them eating during the day and just chilling around, do not worry. They are nocturnal so, expect them to be active at night. They will never skip their meals unless they don’t have food around.
You can feed them eggs daily, but only small portions of it, and you have to make sure that it is mix with fruits, vegetables, or some insects to make it a balanced diet. However, it is firmly advisable to give eggs as their treat only. An all egg-diet would make them suffer, leading to serious health problems.
Large and active hedgehogs may need more eggs. Monitoring your pet’s weight is essential, especially when eating eggs. If they gain weight and often see them hungry for eggs, limit and lessen their egg intake. From daily, you can make it only three times a week. If gaining weight continues, have it as their treat. If they like it as their treat, it may be good news for owners. You can beneficially use an egg into something that would make your adorable pet obey your commands.
Hedgehogs’ Nutritional Needs
Hedgehogs have different needs based on their condition. However, these animals must consume proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fiber, and water to achieve a healthy lifestyle. The protein content should be larger than 20% for average healthy hedgehogs. Some breeders use up to 35% protein sources for these animals to achieve a fully developed baby hedgehog. Since the diet is one of the widely talked-about topics, they have a different stand in providing their pet the food that meets the typical nutrient requirement.
Protein foods are everywhere. However, they are not equally producing the same level of nutrients. An adequate amount of protein is beneficial for their digestion. If you are looking for a food abundant in protein and easy to digest, you must have been looking for eggs.
Effect Of Overeating Eggs For Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are prone to obesity. They quickly gain weight when they start to overheat, especially with protein foods like eggs. Since this food is high in cholesterol, exposure to health problems is possible. If something sudden or unexpected happens to your pet, it is your job to figure out the root of the problem. While growing, train them to eat foods with the right amount to ensure that the diet is well-balanced. Sometimes, hedgehogs prefer to consume eggs than vegetables and fruits. It is because eggs are their tasty treat, and they are getting bored eating the same food every day. It may be a delicious treat for these adorable animals, but too much is bad for their diet.
Overeating eggs can give lots of bacteria. Salmonella bacteria is harmful to your hedgehogs. It can live and survive in the heat and can eventually dominate the body of your hedgehog, leaving your pet weak or unresponsive.
Due to high cholesterol levels, eating too many of them can lead to discomfort and possibly suffer digestive disease. Also, the consumption of cholesterol increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. This condition is critical since hedgehogs have a sensitive health system. Before it gets worst, be alert and think of an immediate solution. If you don’t know about this serious condition, you can talk directly to the vet.
To prevent these possible health problems, you must be hands-on to balance the diet and create a definite plan for your pet. It is safe to include eggs. However, follow the moderate feeding terms as it is for the best.
Final Thoughts: Hedgehogs Enjoy Eggs
Providing hedgehogs the right nutrients is an everyday activity you must live for when you have such an adorable pet. They are indeed precious too. Since hedgehogs are omnivores, they tend to eat everything they see. Wild hedgehogs find their ways to get the food in their little way. The tame ones are lucky to have an appropriately observed diet. It is one of the reasons why they live longer than wild hedgehogs.
We cannot deny the fact that eggs are the go-to comfort food for everyone. But when it comes to your pet, you have to limit it. Eggs are one of the foods that they can eat effortlessly inside the cage, and your pet would love to see eggs place in their food bowl. If you cannot control their eating habits in eggs, then you have to consult the vet. They give all the necessary information you need to know about the current condition of your little guy. Be mindful of the foods they eat and the nutrients they get.
Hezekiah is a pet lover since birth, according to his parents. He started writing for the Pets Checklist in 2020. He is fond of playing with and taking pictures of different friendly animals around his neighborhood. He loves to read and write articles about pets, science, and music.
