[drowsydreamer]

I know that there has been controversy over freeze-dried mealworms because of the possibility of an impaction in the digestive tract. However, my question is: is this problem something that happens to only some hedgies, and others never have a problem with it? or can it happen to any hedgie at any time? I've been feeding my guy freeze dried mealworms since I got him, and he has never had any problems with them. At the time, I didn't know they were risky, and I'm just wondering- since he's never had problems before, should I still stop feeding them to him? What are your personal stories with freeze-dried mealies?

 

[dorasdaddy]

I try to take the same stance in feeding or medicating my hedgie as i would my children......If has directly caused even one death or {other than accidental (ie. choking, overdose...etc)} then i dont feel comfortable taking the risk. I just think even one is too many....but that is just my opinion.

 

[LizardGirl]

The problem with freeze-dried mealies, was that there was a case where an owner fed a whole bunch of them at once, and it impacted in the hedgie's gut. There is not much more risk feeding them in moderation than feeding live or canned mealies.

Just make sure not to feed too many.

 

[dorasdaddy]

I must have been mistaken then, i thought it was because there wasnt the necessary enzy,es present to help digest the tough chitin.

Those enzymes are present in the canned and live ones.

 

[Reaper]

Chitin isn't digested. It is their predominant fiber or roughage in the wild. Cats don't require as much fiber so we are left trying to add fiber to a hedgies diet. The hedgie who died from the freeze dried ones was fed a lot without adequate water at the same time resulting in an intestinal compaction. As long as you feed a few freeze dried ones and allow the hedgie to drink during or soon after there shouldn't be a problem. Everything in moderation.

 

[drowsydreamer]

I usually feed him 1-2 tablespoons of his normal cat-food mix, add 2-3 freeze dried mealies, and add a couple drops of flaxseed oil to help with his dry skin. He always has fresh water. So, after what you've all said, that's ok?