[Londonismyhedgie]

I got my hedgehog from a breeder who was studying to be an exotic pet vet. He was feeding her Hills Science Diet cat food (Healthy Development one) and told me to do the same. So I've been filling her bowl with 1/4th cup of that daily. I was just wondering if this is okay, if this is a healthy food to give her or if I should switch.

Also, she is about 3 and a half months old, is okay to start giving her meal worms and fruits?

 

[Lilysmommy]

Personally I'd switch her food to something else. Science Diet isn't horrible, but it's also not fantastic, especially for the price. The one you're feeding is also a bit high in protein and very high in fat - extra fat isn't usually bad for babies, but 25% seems a bit excessive, and most hedgehogs don't need that much fat. I recently posted a few nutrition stickies that may help you out - http://www.hedgehogcentral.com/foru...3034-beginner-s-guide-hedgehog-nutrition.html and http://www.hedgehogcentral.com/forums/12-diet-nutrition/23042-recommended-foods-list.html .

She can definitely have treats and such now. I would start with mealworms first, since insects are important for hedgies, and many hedgies think mealworms are the best thing ever. Make sure you don't give freeze-dried, live is better. There's more foods than just fruits you can give her for treats - http://www.hedgehogcentral.com/forums/12-diet-nutrition/23058-offering-fresh-foods-treats.html Just keep in mind that if you change her main diet, you'll want to hold off on starting to introduce new treats, so you're not introducing too many new things to her system at once.

 

[Londonismyhedgie]

Personally I'd switch her food to something else. Science Diet isn't horrible, but it's also not fantastic, especially for the price. The one you're feeding is also a bit high in protein and very high in fat - extra fat isn't usually bad for babies, but 25% seems a bit excessive, and most hedgehogs don't need that much fat. I recently posted a few nutrition stickies that may help you out - http://www.hedgehogcentral.com/foru...3034-beginner-s-guide-hedgehog-nutrition.html and http://www.hedgehogcentral.com/forums/12-diet-nutrition/23042-recommended-foods-list.html .

She can definitely have treats and such now. I would start with mealworms first, since insects are important for hedgies, and many hedgies think mealworms are the best thing ever. Make sure you don't give freeze-dried, live is better. There's more foods than just fruits you can give her for treats - http://www.hedgehogcentral.com/forums/12-diet-nutrition/23058-offering-fresh-foods-treats.html Just keep in mind that if you change her main diet, you'll want to hold off on starting to introduce new treats, so you're not introducing too many new things to her system at once.

Thanks a bunch! I think I'll switch her soon.