If you think of yourself as a hedgehog enthusiast, you should think again! As pets, hedgehogs need a lot of work and attention from their owners. Not everything they eat is good for them, of course. Today, we’ll investigate eggs to find out if hedgehogs can eat them.
In response to the question above, Yes, hedgehogs can eat eggs. However, it’s important to keep in mind that eggs may not be the best food choice for hedgehogs because they don’t significantly match their nutritional needs. They’re still a tasty treat, though. Would you like to learn more? Continue reading to find out more about eggs and hedgehogs.
Can Hedgehogs Eat Eggs?
Yes, you can give eggs to hedgehogs as a normal meal or as a special treat because they adore eating them! It is regarded as a substitute food for diets that are prepared commercially. These pets, in contrast to other domesticated animals, can only be fed hard-boiled or scrambled eggs, not raw ones.
Eggs are an excellent addition to the nutrients necessary for a hedgehog’s growth and development because they are high in protein. Some pet owners are unsure about giving their pets eggs daily. Hedgehogs are an exception to the general rule that eggs have negative effects on other animals, particularly when given raw.
Hot food doesn’t appeal to hedgehogs. They are eager to get the food and are getting impatient. Hedgehogs only eat fresh scrambled eggs for breakfast in other situations. So keep in mind not to give them leftover food. They can distinguish between fresh and non-fresh. Give them leftover eggs, and they may become insatiably hungry.
Basic Diet Of Hedgehog
The diet of a pet hedgehog should mostly consist of premium hedgehog food combined with premium, low-fat cat food. Small portions of the supplemental foods listed below can be given out two or three times per week:
- Insects that burden the gut, like mealworms and crickets. The term “gut loading” describes the practice of giving the insects a wholesome meal before giving them to your hedgehog so that it can absorb the extra nutrients.
- Fresh produce, including modest portions of cooked carrots and apples, pears, bananas, and bananas
- A boiled egg
To find out which fruits and vegetables are best for your pet hedgehog, consult your veterinarian. You should either raise your insects or buy them from a pet store. When collecting insects from gardens that have been treated with fertilizers and insecticides, caution should be exercised. Earthworms are a highly nourishing snack. You could ask your physician for advice on successfully raising insects for your hedgehog.
The Nutritional Needs of Hedgehogs
The needs of hedgehogs vary depending on their health. But to have a healthy lifetime, these creatures need to eat proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, carbs, fiber, and water. A healthy hedgehog should have more protein than 20% on average.
To produce a fully grown baby hedgehog, some breeders feed these creatures up to 35 percent protein from outside sources. Given the popularity of diets, they take a different stance when it comes to feeding their pet food that satisfies the average nutrient requirement.
Foods high in protein are widely available. They are not, however, providing the same amount of nutrients on par. Sufficient amounts of protein aid in their digestion. You must have been seeking eggs if you’re searching for a high-protein, easily digested-meal.
Nutritional Value of Egg
Different quantities of important vitamins and minerals can be found in a single big egg. It’s regarded as one of the healthiest foods available for people and animals. It yields a lot of protein, as we all know.
| Nutrient | Amount Per 1 Large Egg |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 |
| Protein | 6 gm |
| Total Fat | 5 gm |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 gm |
| Cholesterol | 185 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 0.6 gm |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.2 gm |
| Sugars | 0.1 gm |
| Calcium | 25 mg |
| Iron | 0.7 mg |
| Potassium | 63 mg |
| Sodium | 70 mg |
| Vitamin D | 44 IU |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.6 mcg |
| Magnesium | 6 mg |
Hedgehogs can also obtain the following vitamins and minerals: selenium, folate, choline, phosphorus, zinc, vitamins A, B, D, E, and B12. These are all necessary for the nutrition of hedgehogs. Eggs are one of the few foods that naturally contain a substantial amount of vitamin D, although vitamin D is scarce. This vitamin supports the immune system and bone health of hedgehogs.
Vitamin A maintains healthy skin and ocular tissue. Given that hedgehogs are primarily nocturnal, it helps them see at night. Vitamin E is essential for both preventing disease and preserving health. Your hedgehogs’ healthy brain development and operation are guaranteed by the choline. Eggs also have the benefit of being simple to digest and eat for your pet.
Risks of Feeding Eggs To Hedgehogs
Obesity is a problem for hedgehogs. When they begin to overheat, they gain weight quickly, especially when eating high-protein foods like eggs. Due to the high cholesterol content of this dish, health issues may arise.
Finding the source of the issue is your responsibility if your pet experiences an abrupt or unexpected event. Teach them to eat the appropriate food as they grow to guarantee a well-balanced diet.
Hedgehogs occasionally favor eating eggs over fruits and vegetables. The reason for this is that they grow bored with the same diet every day and eggs are a delicious treat for them. These cute animals may find it to be a tasty treat, but too much of it is detrimental to their diet.
Eating too many of them can cause pain and possibly even intestinal problems due to their high cholesterol content. Additionally, eating cholesterol raises the risk of heart disease. Given the sensitivity of the hedgehog’s health system, this condition is crucial. Before things worsen, stay vigilant and come up with a quick fix.
You can speak with the veterinarian immediately if you’re unaware of this dangerous illness.
You must actively participate in balancing your pet’s nutrition and developing a clear strategy to prevent these potential health issues. It’s okay to add eggs. But for the best, stick to the modest feeding schedule.
How Many Eggs Should My Hedgehog Eat?
So, how many eggs am I supposed to give them? Give your pet hedgehog one spoonful of egg or less. It’s okay to combine different food types, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats. Because eggs are high in cholesterol, it is best to serve them in moderation. For safety reasons, it is therefore advisable to give eggs if you adhere to the recommended serving size.
Before adopting a hedgehog, you should research or ascertain their appropriate daily dietary intake. You can now schedule their daily or weekly diet if you already have the list of foods. This meal plan may change if your pet enjoys trying new foods.
You must include meals high in protein, especially eggs, in your diet. The ideal range for the protein content is 28–35 percent. Eggs can be made as a special treat for hedgehogs or given to them in modest amounts each day. You must be disciplined when feeding them because overeating eggs raise cholesterol. Additionally, you don’t want them to encounter weight gain. You can boil or scramble the egg if you want to stick to a healthy routine.
How Often Should Hedgehogs Eat Eggs?
Maybe at night, hedgehogs eat more. Anticipate them to be active at night as they are nocturnal creatures. Unless there is no food available, they will never skip a meal.
They can have little pieces of eggs every day, but you must make sure they are mixed with other foods like fruits, vegetables, or insects to provide them with a balanced diet. Nonetheless, it is highly recommended that you offer them eggs as a treat only. They would deteriorate on an all-egg diet and have major health issues.
More eggs might be required for large, active hedgehogs. It is crucial to watch your pet’s weight, particularly when feeding them eggs. Reduce and restrict their egg intake if they put on weight and you frequently notice them being hungry for eggs.
You can only make it three times a week instead of daily. If they continue to gain weight, reward them for it. It could be excellent news for owners if they enjoy it as a treat. An egg can be usefully used to create something that will enable your cute pet to follow your instructions.
FAQs
Q1. Can hedgehogs eat eggs?
Yes, hedgehogs can eat eggs, both as a regular meal and as a special treat. However, it’s important to note that eggs should be cooked—either hard-boiled or scrambled—before being fed to hedgehogs.
Q2. Are eggs nutritionally beneficial for hedgehogs?
Yes, eggs are high in protein, which is essential for a hedgehog’s growth and development. They also contain various vitamins and minerals beneficial for hedgehog health, such as vitamin D, vitamin B-12, and selenium.
Q3. How much egg should I feed my hedgehog?
It is recommended to give hedgehogs small portions of egg, typically about one spoonful or less per serving. Moderation is key, as excessive consumption of eggs can lead to health issues due to their high cholesterol content.
Q4. How often should hedgehogs eat eggs?
Eggs can be given to hedgehogs as a treat a few times a week, mixed with other foods like fruits, vegetables, or insects to ensure a balanced diet. It’s important not to rely solely on eggs as a dietary staple for hedgehogs.
Q5. What are the risks of feeding eggs to hedgehogs?
While eggs can be a tasty treat for hedgehogs, excessive consumption may lead to weight gain and potential health issues related to cholesterol levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, can hedgehogs eat eggs? Hedgehogs can safely eat eggs; your pet will adore having eggs in their food bowl. You must speak with the veterinarian if you cannot regulate how they are eating the eggs. They provide all the information you require regarding your little guy’s current state. Pay attention to the foods and nutrients they consume.