|
Handsome Hedgehog
|
Diet
Although traditionally classified in the now abandoned order Insectivora, hedgehogs are not exclusively insectivores but are almost omnivorous. Hedgehogs feed on insects, snails, frogs and toads, snakes, bird eggs, carrion, mushrooms, grass roots, berries, melons, and watermelons. In fact, berries constitute a major part of an Afghan Hedgehog's diet in early spring after hibernation. The hedgehog is occasionally spotted after a rainstorm foraging for earthworms. Although forest hedgehogs, most well-known to Europeans, are indeed mainly insectivores, this is not necessarily true for other species.
In areas that have hedgehogs in the wild, they are often welcomed as a natural form of garden pest control. Many people leave food out to attract hedgehogs and they will consume tinned cat or dog food (with a preference for chicken flavours, and a dislike of fish), chopped peanuts, and raisins. Pet food is preferable to dairy, but both are often too high in fat and too low in protein. It is best to leave out only a small treat, leaving them plenty of appetite for the pests in one's garden. Hedgehogs will welcome water as they will become quite thirsty. If you are letting a hedgehog drink from a pool, make sure that there is a way out: even though hedgehogs can swim they will get tired and drown.
|
|