Another Question...

[abutton]

Hi Everyone!

I'm picking up my hedgehog on Thursday. I am *very* excited!! :) I do have one more question though. Although I've read much on what to feed them, I haven't found much on how much to feed them. She'll be 7 months tomorrow. I have read that some people have food available to them 24/7, but if obesity is the most common problem in hedgehogs, why would you want them to be able to eat all the time?

Thanks!
~Audrey~

P.S. I found a name--Aquila. :) It's in the Bible, and when I heard it, I thought it was really cute. Then I realized how perfect it was for a hedgehog because of the quill in the middle. :) I believe it's technically a boy's name, but I think that's okay because it really is perfect and I think it sounds more feminine, anyway. :)

[Vampira_666]

First I just want to say Congrats on the new hedgie!!:D

I personally free feed my hogs here and I have never had any problem with an obese hedgehog -- but IMO all of my hogs are actually quite small -- I usually put about 1/2 a cup out per night and refill if the need be (which usually isn't very often) -- and as always my hogs also get treats - in moderation of course

I think as long as the food has the proper fat content and the hog gets adaquite(sp) exercise then you shouldnt have any problems-- My hogs always have their wheels in their cages and lots of out of cage time to play

BTW- very cute name:)-- I can't wait for pics!!

[groovychic]

First I just want to say Congrats on the new hedgie!!:D

I personally free feed my hogs here and I have never had any problem with an obese hedgehog -- but IMO all of my hogs are actually quite small -- I usually put about 1/2 a cup out per night and refill if the need be (which usually isn't very often) -- and as always my hogs also get treats - in moderation of course

I think as long as the food has the proper fat content and the hog gets adaquite(sp) exercise then you shouldnt have any problems-- My hogs always have their wheels in their cages and lots of out of cage time to play

BTW- very cute name:)-- I can't wait for pics!!





I totally agree with you. I also "free feed" my hedgies and my vet told me that they are in perfect health. They have access to their wheels at all times and are let out of their cage to play nightly. Treats are also given in moderation. I feed mine a mix of Royal Canine Slim and Chicken Soup For the Cat Lovers Soul Lite which are both lower in fat and consist of the main part of their diet. Wysong Vitality and Professional Chicken and Rice are added to the mix, but not as much.

[Lc51290]

Just try to make sure that the fat percent is lower than 15% and that the protein is higher than 30%. Also try to stay away from corn based foods!
Good luck with the new hedgie! Aquila is a really cute name. :)

[abutton]

Okay, thanks everyone! I'll just free feed, like you said. And I'll post pictures ASAP. :)
~Audrey~

[mommy2ryan]

I feed a small food dish in the morning and in the afternoon, put some baby food, mealies, or crickets several times a week and Prickles is well within her weight

[hemi_mygirl]

I feed Hemi about a tablespoon and a half of food a night, and that's enough that she always leaves at least 10 kibbles. And she's a nice healthy weight.

[enitsirk]

The food we are currently feeding Napoleon is 16% fat min. 34% min protein, and 8.5% max fiber.
We free feed him and don't have any problems with weight...we have tried other foods and lower fat foods and mixing, but if a food is really low fat he refuses to eat it, and if we mix foods he just picks out what he likes best!
I think most people just free feed, and then if there is a problem they stop free feeding and get the overweight hedgie on a diet :laugh:

[Ododad]

I feed two table spoons of kibble a night. I leave what's left over in the morning for day time snacks. The next night, I throw away any leftovers, wash the bowls and start all over again.