Do hedgehogs like earthworms?

[StarLover21]

We're getting one soon "YAY". We do vermiculture and are thinking about starting it up again. Would the hedgie like earthworms as much as mealworms?
Thanks!

 

[mrslb333]

Are you talking about the African pygmy hedgehog? The common garden ones over here live on earthworms and slugs so I would imagine the other types like them

 

[ChickenWisperer]

Please do NOT feed your hedgehog earthworms. They will cause nothing but trouble... hedgehogs' digestive systems are very sensitive and earthworms will greatly upset them. Get the snowball rolling and sometimes you can't make it stop - not to mention earthworms typically carry parasites or worse.

 

[StarLover21]

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Okay, thank you for letting me know. Are occasional mealworms okay?

 

[ChickenWisperer]

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Okay, thank you for letting me know. Are occasional mealworms okay?

Yes, those are okay. The diet should be supplemented with plenty of treats, including cooked meats, fruits, veggies. 1-4 mealworms no more than 3 times a week. I would recommend feeding live, gut loaded mealies as well. I go into further detail on what you can/can't feed here on my page for hedgehog care.

 

[StarLover21]

Thanks so much for your help, Chicken Whisperer! Whenever I post a question about hedgehogs, I always wait for the 'Hedgehog Lady' to post!

 

[ChickenWisperer]

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Haha! I guess I can call myself the "hedgehog and chicken lady" around town!