Do hedgehogs eat nuts?

Yes, hedgehogs eat nuts. The nuts are a component in their diet, which is offered to the hedgehog depending on the season in the wild. Something important we want to get rid of in advance, hedgehogs are lactose intolerant. You may therefore give a Hedgehog in garden in no case offer milk. Unfortunately, this mistake is made again and again. The animal would get from it both diarrhea and subsequently constipation. In the worst case, this ends fatally for the little guy.

Content

Do hedgehogs eat nuts?
- Are nuts on the hedgehog's menu?
  - What should you feed the hedgehog additionally?
  - What nuts eats the hedgehog?

Are nuts on the hedgehog's menu?

In nature, the hedgehog loves to eat earthworms, woodlice, spiders, but also mice and toads. The hedgehog's favorite food is insects of any kind. When winter approaches, the hedgehog prepares for it in a special way. His Hibernation has a duration of up to 6 months. This means that he has to eat some fat. For this reason, hedgehogs like to feed on various seeds, nuts, berries and fallen fruit in preparation for winter and hibernation. All of this raises their blood sugar levels, which in turn accelerates the build-up of fat.

What should you feed the hedgehog additionally?

During the winter months you don't have to worry about possible food for the hedgehog. As already mentioned, he hibernates and would not notice the treats you give him. At other times of the year nature or your garden offers him a rich buffet. Here the insectivore will find everything he needs.

If you like, you can offer the hedgehog a few earthworms, snails or mealworms as additional food. However, this only applies to a perfectly healthy hedgehog. A weakened Hedgehog may be affected by possible parasites in the feed are additionally weakened. As a result, he may die from it.

What nuts eats the hedgehog?

Hedgehogs love walnuts, peanuts and hazelnuts, as well as shelled sunflower seeds and unsulfured raisins. If you want to spoil the hedgehogs in your garden with such delicacies, you must make sure that you always crush the nuts.

Walnuts - Walnuts contain around 90 different nutrients. They are therefore one of the so-called superfoods - also for hedgehogs. Among other things, walnuts contain magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, phosphorus, several vitamins, good fats, folic acid, iron and potassium. These also have a positive effect on the hedgehog's health. Numerous antioxidants prevent various diseases.
Peanuts - In any case, you should only feed unsalted peanuts to the hedgehog. It is very important to chop the peanuts thoroughly. If you feed half or even whole peanuts, there is a risk that they will get stuck in the palate of the rodent. The hedgehog can no longer eat and would starve to death. In the worst case, it will suffocate before it can eat. You may be able to use broken peanuts from a specialist shop, if they are not too coarse.
Hazelnuts - They are similar to walnuts and are healthy for both humans and hedgehogs. But this is true only if they are enjoyed in moderation.
Sunflower seeds - These must be shelled. The peeled sunflower seeds provide the hedgehog with healthy fats. To feed up a sick hedgehog thus ideal. The hedgehog can thus easily grow fat reserves, which he needs for hibernation.
Raisins - Make sure that these are unsulfured. Basically, raisins are dried grapes. Since hedgehogs eat little to no fruit, you should always keep an eye on the amount when feeding them. Raisins are to the hedgehog as chocolate is to you. He doesn't really need them, but they are sweet and therefore taste good to the hedgehog.

It doesn't matter which chopped nuts you offer the hedgehogs, it's the quantity that counts. In no case should you offer the hedgehog too many nuts to eat. Nuts are very fatty, which in turn has a negative effect on the hedgehog's health. If you have to feed a hedgehog before hibernation, then nuts are of course a very good choice.

Author

Garden animal

Garden animal - A life with nature

Welcome to my animal blog! My name is Dirk and I am happy to take you on my journey through the fascinating world of animals and gardening.

Born 54 years ago, I have had an insatiable curiosity for the animal world around me since childhood. Although I have moved professionally in other industries, my true passion has always been animals and nature. It is remarkable how a small garden has become such an important part of my life.

Many of my fondest memories are associated with the animals that share our home. Whether it's the curious squirrels that scurry across the trees in the morning, the colorful variety of birds that visit our feeders, or the busy bees and butterflies that pollinate our flowers, every moment with them is invaluable to me.

This blog is my contribution to share my experiences, discoveries and insights with like-minded people. Here I will share stories of unforgettable encounters with animals, give tips on gardening and creating wildlife-friendly habitats, and take you on my journeys through nature.

Thank you so much for being here!

Cordial,
Dirk aka garden animal