Autumn is drawing in, and with it the small stinging animals are making an increased appearance in our gardens again. They are looking for a safe place to hibernate and plenty of food. But what and how best to feed hedgehogs? This article explores the topic of "feeding hedgehogs with oatmeal" and provides you with all the important information.

Why the topic "Feeding hedgehogs with oatmeal"?

Hedgehogs are fascinating creatures that are welcome in many gardens. They make a valuable contribution to the ecological balance by eating pests and insects. Despite their self-sufficiency and robustness, however, they depend on additional food sources during the colder months.

Many people want to help hedgehogs and offer food, but often the question arises what exactly should be on the menu. Oatmeal is a common food, but when is its use really useful? In this article you will learn how and when you should feed oatmeal to hedgehogs and what precautions should be taken.

Feeding hedgehogs with oatmeal - hedgehog nutrition basics

Before we go into detail and find out when it makes sense to feed hedgehogs oatmeal, we should first get an overview of the natural diet of the little spiny animals. Only then can we really understand what role oatmeal can or should play in their diet.

What hedgehogs eat naturally?

Hedgehogs are omnivores, but their preferred diet consists of insects, worms and small invertebrates. They are skilled hunters and scour the ground for anything that crawls and wriggles. The high protein content of these food sources is essential for hedgehog growth and health.

In the wild, the hedgehog also encounters fruits and plant material, but these tend to play a minor role in its diet. Animal food remains the main source of energy. This natural diet gives us the first indications of what supplementary feeding should look like and which food sources are suitable or unsuitable for the hedgehog.

Why oatmeal?

Now we come to oatmeal, a commonly recommended hedgehog food. Oatmeal is often considered part of a balanced diet for hedgehogs. They are rich in fiber and contain a good amount of nutrients. They are also readily available and can be stored for a long time, making them a convenient food option.

Nevertheless, oatmeal should never be the sole source of food for hedgehogs. They do not contain all the necessary nutrients and especially not enough protein, which is so important for hedgehogs. Therefore, feeding oatmeal should always be done in combination with other food sources to ensure a balanced diet.

Feeding hedgehogs with oatmeal

Having covered the basics of hedgehog nutrition, we now come to the core topic of this article: When does it make sense to feed hedgehogs oatmeal, and what is the best way to go about it?

When is it useful?

There are certain times and circumstances when it is particularly useful to feed hedgehogs oatmeal. These times include late fall and early spring, for example, when the natural food supply for hedgehogs is scarce. Oatmeal can be a good addition to their diet during these times.

But beware: oatmeal should never be the only source of nutrition. Although they are rich in fiber, they do not contain enough protein and other essential nutrients. Therefore, oatmeal should always be supplemented with a protein source such as chicken or special hedgehog food.

How much and how often to feed?

If you have decided to support the hedgehogs in your garden with oatmeal, the next question is: How much and how often should you feed? A rule of thumb is that you should provide about a handful of oatmeal per hedgehog per day.

Feeding should take place at dusk, as hedgehogs are nocturnal. It makes sense to lay out the oatmeal in a quiet, sheltered spot in the garden where the hedgehogs can eat undisturbed. To ensure a balanced diet, it is advisable to supplement the oatmeal with a protein source. This could be special hedgehog food, but also cooked chicken meat or insects.

Feeding hedgehogs with oatmeal - alternative feeding options

While oatmeal is a common food option for hedgehogs, it is not the only way to support these prickly garden dwellers. There are many other foods that work well as supplements or even substitutes. Learn more about them in this section.

What else can you feed?

In addition to oatmeal, there are a number of other food options that hedgehogs like to eat and that are also more nutritious. These include special hedgehog food from specialist shops, cooked chicken meat and insects such as mealworms or crickets. Fruit in small amounts can also be given, but care should be taken as too much fructose is not good for hedgehogs.

It is important to combine the different feed options to ensure a balanced diet. For example, oatmeal should always be supplemented with a protein source, as mentioned in the previous section.

When should you refrain from oatmeal?

There are situations when you should refrain from feeding oatmeal. For example, if you notice that the hedgehog suffers from diarrhea or other health problems. In such cases it is advisable to switch to special hedgehog food or food recommended by a veterinarian.

Furthermore, oatmeal should not be fed when hedgehogs already have sufficient natural food sources, such as in summer when insects and other small animals are abundant. The additional feeding could then do more harm than good, as it could disrupt the hedgehogs' natural feeding habits.

Conclusion: feeding hedgehogs with oatmeal

Feeding hedgehogs oatmeal can be a useful supplement to their natural diet in certain situations and circumstances. Especially in times when the natural food supply is scarce, oatmeal can provide good support. They are readily available, have a long shelf life and contain important fiber.

However, it is crucial that oatmeal is only a supplement and not the sole source of nutrition. They do not contain all the necessary nutrients and especially not enough protein, which is essential for hedgehog health. Therefore, feeding oatmeal should always be combined with a suitable protein source such as chicken meat, insects or special hedgehog food.

In addition, there are alternative feeding options that may be more suitable in certain circumstances. It is therefore advisable to adjust feeding individually and to refrain from using oatmeal if the hedgehog has health problems or if the natural food supply is sufficient.

Overall, the feeding of hedgehogs should always be well thought out and adapted to the specific needs of the animals. This way you can ensure that the little spiny animals not only stay full, but also healthy and lively.