Hibernating Hedgehogs

Meles meles · #1 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 01:22 PM

Hi all,

Just reading a book, and it occured to me that it is coming up hibernation time for the hoggies.
I cant recall any one else writing about this so i am. Apologies if it is repeated.

Any way as said its getting close to hibernation time, and for this as we all know they need to increase their "body fat". I know that many of you are feeding them well most nights but it is suggested particurly at this time of year to feed them lots of white bread in milk etc. Maybe add a few raisins or worms. What ever takes your fancy

As i was saying the white bread apparently fattens up our little spikey friends rather well so my suggestion is, if not already doing so. Go down sainsburys and buy lots of their 20p loaves.

Also maybe some know of it, some wont, something Pat morris wrote;
(may give you a giggle

)

Requiem for a Hedgehog

It wasn't cars that killed him
Or viruses or bugs.
Oh no! You thoughtless gardeners,
He ate YOUR POISONED SLUGS

Cazzie · #2 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 01:34 PM

Good point Meles, but hedgies should not be given cows milk as it upsets their stomachs (it's indigestible)

Don't think my lot will be going short lol!

Meles meles · #3 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 01:47 PM

Cazzie im sure your hoggies are fat already

But reading up on it, Cows milk isnt as good as hedgehogs milk, but cubs have been raised on it rather well, some say that cow's milk can be causing diarrhoea, others say that the runs is caused by something else.
Apparently studies have shown that an ample amount of cows milk daily is fine,ie a bowl of soggy bread .
Certainly not suggesting to leave out a bowl or pint of milk every night, ok this may be too much. Plus there would be no point the cats would get it. just enough to soak into the bread

nicola · #4 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 09:43 PM

I think its better to not feed bread or milk, whether there is no strict evidence or not, if there is any chance it could upset their tums, its better to feed stuff that doesnt. Sunflower hearts, dried meal worms, cat biscuits are all fine to fatten up our spikey friends.

Meles meles · #5 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicola

I think its better to not feed bread or milk, whether there is no strict evidence or not, if there is any chance it could upset their tums, its better to feed stuff that doesnt. Sunflower hearts, dried meal worms, cat biscuits are all fine to fatten up our spikey friends.

Points taken from you both, I cant say i get the chance to use my words in practice, Either way though as long as they are well.