Why Calci Worms are the right choice for hedgehogs

Where mealworms have a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of approximately 0.07:1 (dangerously phosphorus-heavy), live Calci Worms have a Ca:P ratio of approximately 1.5:1 — safely on the calcium-positive side. This means hedgehogs can eat Calci Worms regularly without the risk of metabolic bone disease that comes with mealworm feeding.

Calci Worms are also high in protein (~42% dry weight) and essential fatty acids, making them a genuinely nutritious food rather than just a safe one. They’re particularly valuable for hedgehogs in late summer and autumn who need to build fat reserves before hibernation.

How to feed Calci Worms to hedgehogs

How much: A tablespoon of Calci Worms 3–4 times per week alongside a proper hedgehog food as the main diet. Never make Calci Worms the entire diet — they should be a protein supplement, not a staple.

Feeder placement: Use a hedgehog feeding station (an upturned box with a 13cm entry hole) to keep the food dry and to exclude cats and foxes. Place it where you’ve seen hedgehog activity, ideally near vegetation.

Always provide water: Fresh water in a shallow dish alongside the feeding station. Hedgehogs are often dehydrated, especially in summer.

Timing: Put food out at dusk — hedgehogs are nocturnal. Remove any uneaten food the next morning to prevent it attracting other pests.

Seasonality: Feed from April through to October/November. Never feed during hibernation — hedgehogs should not be active in the depths of winter, and if one is, that’s a sign it needs help (contact a local hedgehog rescue).