What started as a question on Frome social media, has turned into a what is the best for hedgehog debate and the arguments for and against are loud.

The query started as when should I start feeding hedgehogs before they go into hibernation.

The answer came back that you can feed hedgehogs all year around but then turned into WHAT should I feed them?

Several people, including Frome resident Ade Hill replied that he fed his hog ' Dave' mealworms.

"Not good" several replied as it appears that although Dave loves them, and eats a lot, they are not best for his health.

According to a hog rescue site in Hampshire the best thing to feed hedgehogs is cat or kitten dry complete food.

They wrote : " Any make or flavour is fine, but they prefer chicken, and the smaller the size of the kibble the better (hedgehogs have tiny little mouths)... and add always take away and clean up any food left over in the morning. Slugs and snails will have, no doubt, crawled over it and they can carry lungworm."

The site HERE: Hog Cabin website adds "Never give mealworms, sunflower seeds or peanuts. Yes, you will still see lots of internet sites recommending these bad foods, but if the internet was as prevalent 20 years ago these sites would be recommending feeding bread and milk. "

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