Freeze-dried Mealworms ... To feed or not to feed? Posted 09/14/08   We received a phone call from a customer who had purchased a baby hedgehog from us less than 2 months prior.  She informed me that her hedgehog (who was female) was bleeding.  I asked her if she could take her to a vet.  She explained that she was not in a position to take her right away.  I asked her if she could meet me somewhere so that “I” could take her to my vet.  She agreed.  We met less than an hour later and at first glance it was obvious that there was a problem.  This hedgehog was inactive, somewhat emaciated and yes, bleeding.  I lifted the skin around her rump to see if the blood was coming from her rectum or vagina but I was unable to make the distinction.  Off we went to the vet.   Unfortunately, I am so sad to report, she didn’t make it.  She passed within 15 minutes of being in my vehicle and the vet is an hour away.   Necropsy was the only option; I had to know what took this poor hedgie.  The necropsy revealed that this hedgehog had impacted bowels (full of freeze dried mealworms) and her kidneys and other organs had shut down.  Her bowels had likely been impacted for a week or so (judging from the amount of decay of the mealworms).  According to the vet, freeze dried mealworms do not contain necessary enzymes that aid in digestion.  The tough exoskeletons are not easily digested without these enzymes.    Now… When an animal leaves a breeder’s home to go live with his/her new human parent(s), the new owner has a responsibility to research the care of this animal. This owner did.  She even asked me if freeze dried mealworms were OK and my response was that we only feed live mealworms here but I would assume that they are OK (a response that I will not be giving again).   I have witnessed first hand (as I participated in the actual necropsy) the possible effects of freeze dried mealworms.  I am offering my advice to future customers, previous customers, other breeders and anyone else who may care to listen, regarding the harm that freeze dried mealworms can cause.   I am aware that some folks may have been offering freeze dried mealworms with no incident and that perhaps on an infrequent basis (and in small amounts) they may be safe. But…if even 1 life is lost (when preventable), why chance it?  LIVE is so simple to offer.   I’m happy to answer questions and offer advice about live mealworms.  It really is easy!     Hedgie Lover = Caring, Responsible & Knowledgeable Hedgie Owner.   While we did make necessary provisions for this situation, our Policy is that we do not provide vet care or cover vet expenses for hedgehogs purchased from us.  It is the responsibility of the new owner to do the research and seek and pay for medical treatment.  Arrangements to replace this hedgehog were made, but such will not be the case for possible future events due to mealworm impaction.  This was a learning experience for both Hood Petz and the hedgehog owner.  We ask that you research and ask questions before taking your hedgehog home (no matter who you purchase from).