Hedgehogs will learn quickly to drink from a water bottle, but a shallow water dish works well, too.
Until your hedgehog is adjusted to his new home, it is best to use the same food the animal was eating at the breeder or store.
Commercial hedgehog food is now available in some pet stores, but if you can't find that, then a diet of light, premium cat or dog food will suffice on a temporary basis. Accu-Feed and Select Diet are both excellent commercial hedgehog food.
Treats for your hedgehog may include such favorite foods are earthworms, mealworms, crickets, poultry, hard boiled eggs, raisins, cottage cheese, fruits (particularly pear or banana) and vegetables. A diet consisting solely of insects must be avoided due to the possibility of mineral imbalances.
One area of concern is obesity. Hedgehogs can easily become overweight. Partially due to their potential for hibernation, they will pack on weight in preparation for a lengthy hibernation that never comes. Letting them hibernate is NOT the answer -- proper diet and exercise are. If your hedgehog is getting too plump, cut back on his food a bit, and try to encourage activity by letting him run around, or by giving him a wheel.