Hedgehog Rehabilitation and Release Welfare

Hedgehogs are the most commonly admitted mammal to UK wildlife hospitals and require specialist care for successful rehabilitation.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs weighing under 450g in late autumn cannot survive winter hibernation without intervention
The British Hedgehog Preservation Society runs a finder network for injured hedgehogs
Common presentations include respiratory disease, lungworm infection, and road traffic injuries
Rehabilitated hedgehogs need to weigh at least 600g before release for winter survival
Release site selection is critical — hedgehogs need sufficient territory with food and safe hibernation sites

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehog rehabilitation requires specialist knowledge of the species unique requirements. Underweight autumn juveniles face a welfare emergency — insufficient fat reserves mean hibernation leads to starvation and death. Treatment for lungworm, a common and serious parasitic infection, requires veterinary assessment. Release welfare depends on timing (avoiding winter release of lightweight animals), site selection (suitable garden habitats), and preparation of the release site with a hedgehog house.

What You Can Do

Contact British Hedgehog Preservation Society or local wildlife hospital if you find a hedgehog that appears unwell
Never release a hedgehog found in autumn without weight verification (minimum 450g for outdoor release attempt)
Provide a hedgehog house with leaf and straw bedding in your garden as a release site
Create suitable hedgehog habitat in your garden before accepting a rehabilitated hedgehog for release
Learn to recognise hedgehog health problems including the inability to curl tightly