Wild Hedgehog Hibernation Preparation and Welfare

Hedgehogs entering hibernation underweight or at the wrong time face serious welfare risks, and understanding how to support them is critical for their survival.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs typically hibernate from November to March in the UK, triggered by temperature drops below 10C
A hedgehog must weigh at least 600g (ideally 700g+) to survive hibernation safely
Underweight hedgehogs that attempt hibernation often die from starvation or hypothermia
UK hedgehog populations have declined by up to 75% since the 1950s
Hedgehogs are lactating into October and November, leaving some females dangerously underweight
Juveniles born late in the season are most at risk of failing to reach hibernation weight

Welfare Considerations

A hedgehog dying slowly from starvation during a failed hibernation attempt suffers considerably. The animal becomes hypothermic, burns remaining fat reserves, and enters a spiral of declining body temperature and metabolic function that ends in death. This is preventable through autumn feeding programs and awareness of what to do when finding underweight hedgehogs. Providing supplemental food costs almost nothing and can directly save lives.

What You Can Do

Put out hedgehog-safe food (meat-based cat or dog food, hedgehog food) from August through November
Never give hedgehogs milk or bread, which cause digestive distress
If you find an active hedgehog during daylight or in cold weather, it likely needs help
Weigh any hedgehog you find in autumn — under 600g in October warrants veterinary or rescue contact
Create or maintain log piles and leave areas of your garden wild as hibernation habitat
Contact a local hedgehog rescue if you find a sick, injured, or underweight hedgehog needing care