Hedgehog Welfare in the UK | Animal Welfare Hub

African pygmy hedgehogs kept as pets and wild hedgehogs in UK gardens face distinct but overlapping welfare challenges.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog populations have declined by over 30% since 2000
African pygmy hedgehogs are increasingly popular as pets despite complex care needs
Wild hedgehogs need access to 1-2 km of habitat for foraging each night
Hibernation stress and garden hazards kill thousands of wild hedgehogs annually
Pet hedgehogs are prone to Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS) and obesity in captivity

Welfare Considerations

Wild hedgehogs in the UK face mounting pressures: habitat fragmentation, road deaths, garden hazards like netting and strimmers, and reduced food availability. Their nocturnal foraging needs mean garden boundaries are particularly harmful. Pet African pygmy hedgehogs have welfare needs rarely met in typical home environments - they require large enclosures, warm temperatures, and significant daily exercise. The exotic pet trade in hedgehogs often underestimates these requirements, leading to chronic welfare problems.

What You Can Do

Create hedgehog-friendly gardens with access gaps in fences and log piles
Check for hedgehogs before strimming or mowing
If keeping pet hedgehogs, provide wheel exercise and appropriate heating
Support the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and garden wildlife charities
Avoid using slug pellets that harm hedgehogs and other garden wildlife