Hedgehog rehabilitation requires species-specific knowledge of timing, weight and release sites, with evidence-based protocols improving survival and welfare outcomes.
Hedgehog rehabilitation welfare depends on correct triage, appropriate treatment and evidence-based release decisions. Rehabilitated hedgehogs released at inappropriate weight or into unsuitable habitat have poor outcomes - releasing an underweight hedgehog in November condemns it to die during attempted hibernation. Welfare-positive rehabilitation requires weighing animals accurately, treating parasites and injuries, ensuring adequate weight before release, and selecting release sites with appropriate habitat. Post-release survival monitoring (using microchipping or radio-tagging) provides evidence to improve future outcomes. Good rehabilitation is resource-intensive - supporting your local hedgehog rescue provides the funding for welfare-quality care.