Wildlife

Hedgehog Supplementary Feeding Welfare

Hedgehog populations benefit from supplementary feeding in gardens, particularly in winter and during dry spells. Evidence-based feeding prevents harm from inappropriate foods.

Key Facts

Hedgehog populations have declined by approximately 50% in rural areas and 30% in urban areas since 2000
Supplementary feeding with wet cat or dog food is appropriate and nutritionally suitable
Bread and milk are inappropriate - bread has low nutrition and milk causes digestive upset
Mealworms cause metabolic bone disease in hedgehogs when fed in excess
Food provision in combination with habitat improvement produces better welfare outcomes than feeding alone

Welfare Considerations

Supplementary garden feeding provides genuine welfare support for hedgehogs when food is scarce, particularly during drought and cold winter periods. However, inappropriate food provision - particularly excessive mealworms - can cause metabolic bone disease that counteracts the welfare benefit. Evidence-based feeding with appropriate foods in combination with habitat provision maximizes welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Feed hedgehogs wet cat or dog food and fresh water, avoiding bread, milk, and excessive mealworms
Combine feeding with habitat improvements including hedgehog holes in fences and log piles
Provide water during dry summer periods when natural sources are scarce
Join local hedgehog monitoring groups to contribute to population tracking