Wildlife

Wild Hedgehog Supplementary Feeding

Supplementary feeding of wild hedgehogs can support individual welfare during food scarcity but requires appropriate food choices and responsible practice.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs are primarily insectivorous and require invertebrates for complete nutrition
Cat and dog food in jelly is an appropriate supplementary food
Bread and milk cause diarrhoea and should never be offered
Water should always accompany supplementary food
Feeding stations that exclude cats and foxes improve access for hedgehogs

Welfare Considerations

Supplementary feeding provides welfare benefits to individual hedgehogs during dry spells when invertebrate availability falls. However, dependency on artificial food, habituation to human presence, and concentration of hedgehogs at feeding stations increasing disease transmission are potential welfare costs. Responsible feeding practice - appropriate food, fresh water, clean stations - maximises the welfare benefit while minimising risks.

What You Can Do

Provide cat food (not fish flavour) and water for hedgehogs in dry periods
Never offer bread, milk, or mealworms as a primary food
Use a feeding station design that excludes other animals
Stop supplementary feeding in autumn to avoid disrupting hibernation preparation
Record and share sightings with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society