Wild Hedgehog Supplementary Feeding and Hibernation

Garden supplementary feeding and hibernation support play important roles in urban hedgehog welfare and survival.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs entering hibernation with insufficient fat reserves may not survive winter
Supplementary feeding with meat-based cat or dog food supports pre-hibernation weight gain
Bread and milk - traditional hedgehog foods - cause digestive problems and should be avoided
Hedgehog houses provide safe hibernation sites away from bonfire and garden disturbance risk
Hedgehogs woken during hibernation waste critical energy reserves
Post-hibernation females need significant food to support pregnancy

Welfare Considerations

Urban hedgehogs face nutritional challenges from habitat loss and reduced invertebrate prey availability. Supplementary feeding bridges this gap and supports pre-hibernation weight gain. However, creating dependence without maintaining natural foraging habitat is counterproductive. Habitat creation and pesticide reduction address root causes.

What You Can Do

Provide meat-based pet food and fresh water for hedgehogs in your garden
Never give bread, milk or mealworms as primary food - they cause health problems
Build or purchase a hedgehog house to provide safe hibernation sites
Check bonfires and leaf piles before lighting to prevent hibernating hedgehog deaths