Wildlife

Hedgehog Autumn Weight and Hibernation Welfare

Hedgehogs must reach sufficient weight before hibernation to survive the winter, and autumn feeding stations support welfare during this critical period.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs require at least 600g body weight to survive winter hibernation
Hoglets born late in summer face highest risk of underweight hibernation
Supplementary feeding with meat-based food or hedgehog pellets helps weight gain
Hibernation in unsuitable sites leads to death from cold exposure
Garden wildlife hospitals accept underweight hedgehogs for overwintering

Welfare Considerations

Late hoglets frequently starve or freeze during winter due to insufficient weight at hibernation. Autumn feeding and identification of underweight individuals is a concrete welfare intervention. Networks of wildlife hospitals and experienced home carers provide a safety net for vulnerable hedgehogs.

What You Can Do

Put out supplementary food in autumn to help hedgehogs build weight
Weigh hedgehogs found in autumn and refer underweight individuals to wildlife hospitals
Create warm dry hibernation habitats in your garden