Wildlife Welfare

Wild Hedgehog Autumn Body Weight

Hedgehogs must reach sufficient body weight before hibernation to survive winter. Underweight autumn hedgehogs face welfare emergencies requiring intervention.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs need to weigh at least 500-600g to survive hibernation
Autumn juveniles born late in the season are most at risk of insufficient weight
Supplemental feeding of garden hedgehogs can be critical in autumn
Underweight hedgehogs should be taken to wildlife rehabilitators
Garden food sources including cat food and hedgehog pellets help autumn weight gain

Welfare Considerations

Underweight autumn hedgehogs face near-certain death without intervention. Garden feeding stations and willingness to take underweight individuals to rehabilitators are highly effective welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Weigh hedgehogs visiting your garden in autumn if possible
Provide supplemental food including cat food and hedgehog pellets
Contact wildlife rehabilitators if you find a very small autumn hedgehog
Leave food and water out for garden hedgehogs throughout autumn