Wildlife Welfare

Wild Hedgehog Autumn Preparation

Hedgehog autumn preparation for hibernation is a critical welfare period. Garden management that supports pre-hibernation foraging directly improves individual hedgehog welfare.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs need to accumulate 30% of their body weight in fat reserves before hibernation
Autumn is the critical period for juvenile hedgehogs to reach hibernation weight
Garden food including cat food, hedgehog pellets, and mealworms support autumn weight gain
Accessible garden spaces connected to neighbours extend foraging territory
Late autumn bonfires and clearing operations pose significant welfare risks to sheltering hedgehogs

Welfare Considerations

Autumn garden management directly affects hedgehog welfare by supporting or hindering pre-hibernation weight gain. Simple provision of supplementary food and hedgehog access significantly improves winter survival prospects.

What You Can Do

Provide supplementary food including cat food in autumn for garden hedgehogs
Ensure garden connectivity through hedgehog holes in fences
Check bonfires before lighting in autumn to prevent hedgehog deaths
Leave leaf piles and log piles as natural hibernation sites