Wildlife

Wild Hedgehog Rehabilitation Best Practice

Hedgehog rehabilitation requires specialised knowledge of nutritional needs, disease risks, and release protocols to give rescued animals the best survival chances.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs presenting in daylight are almost always sick or injured and need help
Underweight hedgehogs below 600g are unlikely to survive hibernation without intervention
Feeding wet cat or dog food is appropriate - never bread and milk
Hedgehog ringworm (Trichophyton erinacei) is a zoonosis requiring protective handling
Release sites should have verified hedgehog-friendly habitat with access to hedgerows

Welfare Considerations

Inadequate rehabilitation causes prolonged suffering and poor survival outcomes. Evidence-based protocols greatly improve both animal welfare and release success rates.

What You Can Do

Contact a local hedgehog rescue or wildlife rehabilitator if you find a hedgehog in distress
Never feed bread or cow's milk to hedgehogs
Learn to weigh and monitor hedgehogs safely if volunteering with a rescue
Support local hedgehog rescue groups through donations or volunteering