Wildlife

Hedgehog Hospital Care: Welfare Standards for Wildlife Rehabilitation

How wildlife rehabilitators care for hedgehogs to maximise welfare and successful release.

Key Facts

Licensed wildlife rehabilitators care for thousands of injured hedgehogs annually
Common presentations include road casualties, garden machinery injuries, and orphaned juveniles
Release criteria include minimum weight of 450g before winter hibernation
Incorrect feeding by well-meaning members of the public can cause health problems

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehog rehabilitation welfare begins with correct first aid — minimising handling, keeping animals warm, and transporting to a licensed rehabilitator promptly. Rehabilitation welfare includes appropriate diet, veterinary care, and gradual preparation for release. Pre-winter weight is a critical welfare parameter — underweight hedgehogs cannot survive hibernation. Welfare-informed release assesses individual readiness and selects appropriate release sites.

What You Can Do

Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately for any injured or underweight hedgehog
Never give cows milk to hedgehogs — it causes serious digestive problems
Support hedgehog rehabilitation centres through donations and volunteer hours