Baby hedgehogs, known as hoglets, are at their most vulnerable at this time of year, and a helping hand from British gardeners could help these beloved youngsters survive. According to the charity British Hedgehogs, this is a crucial period because hedgehogs can give birth to hoglets late in the year, and these youngsters may not have enough time to build up sufficient fat reserves to enable them to survive hibernation.
Minimum weight for survival
The charity said: "The absolute minimum weight to see them through the winter is 450gms (1lb) and any hedgehog below this weight is likely to have problems when it hibernates."
It added: "Autumn juveniles that appear well and are only out after dark will benefit from additional feeding in the garden throughout early autumn."
Feeding and first aid advice
British Hedgehogs advised that autumn juveniles should normally be rescued at weights less than 450g in late October – February, depending on weather and frequency at feeding stations. It recommended seeking advice from an independent hedgehog rehabilitation centre, which can give the most appropriate advice at the time.
"Once in care, hedgehog rehabilitators prefer to get autumn juveniles up to 600gms (1lb 6oz) or more before considering release, because they will lose weight initially upon re-introduction to the wild," the charity said.
For first aid, the hedgehog should be given extra warmth, either a warm hot water bottle wrapped in towelling or blanket, or placed on a heated pad with room to get away from the heat should it get too warm. It should be placed in a box lined with torn newspaper or clean towelling or fleece for bedding.
If the hedgehog cannot be brought indoors for immediate first aid, outbuildings would be acceptable if heated and flies cannot get to the hedgehog, but the box should not be placed directly onto a metal grid or wire floor, or straight onto concrete, as the cold will permeate through.
Gardeners may offer meaty hedgehog food, meaty cat or dog food, or cat biscuits, along with fresh water. Milk should never be offered, as it can upset their tummies.
Contacting a rehabilitator
British Hedgehogs stressed that caring for hedgehog casualties is a specialised job, and the hedgehog should be passed onto an experienced rehabilitator as soon as possible. The charity advised calling the British Hedgehog Preservation Society on 01584 890801 for details of the nearest independent rescue.
