Gardeners are being urged to leave food and water out for baby hedgehogs this autumn, as hoglets born late in the year may not have enough time to build up the fat reserves needed to survive hibernation.
The charity British Hedgehogs said hedgehogs can give birth to hoglets late in the year, and these youngsters may not reach a safe weight before winter sets in.
Why autumn feeding matters
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.”
“Autumn juveniles that appear well and are only out after dark will benefit from additional feeding in the garden throughout early autumn.”
It added that hoglets should normally be rescued at weights less than 450g in late October to February, depending on weather and how often they visit feeding stations.
What to offer hoglets
Gardeners can offer meaty hedgehog food, meaty cat or dog food, or cat biscuits, along with fresh water. Milk should never be given, as it can upset their stomachs.
If a hoglet is found in need of help, the charity advises giving it extra warmth using a hot water bottle wrapped in towelling or a blanket, or a heated pad with space to move away, and placing it in a box lined with torn newspaper or clean towelling.
Rescue and rehabilitation advice
If the hedgehog cannot be brought indoors, a heated outbuilding can work, but the box should not sit directly on a metal grid, wire floor, or concrete, as cold can seep through. Advice should be sought as soon as possible.
British Hedgehogs said hedgehog rehabilitators prefer to get autumn juveniles up to 600gms (1lb 6oz) or more before release, because they lose weight initially after returning to the wild. The charity advises contacting an independent hedgehog rehabilitation centre, or calling the British Hedgehog Preservation Society on 01584 890801 for details of the nearest independent rescue.
