Hedgehogs start their hibernation in November, yet they still need help to survive the winter, and a simple step can attract them to your garden and support their wellbeing. These creatures can remain active until December when the weather stays mild.
They may also wake from hibernation to move their nests or forage for food before settling back down to sleep. Specialists recommend a key addition to your garden to help them both survive and thrive during the colder months.
What to feed them
Wear Referrals Veterinary Specialist has offered advice on how to help hedgehogs this month. One recommended step is to create a "hedgehog highway" by allowing access through your garden, which can be achieved by cutting gaps in your fencing.
You can also place a bowl of water out for drinking, or some plain cat food to keep them nourished. Bread and milk should be avoided as they can make hedgehogs unwell.
When hedgehogs appear content and healthy, it is best to leave them alone, and nests should be left undisturbed. It is also important to stop using garden chemicals if you spot hedgehogs nearby, as these products can be harmful to them.
Providing food and water
Providing food and water for hedgehogs is essential throughout the winter period as they emerge to search for sustenance. Supplementing what they eat helps them develop and preserve the fat stores required to endure until spring.
Even during hibernation, hedgehogs expend energy and require nourishment to survive. Foraging is critical to restore energy levels and allow them to relieve themselves, and should temperatures fall sufficiently low, they risk freezing.
Hedgehogs are fond of cat food, which can prove a useful supplement to their diet, especially if it is premium quality, meat-based and free from grains. Either wet or dry varieties can be offered, supplied together with fresh water and avoiding items such as milk, bread and mealworms, which are harmful to them.
How to help hedgehogs in need
Advice was also given regarding what action to take if you are worried about a hedgehog. Should you notice one in daylight that seems frail, sluggish or covered in fleas, you must respond straight away.
If they look unusually small during the winter period, you must also help them. When their weight falls below 450g, this may indicate trouble.
Simply place them in a box with a wrapped hot water bottle if you are concerned. Afterwards, contact your closest wildlife rescue centre for guidance on the next steps. Always obtain professional help from an animal specialist, but keep the hedgehog comfortable in the box until it can be examined.
By placing a bowl of water outside, you will be doing your bit to help hedgehogs as much as you can throughout the winter period. You may also want to consider putting out a small amount of cat food.
