I’ve seen a hedgehog out in the day. Is it OK?
No. Hedgehogs are nocturnal, so a hedgehog out in daylight is almost always in trouble. It is usually cold and in the early stages of hypothermia, which is why it lies out in the sun. It needs urgent help.
The only exception is a nesting mum, who may pop out briefly in the day to find food or nesting material, moving quickly and with purpose. Even then it’s worth checking with a rescue. Please secure the hedgehog and call us on 07577 000328.
Can I give a hedgehog milk or bread?
No, please don’t. Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant, and milk can cause severe stomach upsets and even death. Bread, biscuits and other human snacks can cause obesity and dental problems.
Meaty cat or dog food, or kitten biscuits, with a shallow dish of fresh water are best. Mealworms, peanuts and sunflower hearts should also be avoided. See what to feed a hedgehog.
My dog picked up a hedgehog but it looks fine. Does it need help?
Yes. Please always get it checked at a rescue, even if it looks fine. Your dog’s teeth may have punctured the skin, and these wounds aren’t always easy to see. Without treatment they will become infected.
I’ve disturbed a nest of baby hedgehogs (hoglets). What should I do?
Please don’t touch the hoglets. Cover the nest back over and watch from a distance to see if mum returns. If you have touched any of the hoglets, mum may reject them because of your scent, so ring a rescue straight away for advice.
Should I feed a sick or injured hedgehog I’ve found?
No. Keep it warm in a high-sided box with a towel and a wrapped hot water bottle, and offer only a shallow bowl of water. Please don’t try to syringe water into it, as water can get into its lungs. Then phone a rescue straight away. Here’s what to do.
How long does a hedgehog live?
Sadly, half of hedgehogs don’t make it to their first birthday. Those that do typically live for 4–5 years, but they can live for up to 10 years.
Why do we need to put food out? Isn’t there enough for them to eat?
Hedgehogs eat a variety of insects in the wild, especially caterpillars and beetles, but insects are in decline because of over-tidy gardens, pesticides, flooding and climate change.
At certain times of year, particularly in winter, insects are hard to find. Putting out some kitten biscuits or meaty cat or dog food provides a lifeline. See what to feed a hedgehog.
Do hedgehogs eat slugs?
Yes, but slugs are at the bottom of the list. Hedgehogs will eat them if there’s nothing else about, as they aren’t the easiest or tastiest meal (we can imagine!).
Slugs and snails can carry lungworm, which can then be passed on to hedgehogs. But please don’t reach for the slug pellets: they will kill not only the slugs but any animal that eats a poisoned slug.
Do you release hedgehogs back to where they were found?
Yes, whenever it’s safe to do so, meaning they weren’t found next to a very busy road or another hazard.
It’s so important that hedgehogs go back to the same area, especially older ones, as they have a mental map of the area and know where the food sources are. Hedgehogs follow the same route most nights, so moving them from an area for no good reason is wrong.
We always like to release into a garden they can come and go from freely, with food, water and a nest box, as this gives them a head start.
When can I clean out my nest box?
The best time is the end of April, when hibernation has ended and before the breeding season begins. Don’t use harsh cleaning products, only a pet-safe one, and refill with fresh barley straw. Read our nest box guidance.
How long is a hedgehog pregnant for?
Around 4–5 weeks (about 32 days). Most females have one litter a year, and some have a second. Breeding season is typically between May and October, depending on the weather, and with warmer autumns we are now seeing hoglets born later in the year.
The little ones can struggle once they leave the nest as winter arrives, which is when food put out for them really helps. The average litter is 4–5 hoglets, and they are born blind and deaf.
When does a hoglet leave the nest?
Hoglets go on foraging trips with mum from about 4 weeks old and are fully independent at around 6 weeks.
There’s snow and frost, but a hedgehog is in my garden. Shouldn’t it be hibernating?
Not all hedgehogs hibernate the whole way through, particularly now our temperatures are so up and down because of climate change. Hedgehogs often change nests too: a winter nest is called a hibernaculum, and on average a hedgehog uses five different hibernacula during the winter.
Natural food is scarce in winter, so they will really appreciate some food and a shallow bowl of water. See what to feed them.
But if a hedgehog is out during the day, it needs help. Please follow our advice and call us.