Hedgehog Over-wintering Instructions

During the winter months many young hedgehogs born late in the summer try to increase their body fat reserves to ensure they will survive hibernation. Hedgehogs down on the south of England, if it is a mild winter, will often than not, continue to remain active and rarely go into hibernation.

It is important to note that if you do see a large hedgehog (over 750g or 1lb 9oz) actively foraging for food, then please help them by putting out a bowl of cat or dog food and some water as most of their natural food will be starting to decrease. If it is smaller than the above weight or just looking generally ill or lethargic then it should be taken into your nearest wildlife hospital for attention. The same applies if it is out during the daytime or behaving in an odd way (circling, not curling up properly or wobbly when walking etc). You can also call us here at Brent Lodge on 01243 641672 if you are unsure and need advice.

From the start of autumn many small hedgehogs come into the hospital with signs of dehydration and hunger as they are too small to cope through the winter period. After a full examination and removal of all of the external and internal parasites, the hedgehogs then only need to be fed and cleaned until their weight builds up and they are ready for release in the spring (or sooner if possible). As you can imagine this takes up a lot of the valuable space we need to treat other wildlife casualties.

THIS IS WHERE YOU CAN HELP!

Please read through the following and see if you think you can help us…
Taking care of one or two of our hedgehogs until around mid April (maybe earlier depending upon their weight) which is roughly the time when all of the harsh frosts are over.
Keep them in a warm area such as a heated conservatory, shed, greenhouse or spare/utility room. You will need to section off a part of the shed etc to approximately the size of a children’s play-pen where the hedgehog can sleep and wander round a little bit without it becoming lost or stuck (they can fit into VERY small spaces). It is essential that they are kept warm and active to avoid hibernation; they are too small and WILL NOT survive!
A container/box should be provided for the hedgehog to sleep under/in during the day. This should be left in the run area should it want to come out at anytime ~(they don’t generally come out during the day but just in case). This bed should contain shredded newspaper only (NOT OFFICE PAPER – IT GIVES THEM PAPERCUTS ON THEIR NOSE AND FEET), dry leaves or hay that has been cut up into shorter lengths to prevent them becoming entangled in it. Straw is not recommended.
The floor of the run area should be lined with newspaper so that it can be cleaned out on a daily basis by just taking up the top sheets of newspaper, leaving it nice and clean underneath. Their bedding area should also be cleaned when necessary. Always make sure the layer of newspaper on the floor is quite thick to soak up any urine or water that may have spilt.
The hedgehogs must have fresh food daily (even if the food was not eaten the day before) and fresh water MUST be available at all times! The best food to give them is tinned cat or dog food. Dry cat biscuits are good for their teeth but can be dry for them so ensure they have plenty of water. You can also give them mealworms (purchased from pet shops) and worms/slugs/snails from your garden (only give snails/slugs if you DO NOT use slug pellets otherwise you will poison your hedgehog)!
If two hedgehogs are living together ensure that they have separate feeding bowls as bullying can sometimes occur.
A weight chart will be given out with each hedgehog. This is important; the hedgehogs MUST be weighed at least once a week to ensure they are gaining weight (this is especially important if two or more hedgehogs are being kept together, just in case one of them is not getting to the food). It is not uncommon for a hedgehog to slightly fluctuate in weight, but if a dramatic weight loss is indicated then please contact us and we will advise you on the course of action to take. A pair of kitchen scales can be used for this. Preferably old ones but if not then please put kitchen towel into the container first and wash thoroughly after use! The date and weight should then be recorded on the chart.
You must leave the handling of the hedgehogs to a minimum, only handling them when you clean them (if necessary) and when weighing them. They are wild animals which are due to be released back into the wild so MUST remain fearful of humans!
As soon as they reach their target weight (approximately 750g or 1lb 9oz) you should contact us here at Brent Lodge for the next stage of its rehabilitation process back into the wild. If you have the right facilities (please discuss this with a member of staff) you may be able to release the hedgehog yourself, other wise the hedgehog/s will need to be returned to Brent Lodge to be given to one of our hedgehog releasers.

Thank you for your interest in overwintering a hedgehog. If after reading all of this information you are still interested in helping one of our little hedgehogs then please contact us and leave your name and telephone number and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

TEL: 01243 641672 E-MAIL: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

ADDRESS: Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital, Cow Lane, Sidlesham, West Sussex, PO20 7LN


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The photo is an example of a hedgehog home…. This measures 3.5ft by 3.5ft wide and 2ft tall to ensure they don’t escape. Please note they have enough space to sleep and wander around, this means they can keep out of each other’s way if they want to. If you would like to see one of these crèche’s set up then please come and visit us at Brent Lodge and we will be happy to show you one!