Hedgehog Information and Advice

When does a hedgehog need rescuing?

  • Hedgehogs never ‘sunbathe’; they are nocturnal mammals and only come out at night. If you see a hedgehog out in the day it will further support please call your local rescue for more advice.
  • A wobbly hedgehog out in the day could be dehydrated and need rescuing as soon as possible.
  • It is covered in flies. It is likely to be very poorly.
  • Laboured breathing could be a symptom of illness or injury, rescue as soon as possible.
  • A hedgehog with an injury; broken bone, open wounds or missing appendages, needs rescuing immediately and should be taken to your closest vet for Wildlife First Aid.
  • A hedgehog covered in tiny white flakes in warmer months likely has fly strike. This is caused by flies laying their eggs on a sick animal. They need to go to a rescue centre or vet as soon as possible.
  • It is in immediate danger. In some cases the hedgehog can be moved to safety and left alone, but always call a wildlife rescue first before leaving the hedgehog.


Should you find a hedgehog in need of help, please call us on 01793 640136 option 1 for guidance. To find your closest wildlife rescue centre, visit www.helpwildlife.co.uk.

Safe Rescue

Should you need to pick up a hedgehog, wear a pair of gardening gloves or use an old towel to gently scoop them up and place them in a cardboard box.

Keep the hedgehog warm by placing a small towel or torn up newspaper over the hedgehog.

Avoid using dusty material in the box, such as sawdust instead use newspaper and towels.

Do not feed the hedgehog food unless advised, offer water only in a shallow dish.

Just like any wild animal, hedgehogs will get very stressed when picked up.

Try and be as quiet and gentle as possible when handling them and place them into a quiet and dark environment.

Take a look at our film clip below

How to safely pick up a hedgehog

Watch our film clip to see how to safely pick up a hedgehog

Film Clip

Hedgehog advice

Exceptions:

There are few exceptions to seeing a hedgehog out in the daytime. Around late April-August you may see a female hedgehog out in the daytime collecting material for nest building, or collecting food for her young. She will be walking with purpose and will not be out for long.

During hibernation, hedgehogs may wake for short periods to drink or eat. If they do not return to their nest after drinking or eating, they may need rescuing.

A healthy hedgehog should appear active, well rounded, with healthy eyes and skin. Most of their time is spent actively foraging for food they can cover up to eight good sized gardens in one evening.

NEVER ATTEMPT TO LOOK AFTER A HEDGEHOG YOURSELF. THEY ARE VERY COMPLEX ANIMALS AND REQUIRE SPECIALIST CARE.

What to do if you find a dead hedgehog

If you find a dead hedgehog, please report it to the Garden Wildlife Health project.

FAQ’S

Do Hedgehogs Carry Fleas and Ticks?

Hedgehog fleas are host specific. They will not live on your cat, dog or clothes. Do not put flea treatments on hedgehogs visiting or residing in your green spaces.
Ticks are usually seen around the ears, face and bottom. They are grey in colour and vary in size. They are not problematic unless there are lots of them obscuring the face or ears.
Removing ticks and fleas should be left to a professional.

Orphaned Babies

If you see very small hedgehogs out in the day, alone or making loud ‘peeping’ noises they may be in trouble. Check for a nest, signs of a mother or other hoglets in the area. If the mother is not found and the hedgehog is in imminent danger, place it in a safe environment and call your local wildlife rescue. If the hedgehog is not currently in danger or at risk, call a wildlife rescue for further advice before touching the young. Minimising contact and scent transfer will increase the chance or possibility of the young being able to be reunited with the parent.

What do I feed the hedgehogs in my garden?

Hedgehogs are mostly insectivores, the best diet is the natural bugs in your garden. Other supplemental food can be offered, such as meat flavoured cat/dog food, small cat/kitten biscuits and fresh water. Do not offer any other foods or cow’s milk. The most crucial time to offer food is autumn and winter.

When do hedgehogs hibernate?

There is no set time for hibernation. They will prepare a nest site and hibernate when food is scarce. This could be from late November to January. Some will not hibernate at all, or for short periods, waking up when the weather turns warmer or to move to a new nest site. Hedgehogs should not be disturbed when hibernating.

Should I clean out my hedgehog house?

The only time to clean the box is early spring when hibernation is over and you know the box is empty. Use hot water and leave to dry. Leave the house empty, the hedgehog will fill it with a material of their choosing. All bowls and surrounding areas should be cleaned regularly to prevent disease. Always wear gloves.
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