Hedgehogs are one of the few mammals that are true hibernators. Hibernation is a complicated and often perilous energy conservation strategy. It is not just ‘going to sleep.’ In sleep all bodily functions remain nearly normal but in hibernation the metabolism is almost at a standstill.
During hibernation hedgehogs drop their body temperature to match their surroundings and enter a state of torpor. This allows them to save a lot of energy but slows down all other bodily functions making normal activity impossible.
Those hedgehogs visiting your garden over the next month will be trying to get as much body fat built up as possible so that they can be ready to hibernate, so please do keep providing food and water for your visiting hedgehogs.
Please note that hedgehogs are nocturnal animals and ordinarily will not be out and about during daylight hours. If you do see one, there is every likelihood that it is in some kind of difficulty and may require professional assistance. As with every rule there are always exceptions and if the hog that you’ve spotted looks very active and busy please try to observe before intervening. Don’t forget that we are dealing with live, wild creatures and each case will be different.
It is generally considered that hedgehogs who are less than 450g by the end of October are too small to hibernate and are unlikely to survive the winter. However, here in the South, if it remains mild this can be stretched on into November or even December. Once we have a frost, or night time temperatures fall below 5°C for a week or so, any hogs under 450g will be in trouble.
Any small hedgehog that is seen out during daytime is in serious trouble, and will be desperately looking for food to increase its weight in order to hibernate, at a time when its natural food is declining.
These hedgehogs must be rescued and over-wintered by a suitably equipped hedgehog rescue/carer.
Please do not pick up hedgehogs unnecessarily as it is extremely stressful and does more harm than good. Hedgehogs out at night and acting normally should be left alone – they should only be picked up if they are sick or injured.
If you should find such a hedgehog pick it up and place it into a high sided, escape proof box. Fill a hot water bottle or a pop bottle with hot water and wrap it in a towel. Place the towel wrapped hot water bottle or pop bottle in the bottom of the box and pop the hedgehog in next to it. Place another towel over the hedgehog and close the box – be aware, hedgehogs can climb out of boxes! Then phone us on 01929 290112 or alternatively call the BHPS on 01584 890 801 for details of your local hedgehog rescue.
Please continue to leave food and water out so that they have a ready source of food while their natural food is in short supply, and remember, while it’s mild, keep them wild!