There is lots of conflicting advice on the size a hedgehog needs to be to survive hibernation.

However, the research is clear and Wild Hogs Hedgehog Rescue follows the best practice advice.

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1. No specific weight will guarantee survival.

2. Healthy hedgehogs weighing over 450g can survive hibernation and do not need to be rescued at any time of the year.

3. Hibernation occurs when temperatures drop below 5C. This can vary across the UK. In Gloucestershire, this does not usually happen until December, January and February and so rescue of small hedgehogs before this time is unnecessary.

4. Sick or injured hedgehogs and those found out in the day do need to be rescued. Please call us for advice if you are unsure.

5. Rescues can release hedgehogs over 600g throughout the winter, provided temperatures are above 0°C for 5 days, and hedgehogs will have the same chances as those in the wild.

 

Please do not try to overwinter a hedgehog yourself. Hedgehogs in captivity often experience stress and these can lead to other conditions which need to be treated. Please always take hedgehogs to a rescue for care.

More information can be found at: https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/leaflets/Hibernation-Weight.pdf

Oct 10, 2022