Tom Marshall
Hedgehog facts and information
Your questions answered
What do hedgehogs eat? When do they hibernate? Where is my nearest hedgehog rescue? Our experts have the answers to all of your questions about these once-common garden favourites.
Frequently asked questions
What do hedgehogs eat?
Hedgehogs eat all kinds of invertebrates, as well as amphibians, birds' eggs and anything else they can catch; they particularly like big, crunchy beetles, earthworms and slugs, making them a gardener's best friend.
If you want to feed hedgehogs in your own garden, you could also use meat-based wet cat or dog food, and don’t forget to leave out a bowl of water for thirsty hogs. Water is so important, especially in dry periods when natural water sources dry up.
Remember never to give hedgehogs milk as they’re lactose intolerant and it will make them very poorly.
Are hedgehogs endangered?
Sadly, hedgehogs in the UK are classified as 'vulnerable to extinction' and their numbers are declining at the same rate as tigers across the world. Forty years ago, we had an estimated 5 million hedgehogs across the UK - now figures are less than 800,000.
In the report "The State of Britain's Hedgehogs", it was reported that: "In the past decade we have lost over a half of rural hedgehogs and a third from towns and cities. The decline in towns and cities seems to be slowing, but the situation in the countryside is a real concern. This decline is not sustainable and it could be that we lose our spiky friends for good."
It's important that we do everything we can to help our local hedgehogs and create safe spaces for them in our gardens. For top tips on how to make your outside space a safe haven for hedgehogs, click here and download your free guide.
Do hedgehogs hibernate?
Hedgehogs hibernate over winter, from about November to April, in a nest of leaves or logs called a 'hibernaculum', though they may wake up on warmer winter nights to top up their energy stores with a much-needed snack. It’s a good idea to put food and water out on these nights. Once they wake up in March they’ll be extremely hungry and thirsty, so make sure you’re regularly topping up food and water again.
Where is my nearest hedgehog rescue?
Have you seen a poorly hedgehog? Chorley Hedgehog Rescue have compiled a handy list of contact details for hedgehog rescues across Lancashire, Manchester and Merseyside, click here to find yours.
What does hedgehog poop look like?
Think you have hedgehogs in your garden? There’s one clue that can help rule out creatures like cats, foxes and badgers… poo. Hedgehog poo is quite distinctive:
- Between 1.5 – 5cm in length
- Sausage-shaped and may be tapered at one end
- Usually shiny and squidgy
- Normally black in colour
- May contain berry pips and shiny fragments of insect body parts
How do I build a hedgehog house?
Hedgehogs need homes just like humans, so making one for them is a great way to encourage them into your garden! Click here for our step-by-step guide.
