Complete guide to hedgehog hibernation

Where do hedgehogs hibernate?

Hedgehogs hibernate in dry, sheltered, out-of-the-way places such as in log and leaf piles, large open compost heaps, and in the spaces beneath sheds. They may also choose a well-placed hedgehog house. If you have a hedgehog house, avoid checking it as any disturbance may disturb the hedgehog and result in it losing energy or having to find a new place to rest.

Hedgehogs never hibernate in an exposed place. If you find a hedgehog out in the open that appears to be sleeping or hibernating then it will almost certainly be very sick and will need taking to a rescue centre immediately. Using gloves, pick up the hedgehog and pop it in a high-sided box with a towel in the bottom and keep it warm – use a covered hot water bottle if necessary. Call your local rescue centre immediately.

When do hedgehogs hibernate?

Hedgehogs typically hibernate from October to March, although in mild winters they can be active into November and December, and some may not hibernate at all. Those that do hibernate may not do so constantly – it's perfectly normal for them to move to a different hibernation site during the hibernation period. Having said that, it's important not to disturb a hibernating hedgehog. Any disturbance will cause hedgehogs to use up energy reserves which they may not be able to replace as natural sources of food, such as beetles and caterpillars, are scarce in winter.

How long do hedgehogs hibernate for?

Hedgehogs can hibernate for a few weeks to a few months, depending on the condition they're in when they go into hibernation, the ambient temperature, or whether or not they're disturbed. It's not unusual for hedgehogs to come out of hibernation in mid-winter and then go back into hibernation, often in a new spot. The main thing we gardeners can do is ensure there is plenty of food for them to eat if and when they wake up.

What can you do in your garden for hibernating hedgehogs?

The main thing to do for hibernating hedgehogs in your garden is to ensure they aren’t disturbed. Take care when gardening, particularly in wilder areas and around your compost heap and shed, as you could unwittingly disturb or harm a hibernating hog.

If you do accidentally disturb a hibernating hedgehog, immediately cover it back up with leaves. Leave out some supplementary food and water in case it wakes up and needs the energy to find a new nest and return to hibernation.

If you feed hedgehogs using a feeding station, it’s a good idea to keep leaving a small amount of supplementary food out so the hedgehogs have something to eat if they emerge from hibernation. Simply leave a small handful of kitten biscuits in a clean dish with a covering such as a saucer on top. The saucer will stop mice eating the food but will be no problem for a hedgehog to move out of the way. Check your feeding station every few days and top it up if the food has been eaten. Uneaten food should be discarded and replaced once a week.

Otherwise, make sure you have the ideal hibernating habitats for hedgehogs in your garden. Create a log or leaf pile, or open compost heap in a quiet part of the garden. For those emerging from hibernation in spring, ensure there's plenty of natural food such as worms, beetles and caterpillars. This means having as many natural areas in the garden as possible, with native plants that moths can lay their eggs on. You can also provide supplementary food to give them an extra helping hand.

If you see a hedgehog out during the day in autumn or winter or are concerned about a hedgehog, please call your nearest rescue centre immediately for advice. Use gloves to pick the hedgehog up and place it in a high-sided box with a towel in the bottom, and a covered hot water bottle to keep it warm. If you don't know the details of your nearest rescue centre, call the British Hedgehog Preservation Society on 01584 890801 and they will put you in touch with a rescue centre if necessary.