Building up fat reserves

Fettreserven aufbauen

Hedgehogs in autumn · Preparing for hibernation

Building up fat reserves

📅 Autumn 2026 ⏱ 4 min read EntoSus GmbH · Bremen
🦔 This week only: 15% with code HERBST15

Autumn marks the start of „fattening up“ for hedgehogs: within a few weeks they have to build enough fat reserves to get safely through hibernation. Right now, every gram counts for them.

Why every gram counts now

During hibernation, hedgehogs live for several months on their own fat reserves alone. Any hedgehog that goes into hibernation too light risks not surviving it.

As a guide: a hedgehog should weigh at least 500–700 g in late autumn to get safely through the winter. At the same time, the natural supply of food in the garden is becoming increasingly scarce.

How to tell that a hedgehog is too light

Not every hedgehog in the garden needs support — but there are particular signs to keep an eye on in autumn.

⚠️ Warning signs: clearly underweight for the time of year, active during the day instead of at night, visibly protruding ribs or hip bones, unusually slow or unsteady movements.

How to support the fattening up

An energy-rich, natural food helps hedgehogs build the reserves they need for hibernation in a short space of time.

Main feed
EntoZoo hedgehog food in a jar

A complete feed based on the black soldier fly larva — energy-rich and easy to digest.

Nutrient extra
Calcium & phosphorus

A balanced ratio supports bone structure and metabolism on top of pure energy intake.

💚 Always put out fresh water as well — in a dry autumn in particular, that is often just as important for hedgehogs as the food itself.

Hedgehog food compared

Not every food is suited to the short, intensive fattening-up phase in autumn.

Criterion EntoZoo hedgehog food Cat/dog food
Composition ✓ Tailored specifically to hedgehogs – Developed for other species
Development ✓ Developed with „Netzwerk Igelfreunde e.V.“ – Not hedgehog-specific
Complete feed ✓ Yes, balanced – Often unsuitable nutrient profiles

Note: EntoZoo hedgehog food is a complete feed — keep cool once opened and use within a few days.

Getting the feeding right

In autumn you can feed a little more generously than in summer — the hedgehog needs energy quickly now.

🥣10–20 g per dayAs a guide; offer more if needed.
💧Provide waterAlways put a shallow dish of fresh water alongside.
❄️Store coolKeep in the fridge once opened and use promptly.
Conclusion

In autumn every gram counts for hedgehogs: an energy-rich food made for hedgehogs supports them naturally in building the fat reserves they need.

Watch for warning signs such as low weight or daytime activity and feed in a targeted way where needed.

Discover hedgehog food →

EntoZoo hedgehog food in a jar

This week with code HERBST15. Currently available in the shop as a 170 g jar. Delivery time 2–3 working days.

Complete feed

170 g

Black soldier fly larva, free from additives

€2.99€2.54

with code HERBST15

  • Developed with Igelfreunde e.V.
  • Refrigerate once opened
  • Shipped from Bremen
View it in the shop

Offer valid in week 36 of 2026. Price incl. VAT, while stocks last. Enter the discount code at checkout — please set it up in the shop before dispatch.

Nutritional values per 100 g

As per the product description in the shop.

132 kcal

Energy

15%

Protein

73%

Water

4.8%

Fat

Further values: crude fibre 2.62%, crude ash 2.03%, calcium 0.235%, phosphorus 0.295%. Complete feed — store cool once opened and use within a few days.

Frequently asked questions

The key points about hedgehogs in autumn and feeding them correctly.

How much should a hedgehog weigh before hibernation?
As a guide, at least 500–700 g in late autumn, so that the hedgehog has the fat reserves for the whole of hibernation.
How much hedgehog food should I offer each day?
As a guide, 10–20 g per day — and a little more if needed, particularly in autumn.
Do I have to refrigerate the food?
Yes — once opened, the jar should be kept in the fridge and used within a few days; it is not a dry, long-life feed.
Should I put out water too?
Yes, definitely. A shallow dish of fresh water is important, especially in a dry autumn.
How quickly is it delivered?
Shipping is from Bremen, with delivery usually taking 2–3 working days within Germany.

Give hedgehogs the energy for hibernation now — entirely naturally.

Try EntoZoo hedgehog food this week for €2.54 instead of €2.99 (code HERBST15). Questions about feeding? Get in touch — we are glad to advise you.

Order now — code HERBST15
Shipped from GermanyDelivery 2–3 working daysSecure payment
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