A hedgehog out in the garden in the middle of the day, in a cold November: is that normal or an emergency? Thousands of garden owners ask themselves this every autumn. The good news: you do not need to be an expert to judge it. A few clear warning signs tell you when a hedgehog needs help and when it is better left alone.

In this guide you will learn how to recognise a hedgehog in trouble, what weight limits specialists give, what to do if you find one, and how to support healthy hedgehogs in your garden.

Why hedgehogs stand out in November

Most hedgehogs ought to be asleep in November already, or close to it. Depending on the region and the weather, hibernation begins between late October and December. As long as it is not persistently cold and there is still food to find, some animals are still out and about. On its own, that is not an emergency.

It is the late-born juveniles that have a problem. Hedgehog mothers sometimes have their young well into September. These latecomers have only a few weeks in autumn to build up enough fat reserves. At the same time natural food becomes scarcer: beetles, worms, larvae and other insects grow rarer as temperatures fall. That is why we see hedgehogs foraging in daylight in November.

Hibernation: what happens in the body

During hibernation the hedgehog shuts its body down to a minimum: body temperature drops to a few degrees above the surrounding temperature, the heartbeat slows from several hundred to just a few beats a minute, and breathing becomes extremely shallow. In between, the animal wakes briefly again and again.

The only energy in this time comes from the body fat the hedgehog built up in autumn. If it does not last until spring, the animal starves in its sleep. That is precisely why body weight in autumn decides whether a hedgehog survives the winter.

The 6 warning signs of a hedgehog in trouble

No single sign automatically means an emergency. But the more of them come together, the more likely it is that the hedgehog needs expert help.

Out during the day: always an emergency?

Not necessarily. Expert sources point out that in autumn hedgehogs may appear during the day when they need a lot of food or after being disturbed. What matters is the overall impression: does the animal look strong and purposeful, or noticeably weak, emaciated or injured? If in doubt, a quick call to a hedgehog rescue centre or veterinary practice is worth it.

How much should a hedgehog weigh?

Weight is the most important figure for the decision. There is, however, no single nationwide limit. Sources give different guide values depending on the region and the group of animals:

Guide values that vary from source to source. A hedgehog rescue centre or a vet can give you an expert assessment.

The range shows that one number alone is not enough. Age, timing and the overall impression of the animal matter too. A hedgehog weighing well under 400–500 g in early November, however, usually has poor chances without support.

Help or not? The decision guide

Found a hedgehog: the first steps

If you have found an animal that needs help, stay calm and go step by step. Caring for it yourself is no substitute; it only bridges the gap until expert help arrives.

Many vets treat wild animals straightforwardly or free of charge, and hedgehog rescue centres can often be found through the local animal shelter or veterinary office. Note down where and when you found it, because healthy animals are later released again as close as possible to where they were found.

What you should not do

• Do not give milk. Hedgehogs cannot digest cow's milk; it can cause diarrhoea. Put out fresh water instead.
• No bread, no leftovers. Spiced or salted food is unsuitable.
• Do not simply take it indoors. Healthy hedgehogs belong outside. Long-term care is for specialists.
• Do not collect healthy hedgehogs. A strong hedgehog that can still find food needs nothing but peace and shelter.
• No poisons in the garden. Slug pellets and the like endanger hedgehogs directly and through their food.

Supporting healthy hedgehogs in the garden

Even if your hedgehog does not need emergency help, there is plenty you can do for it in autumn. That includes sheltered cover, fresh water and, when nature offers little, nutritious food.

Create shelter

Piles of leaves and brushwood in a quiet corner, a dry hedgehog house or a log pile all offer cover. Let the garden stay a little wilder in autumn; many animals benefit from it. Keep routes clear as well, for example small gaps in the fence, so hedgehogs can move between gardens.

Water and species-appropriate food

A shallow dish of fresh water matters more than any food. If you want to feed, choose a species-appropriate hedgehog food. Our hedgehog food is made from black soldier fly larvae and contains no preservatives. It comes in tins of 200 g and 400 g. Clean feeding places and bowls washed daily protect against germs.

Hedgehogs are protected

In Germany hedgehogs count among the specially protected wild animals. Healthy animals may therefore not simply be caught or taken away. Taking in an animal in need temporarily, in order to nurse it back to health, is permitted. Afterwards it should return to the wild. If you are unsure, ask your hedgehog rescue centre or the local nature conservation authority.