Strengthening young animals · Young hedgehogs

Supporting young hedgehogs properly

📅 Late summer 2026 ⏱ 5 min read EntoSus GmbH · Bremen

In late summer, many young hedgehogs explore the world on their own paws for the first time. Here is what they need now and how you can help them without intervening too much.

When do young hedgehogs become independent?

Hedgehog young are usually born between May and August. After about six to eight weeks they leave the nest and are on their own. Often weighing only 100 to 150 grams, they now have to find their own food — a considerable challenge.

By the time they hibernate, hedgehogs should have reached a weight of at least 500 to 600 grams. Young hedgehogs from late litters often barely have enough time for that — and this is where you can offer targeted support.

Healthy or in need of help?

Not every young hedgehog that turns up in your garden needs help. A healthy young hedgehog is active at night, flees from danger and looks fit and alert.

⚠️ Warning signs: a hedgehog active or staggering during the day, apathetic behaviour, visible injuries or parasite infestation, very low weight below 300 g in late summer.

How to help properly

A feeding station with fresh water and suitable food is the simplest and most effective help. Important: no bread, no milk — both are harmful to hedgehogs.

Dried insects such as mealworms and black soldier fly larvae are ideal. They provide high-quality protein and calcium — exactly what young hedgehogs need for their growth.

Protein source

Dried mealworms

High-quality protein that young hedgehogs take to very readily — ideal for the growth phase.

Calcium boost

Black soldier fly larvae

Rich in calcium and protein — perfect for young hedgehogs that are still growing and building strong bones.

💚 Set the feeding station up somewhere quiet and sheltered — away from cat territory and busy paths.

EntoZoo hedgehog food compared

Out of uncertainty, many people reach for cat or dog food. That is better than nothing — but it is not tailored to hedgehogs. Our hedgehog food was developed specifically for hedgehogs together with the Netzwerk Igelfreunde e.V.

Criterion	EntoZoo hedgehog food	Cat/dog food
Development	✓ Developed with the Netzwerk Igelfreunde e.V.	– Formulated for cats/dogs, wrong species
Protein base	✓ Black soldier fly larva (Hermetia illucens)	– Mostly meat/cereal mixtures
Moisture content	✓ 73% water content supports fluid intake	– Mostly dry, no additional hydration effect

When to contact a hedgehog rescue?

A young hedgehog that is active during the day, staggers or lets itself be picked up needs immediate help. In that case it is best to contact the nearest hedgehog rescue centre or a vet.

🌙Active at nightHealthy hedgehogs are nocturnal and flee quickly from danger.

⚖️Check the weightAt least 500 g by hibernation — otherwise the hedgehog needs help.

🦔Set up a feeding stationOffer insects and fresh water daily.

Conclusion

What young hedgehogs need most is time and enough food. A feeding station with high-quality insects and fresh water is the simplest and most effective help — right in your own garden.

Anyone who finds a young hedgehog showing warning signs should not hesitate and should contact the nearest hedgehog rescue centre immediately.

Discover hedgehog food →

EntoZoo hedgehog food in a jar

This week with code JUNGIGEL15. Currently available in the shop as a 170 g jar — ideal for keeping several jars in stock for the feeding station.

Complete feed

170 g jar

At 10–20 g/day, lasts around 1–2 weeks

€2.99€2.54

with code JUNGIGEL15 · unit price €17.59/kg (regular)

Developed with Netzwerk Igelfreunde e.V.
Store in the fridge once opened
Shipped from Bremen

View it in the shop

Offer valid in week 31, 27 July – 2 August 2026. Price incl. VAT, while stocks last. Enter the discount code at checkout — please set it up in the shop before dispatch.

What our hedgehog food delivers

Analytical constituents per 100 g, as stated on the product in the shop.

132 kcal

Energy /100 g

15%

Protein

73%

Water content

10–20 g

recommended daily amount

Further values as per the label: fat 4.8%, crude fibre 2.62%, crude ash 2.03%, calcium 0.235%, phosphorus 0.295%. The daily ration can be increased to up to 81 g as required.

Frequently asked questions

The key points about young hedgehogs and feeding them correctly.

At what weight does a young hedgehog need support?

As a rough guide: young hedgehogs should weigh at least 500–600 g by the time they hibernate. If the weight is well below that in late summer, targeted supplementary feeding helps — when in doubt, contact a local hedgehog rescue centre.

May I simply feed hedgehogs in the garden?

Yes, this is generally unproblematic and is recommended by nature conservation organisations, as long as suitable food is offered. You should explicitly avoid milk, raisins and bread.

How does hedgehog food differ from cat food?

Our hedgehog food was tailored specifically to the natural needs of hedgehogs together with the Netzwerk Igelfreunde e.V., with a protein-rich base of black soldier fly. Cat food is better than nothing as a stopgap, but it is not formulated for hedgehogs.

When should I feed?

Hedgehogs are active at dusk and at night. It is best to put the food out in the evening in a fixed, quiet spot that is hard for cats to reach. Start with 10–20 g a day and watch how your hedgehog takes to the food.

How long does the food keep?

The jar can be stored unopened; once opened, please keep it in the fridge and use it within a few days to preserve freshness and nutritional value.

How quickly is it delivered?

Shipping is from Bremen. Orders placed by 2 p.m. on working days go out the same day. Delivery within Germany usually takes 1–3 working days by DHL.