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How to help hedgehogs through autumn and winter

How to help hedgehogs through autumn and winter

Written by Anne | October 26, 2026

Autumn has started, which means hedgehogs are preparing to hibernate. Did you know many hedgehogs could use a bit of extra help to get through winter well? In this blog, we explain how to help hedgehogs in autumn.

How to tell if there are hedgehogs in your garden

Hedgehogs are nocturnal, so you’ll mostly spot them at night or at dusk. There are a few signs that a hedgehog is roaming your garden:

Recognise droppings: often dark brown to black, about 2 to 3 cm long and knobbly. Often found under shrubs or in the grass.
Feeding traces: half snail shells, insect remains or small holes in the lawn.
Trampled leaves or small burrows: hedgehogs sometimes make little paths or nests in leaf litter to hide or rest.

What do hedgehogs like to eat in autumn?

In autumn, hedgehogs eat plenty of food to build up sufficient fat reserves for hibernation. Their natural diet consists mainly of insects, larvae, beetles and other small invertebrates. You can support hedgehogs by making your garden wildlife-friendly and, if necessary, offering some supplementary food.

Choose suitable meat-based cat food or specially formulated hedgehog food, such as Wildbird Hedgehog Food, with a balanced composition. Always check the ingredients carefully. Mealworms are not recommended because they contain relatively high levels of phosphorus and low levels of calcium. Eating them regularly over a long period can disrupt the calcium-to-phosphorus balance. Always provide a shallow bowl of fresh water. Do not give hedgehogs milk or bread, as these are unsuitable for their digestive system.

Provide a hedgehog house

In autumn, hedgehogs look for a quiet, dry and sheltered place to hibernate. You can help by placing a suitable hedgehog house in your garden. However, not every shelter sold as a hedgehog house is suitable for hibernation. A good hedgehog house should provide sufficient space, adequate ventilation and protection from rain and moisture. According to the Dutch organisation Egelbescherming Nederland, internal dimensions of at least 50 × 40 × 40 cm are recommended, with a safe entrance measuring at least 13 × 13 cm. This also helps protect hedgehogs from cats.

Place the hedgehog house in a quiet, sheltered spot, such as beneath shrubs or a hedge. Use dry leaves and dry grass as nesting material, and make sure moisture cannot accumulate inside the house.

You can also create a natural shelter using a pile of branches and leaves. Leave it undisturbed throughout winter to avoid disturbing any hedgehog that may be hibernating inside.

What to do if a hedgehog is ill or vulnerable

You may come across hedgehogs that are too small or appear injured or ill. If you notice any of these signs, do the following:

Set up a safe, temporary shelter: use a ventilated box and line the base with towels or newspaper.
Carefully provide a little food and water.
Keep the hedgehog warm.
Contact a hedgehog rescue or a veterinarian.

More information about garden wildlife

Have questions about hedgehogs or other garden animals? Contact us at veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk. Or sign up for our newsletter.

Check out our other autumn blogs

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