Winter Boarding for Hedgehogs
In winter a hedgehog must weigh 1¼lb or 500g. If not, he may be too small to survive hibernation. By November, late born or underweight hedgehogs need taking indoors to prevent hibernation.
- Warmth is essential so do not expect him to survive in the porch, rabbit hutch or cold garage.
- His lack of fat reserves means he is unable to arouse from the deep sleep induced by cold weather.
- Check droppings regularly for signs of infection requiring antibiotics.
- He needs worming with medication that includes treatment for lungworm e.g. Panacur or Ivomectin injection (from the vet).
- Please explain to any children that stress can kill him.
- He’ll probably need to stay until April/May before he is released back to the wild weighing at least 1lb.
Hibernation Boxes
You can make your own hibernation boxes with our hedgehog house plans.
Or volunteer to make them for Hedgehog Care. These will keep garden hedgehogs, that are big enough to hibernate by them selves, alive.
