How you can help hedgehogs
If you spot a hedgehog in your garden or out in nature, it is usually a good sign. Hedgehogs are nocturnal wild animals and are often found in natural gardens, parks or at the edges of woodland. Healthy, well-fed hedgehogs do not need any help from humans. So please do not disturb the animal. If you are not sure whether it needs help – whether it is weakened, injured, hungry or thirsty – first observe it from a distance.
How can you tell that a hedgehog is healthy?
- Healthy hedgehogs are out and about at dusk or at night
- Healthy hedgehogs have a rounded body shape and are active
- Healthy hedgehogs behave cautiously and react to noises
When do hedgehogs need help?
If a hedgehog is clearly injured, weakened or seems helpless, you need to act quickly and correctly.
Here is what to do:
Carefully secure the hedgehog. Wear gloves when doing so, as sick or injured hedgehogs are often infested with parasites.
Use a suitable transport box, for example a cardboard box with air holes. Caution: no small-animal cages! The hedgehog could climb up and injure itself.
Line the box with a cloth or newspaper.
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Hand the wild animal over to experts immediately. For example, bring it to our hedgehog station.
No milk and no vegetables
Hedgehogs are carnivores. They cannot tolerate milk or vegetables. If you would like to give a hedgehog something to build up its strength, it is best to offer cooked, unseasoned minced meat. Wet cat food with a meat content of at least 60 per cent is also suitable. Add a small bowl of water for drinking.
Do you have further questions?
We are happy to help.