Yes, hedgehogs get cold easily and are poorly insulated when active. Their bodies are highly sensitive to temperature changes, which is why they enter a deep, protective state called torpor (hibernation) during cold weather to survive.
Cold to the touch: The hedgehog's body temperature will be much lower than usual, almost matching the surrounding environment. Slow breathing: Breathing will be extremely slow and shallow in the hedgehog - often difficult to detect. Curled up: Hibernating hedgehogs usually curl into a tight ball.
Hedgehogs enter hibernation due to low temperatures and insufficient food. Vets cannot forcibly reverse true hibernation but can provide supportive care if a hedgehog is in torpor or ill. Symptoms include lethargy, low body temperature, and slow breathing.
Furthermore, hedgehogs are vulnerable to frostbite, even freezing, if their body temperature drops below 4C (39F); this is a significant danger if the temperature inside their nest falls below 1C (34F) and they may leave nests during very cold weather to avoid freezing to death.
Hedgehogs feel best in temperatures between 75 - 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures that are too hot or too cold can make a hedgehog lethargic. Cold temperatures can cause your hedgehog to attempt to hibernate, which can be fatal in captivity.
It will need to be kept warm with either up against a radiator, hot water bottle or if you haven't got one an empty pop bottle filled with warm water. It is best not to warm the hedgehog too quickly with a heat source that is too hot, as this will take blood away from vital organs.
If your hedgehog is unusually still in the evening—sleeping in short, restless bursts, waking and dozing repeatedly, or staying sluggish when they would normally explore—it can be a sign of unhappiness or even illness.
Badgers are hedgehogs' main predators in the UK. They are the only animals strong enough to tackle a hedgehog's spiny defences. Hedgehogs and badgers share what's known as an asymmetric intraguild predation relationship.
Where will my hedgehogs hibernate? Hedgehogs aren't fussy. A log pile, under your shed, in a compost heap or manmade hedgehog house can all provide a safe place for hedgehogs to nest in over winter.
But putting out a bit of food during winter allows them to top up any low stocks, and gives them a helping hand through the cold and harsh weather. Put out fresh food at dusk and don't forget a dish of fresh water!
Most hedgehogs will be hibernating by Christmas if it is cold so please take care not to disturb them if you are doing any gardening over Winter. Favoured spots are in piles of leaves, under large plants, in compost heaps and under sheds and decking.
Signs of stress
Many hedgehogs are busy and want to try to explore but a stressed hedgehog will be much more persistent and not easily distracted. The stressed hedgehog may also twitch or shake its head nervously. It is almost as if the hedgehog is saying “Sensory overload. I can't take it anymore.”
Hedgehogs will not usually eat and sleep in the same place so it's best not to offer food inside the home (except perhaps to tempt them in initially). Once there is a resident, move food away from the box so as not to attract predators or rival hedgehogs to the site.
When temperatures drop, hedgehogs slow their breathing, heart rate, and body temperature to conserve energy. To an untrained eye, this can make them look like they've passed away but often they're not!
Hedgehogs are known to be very communicative when it comes to their needs, and often make a low purring sound when they are happy or content.
Hedgehogs typically hibernate from autumn to spring (October - March), but this can vary depending on the temperature and food available.
As pets, hedgehogs can recognize and remember their owners' scent and voice, making them a loyal and affectionate companion. They can also quickly learn routines and habits, such as when it's time to eat or play.
They tend to follow the same routes each night, so these pathways can become more noticeable over time. Sounds: Despite their small size, hedgehogs can be surprisingly noisy. Listen for snuffling, huffing, and puffing sounds at night, particularly in spring after hedgehogs hibernate.
If a hedgehog is out during the day in winter, it should be rescued regardless of its weight. If you see a hedgehog at night, it should only be rescued if it looks particularly skinny as research has shown that they may move nesting sites at least once during their hibernation period.
Our observations show that nesting Mums often leave their young ones to rest elsewhere. That rest is often through the first and last part of the night but can also be in the day time. Routinely we expect to see hedgehogs come out in the evening around 9.30pm and go back to bed by 5am.
WOBBLING AND WEAK
Hedgehogs are very strong on their feet and to see one wobbling, swaying, or falling over is a bad sign. Often due to being extremely weak from dehydration or severely emaciated. You will likely see indented skin around their spines with an elongated oval rather than round body.
No! Please don't do this. It's great that you want to encourage hedgehogs into your garden, but taking one from an area where it knows food and water sources to an unknown area isn't fair. More worryingly, it could have dependent young in a nest – without its return, the nest will fail and the young won't survive.
The average hedgehog is content to do its own thing and may not show any outward sign that it cares about its owner's existence unless you have a treat in your hand. Despite their somewhat solitary nature, they can become very affectionate with their owners and will even enjoy snuggling on your lap.
Grunting Like a Pig
Though the noise can be surprisingly loud, a grunting, snuffling hog is perfectly happy and should be left to go about her business.
Eyes and ears: Hedgehogs have pretty poor eyesight, so they instead rely on their sense of smell to get around and hunt for food. Hedgehogs have short ears, mostly concealed by their fur.