‘ The advice is to leave small amounts of food out after dusk for hedgehogs, such as specialist hedgehog food, cat or dog food and biscuits to keep their teeth healthy. Householders who discover a hedgehog hibernating, which can last until late March, should never move them.

When to feed hedgehogs The food will be most beneficial in late summer and autumn when they are building up the fat reserves needed to survive the winter. It’s also worth providing food and water during periods of dry, hot weather, as natural resources can become scare in these conditions.

Hedgehogs usually hibernate from October/November through to March/April. While in hibernation the hedgehog’s fuel supply comes from the fat stores it has built up over the summer. Eating enough before hibernation is vital and this is when supplementary feeding can prove important to hedgehogs.

What should I feed a hedgehog? Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant so milk can make them very ill and should never be offered. Instead, put out a dish of fresh water each night. Hedgehogs are active during the night, so the best time to put out food is just after dusk, when they are starting to search for food.

Feeding hedgehogs Leave out foods like tinned dog or cat food (not fish-based) and crushed dog or cat biscuits. Specialist hedgehog food is also recommended and can be bought from wildlife food suppliers. Never feed hedgehogs milk as it can cause diarrhoea; instead provide plain, fresh water in a shallow bowl.

Does my pet hedgehog need bedding material in his cage? Shredded paper, newspaper or recycled pelleted/absorbable material or wood shavings (such as aspen or pine) make fine bedding. Avoid corncobs, dusty shavings or cedar shavings, as they can be irritating.