I’ve seen a hedgehog out in the day. Does it need help?
Possibly. Hedgehog Street says a hedgehog out during the day “could be a warning sign that all is not well”. One that is staggering, lying still outside a nest, has flies around it, or is obviously sick or injured needs urgent help, day or night. Call the British Hedgehog Preservation Society on 01584 890 801 once it is settled somewhere quiet indoors.
When it may be fine
Hedgehog Street lists some reasons a healthy hedgehog may be out in daylight: a disturbed nest, or a female building a nest before her young are born, or feeding while her young sleep. These hedgehogs usually move quickly, look well and are only out briefly. Watch from a distance.
Signs it needs help
- Staggering around.
- Lying still, not in a nest.
- Flies around it.
- Obviously sick or injured.
Hedgehog Street notes that staggering and sunbathing can both be signs of hypothermia.
What Hedgehog Street says to do
- Wear gardening gloves or use a towel, and move the hedgehog indoors into a box.
- Put a well-wrapped hot water bottle under it: hot but not boiling, and do not let it go cold. Leave room for the hedgehog to move away from the heat.
- Cover it gently with an old towel or fleece.
- Offer some meaty cat or dog food and water. Not milk; see what can I feed hedgehogs?
- Call the British Hedgehog Preservation Society on 01584 890 801.
Sources
- Hedgehog Street: Sick or injured hedgehog, opened 14 November 2026.
- Hedgehog Street: Feed hedgehogs, opened 14 November 2026.