Hedgehog Haven: How To Create a Safe Space for Garden Guests

Don’t Kill Your Hedgehog with Kindness. A Guide To Safe Interactions.

Tragically, many hedgehogs lose their lives each year due to well-intentioned actions. People often give them milk and other foods that can be deadly. If you want to help a hedgehog that visits your garden, please educate yourself on the proper way to care for these creatures. By following the do’s and don’ts outlined in this blog, you can ensure their survival and enjoy their presence in your garden next spring.”

A Prickly Surprise

When I was younger, our garden was a magical place, filled with towering trees that cast long, dancing shadows. In autumn, the trees would let go of their leaves, creating a colourful carpet that we’d gather into piles. These piles would sit for a few days, waiting to be taken to the recycling yard.

One crisp autumn afternoon, I was in the garden, picking apples from a tree, when I heard a strange noise. It sounded like a tiny sneeze and wheeze. I listened intently, my heart pounding with curiosity. The noise stopped, and I continued picking apples, but then it returned even louder.

Intrigued and a little scared, I stopped to investigate. Following the sound, I traced it to a pile of leaves. With a mix of excitement and trepidation, I cautiously approached the pile. My hands trembled as I touched the leaves, gently parting them.

What a surprise! Look who’s there?

There, nestled among the leaves, was the most surprising creature I had ever seen – a hedgehog! Its tiny, beady eyes peered up at me, and its soft, brown fur was matted with leaves.

I rushed inside to get my grandmother. She looked at the hedgehog with a knowing smile and explained that it needed something to eat to prepare for its winter sleep. She warned me about the dangers of feeding hedgehogs certain foods, like milk, which can be fatal. Year after year, many hedgehogs were killed by well-meaning people who didn’t know better.

From that day forward, I learned to appreciate nature’s delicate balance and the importance of respecting wildlife. The hedgehog in the leaf pile reminded me that even the smallest creatures can bring joy and wonder into our lives.

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When you spot a Hedgehog Do’s and Don’ts:

• Do: Observe from a distance. Hedgehogs are shy creatures, and approaching them too closely can cause stress.
• Avoid touching them. Hedgehogs can be prickly and may bite if they feel threatened.
• Provide a safe haven. If you find a hedgehog during the day, it might be injured or sick. Offer a quiet, sheltered spot for it to rest.
• Never feed them milk. Milk can cause severe digestive problems for hedgehogs.
• Offer water instead. A shallow bowl of clean water can be a lifesaver, especially during hot weather.
• Don’t disturb their nests. Hedgehogs create nests for hibernation, so avoid disturbing them during their winter sleep.

What can you feed an Hedgehogs?

• Do: Offer a variety of food. Hedgehogs are omnivores and enjoy a balanced diet of insects, fruits, and vegetables. ( Hedgehog food is available in every petshop or order online)
• Never feed them processed foods. Avoid feeding hedgehogs human food, as it can harm their health.
• Provide a hedgehog-friendly feeding station. A small, shallow dish or bowl is ideal for feeding hedgehogs.
• Avoid overfeeding them. Hedgehogs can become overweight if they eat too much.

How to Help Hedgehogs Through Winter?

• Create a hedgehog-friendly garden. Leave a pile of leaves or twigs for hedgehogs to create their winter nests.
• Avoid the use of pesticides or herbicides. These chemicals can harm hedgehogs and other wildlife.
• Check for hedgehogs before mowing. Hedgehogs often hibernate in piles of leaves, so be careful when mowing your lawn.
• Don’t: Disturb hibernating hedgehogs. If you find a hedgehog curled up in a nest, leave it alone.

Hedgehog Haven: How to Create a Friendly Garden

Hedgehogs are fascinating creatures that can bring a touch of wildness to your garden. However, it’s important to create a safe environment for them. Here are some tips to make your garden hedgehog-friendly:

Protect Them from Harm:

• Cover holes: Hedgehogs can easily fall into uncovered drains or holes. Make sure these are covered or checked regularly.
• Provide safe exits: If you have ponds or pools, create a gentle slope or use bricks to help hedgehogs climb out. Cover them when not in use.
• Check before mowing: Always inspect your garden for hedgehogs before using strimmers or mowers, especially under hedges.
• Be cautious with bonfires: Before lighting a bonfire, thoroughly disturb it to ensure no hedgehogs are hiding inside.
• Reduce litter: Plastic waste can be dangerous for hedgehogs. Dispose of rubbish properly and cut up any plastic rings.

Create a Safe Space for the Hedgehog

• Raise netting: Ensure any netting or wire is at least a foot above ground level to prevent hedgehogs from getting tangled.
• Keep sheds open: If you usually keep your shed doors open, don’t close them to avoid trapping hedgehogs.
• Avoid chemicals: Use natural alternatives to slug pellets and pesticides to protect your plants while safeguarding hedgehogs.

By following these guidelines, you can create a welcoming habitat for hedgehogs in your garden, allowing them to thrive and contribute to the local ecosystem.

Additional Tips:

• If you suspect a hedgehog is injured or sick, contact a local wildlife rescue organization. They can provide advice on how to help the hedgehog.
• Hedgehogs are protected species in many countries. It is illegal to harm or disturb them.
• By providing a safe and welcoming environment for hedgehogs, you can help protect these fascinating creatures.

Remember, hedgehogs are wild animals. It’s important to respect their natural behaviour and avoid interfering with their lives unless necessary. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of hedgehogs in your garden.

Want to support your local hedgehog population? Provide them with the nourishment they need to thrive. By purchasing our high-quality hedgehog food, you’re directly contributing to the conservation of these amazing creatures.

Order now and make a positive impact on your local ecosystem!

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