Handy hints for hedgehog care

Handy hints for hedgehog care

October is an important time for these prickly garden visitors, as they forage for food in readiness for hibernation in late autumn and winter. They need plenty of fat reserves with enough energy to last them through, so putting out supplementary feed now can make a massive difference to their survival. Mature hedgehogs will find it much easier than those born later in the summer who will still be growing and gaining weight. Here are some great ways to help keep hedgehogs safe and well:

✓  Provide specialist hedgehog food in a shallow dish.

✓ Avoid bread and milk which can cause digestive problems.

✓ Put out fresh water every evening. This is even more important if feeding dry food.

✓ Give a hedgehog a home made from sturdy materials. It should be ventilated, but not draughty. Food 4 Wild Birds has the perfect one here

✓ Offer bedding materials such as dry leaves, moss and straw to boost the hedgehogs’ foraged collection.

✓ Put a hedgehog house in a sheltered spot away from wind and rain. Once it has been sited, avoid moving it again as it will unsettle the inhabitants.

✓Don’t put food inside the house as it will attract predators.

✓ Make sure you wash dishes on a regular basis to avoid disease and parasites.

✓ If you come across an underweight hedgehog in autumn (less than 450 – 600g) you should contact your local rescue centre, as it might not survive hibernation without extra help.

✓ You should do the same if you find a hedgehog out in the day and displaying abnormal behaviour such as appearing weak and wobbly.