Hedgehogs play a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling insect and pest populations. They are also commonly kept as pets, and various organisations are dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned or injured hedgehogs.
Hedgehogs usually hibernate between November and March but can sometimes be seen when seeking a new nesting place. Providing Hedgehog houses in your garden will offer significant benefits to the hedgehogs, providing them with protection during hibernation in winter or while sleeping during the day. These tiny dwellings can be bought or if you want to put your DIY talents to the test, you can even make these at home.
What to do with your hedgehog house?
Whether you are buying or building a house, you must always remember a number of key points to ensure the resident hedgehogs are comfortable and safe through the day and nighttime.
- The ideal hedgehog house should be just big enough for the hedgehog to curl up in, but not too big that it gets lost.
- It should be placed in a safe, shady, and quiet spot that is protected from wind, rain, and predators.
- The house should be camouflaged with leaves or other natural materials to help protect it from predators.
- Regular checks should be made to ensure it is in good condition and the bedding is dry, with more added as needed.
- Remember to clean the house when there are no hedgehogs in residence. Before and after hibernation (April and October) is the best time to take a look and freshen up their home.
Building your DIY Hedgehog house
What you will need:
- A suitable, untreated, wooden box or plastic tub measuring at least 30cm x 30cm x 30cm, with a lid
- For the entrance tunnel, a piece of wood or plastic 15cm long and 10cm wide
- Small, old, dry leaves for bedding
- Saw
- Hammer and nails OR a screwdriver and screws
- First, cut the tunnel to the right length and make a 10cm diameter hole on one side of your box. On the opposite side, drill some small holes for additional ventilation.
- Secondly, attach the tunnel entrance to the box using the screws or nails, and ensure there is enough room for the hedgehogs to travel through, and the tunnel and cut hole line up.
- Then, you will need to fill your box with old leaves to create a cosy bedding.
- Finally, place your house in a quiet spot in your garden near a hedge for additional protection from the weather. Make sure you cover your hedgehog house with soil and leaves to camouflage the house from predators.
What else can you use?
Plastic tubs and wooden box houses are both popular options for hedgehogs. Tub houses are inexpensive and easy to find, but wooden box houses are more durable and can be customised to match your garden.
Alternatively, houses made from upcycled materials can be unique and impressive, using items like old tires, flowerpots, or even old refrigerators. They provide a great home for hedgehogs.
Providing food for hedgehogs
As the weather gets colder it is always a good idea to provide fresh food and water for hedgehogs, alongside their new hedgehog home. Crushed cat biscuits and meat-based wet cat or dog food can be left out for the hedgehogs to eat during the wintry months. The best time to put out food for hedgehogs is around dusk and then check it during the day to provide fresh food. Water can be placed in a shallow dish alongside the food for drinking, this should be kept clean and fresh.
If you are ever worried about the health of a hedgehog in your garden get in contact with a rescue centre for advice on what to do and where the hedgehog may need to be taken.
