Two Hedgehogs In Garden

[Gill1941]

Am entering this here instead of wildlife section hoping waterboatman will see it. Two lovely "teenage" hedgehogs walking down my garden path at 7 am yesterday. Very surprised as don't often see them during the day. I fed them with food that I usually put out the front in the evenings as I have seen evidence of hedgehogs there in the mornings.
Long story short. They snuffled around the garden for at least an hour. I had to go out so not seen them since,Food left overnight in back garden gone this am.
The question for Waterboatman, please, is - what sort of bed do you provide for Tiggy? Have one in front garden from Aldi a year or so ago but very bulky and cannot see if it has been used. Want to help these before winter as they do not look big enough to survive at the moment.

[albaqwerty]

I've emailed him to bring this Q to his attention as he normally doesn't pop back on once he's finished on here.
Now it's a case of waiting for him to check his emails lol

[Gill1941]

Thank you, alba.
No rush - just want to get a bed sorted before winter. Thought he mainly comes here early which is why I didn't add it to his post this am.

[Tilly2]

From, memory, having asked WB the same question, I think it's a homemade wooden box with a waterproof roof.

Can you not put your Aldi one in the back garden, Gill? Is it too heavy for you to move? Or maybe they have used it for shelter in the front garden.

[dannyk13]

If you want to build your own:-
https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/leaflets/L5-Hedgehog-Homes.pdf

[Gill1941]

Yes, Tilly, it is too heavy to move. Am still on crutches awaiting hip op.
That one is tucked well in between a lot of agapanthus and think it will be best to leave it there and have another in back garden. Will look down the garage when rain stops (if ever!) My late OH was a hoarder so maybe something I can utilise down there.

[jakep]

We made one very similar to that diy one. It was well used for a few years until, sadly, 'our' hedgehog never woke up one spring.
I think waterboatman customised an old bread bin.

[Gill1941]

Thank you, dannyk and jakep.
Have printed off the leaflet and will look into it see what is in shed and garage. Have barely been in either since OH died in February. Too much clutter!

[waterboatman]

Hello Gill.

I made Tiggy Towers out of a redundant wooden bread box. The important points are
It must be weatherproof, I used floor insulation plastic sheeting, three layers.
It must be sited somewhere sheltered from wind and rain, mine is under some bushes in the back garden, it's out of the wind and safe from predators. It must also be sheltered from winter weather. The cold is one of the biggest causes of hedgehog fatalities.

You could put some hay or dry leaves in if you wish. tiggy turfed it all out and put his own in. Fussy wee git! :o}

Hedgehogs live for about four to six years in the wild. They can live a bit longer in a safe and secure environment. Tiggy is six now, (that's about eighty in human years) but he's fit and healthy and enjoying himself.

I hope this is of some help to you Gill.