Hedgehogs

[Bigears49]

Having recently found we are being visited by hedgehogs, I have built a hedgehog house, probably too late for this year, but have seen contradictory advice as to whether or not to preload it with straw and dry leavesetc.. What do you good people think?

[frugalfred]

Put some torn newspapers inside with clean, dry grass or straw on top
and tuck the box near a hedge, if possible with the entrance facing South. The
top of the box should then be covered with a small piece of plastic sheeting, for
example an “opened up” old carrier bag. Twigs should be put all round to make
a dome and then covered with dry grass and leaves

[Tuvok]

My hedgehog that I had last year started to take stuff into his house - in addition to the straw ans hay that I had provided.

This years hedgehog didn't move into the house - maybe if he comes back next year he might!

[Chipchopper]

Well done Bigears, Hope they find it a des res!

I'm sure they like to bring in their own bedding material, but a handful of dry leaves may give some encouragement.

tucked well under the hedge with the entrance in the south-east quarter should be ideal.

[Bigears49]

Many thanks everyone.

[Tilly2]

Good luck to you, Bigears. I hope you get a resident.

[cat78]

Hi, please please DO NOT put any shredded newspaper inside a hedgehog home, as when they give birth to their hoglets they tend to eat the shredded newspaper strands and die from it, I was given this advice from a hedgehog rescuer / rehabilitator with 20 years experience. If you wish to build an outside home for them, they will pretty much gather all the nesting materials themselves, If you are finding any hedgehogs out this late in the year , it's because its been quite a mild autumn and they are getting there last meal of slugs etc before they hibernate, I had one a last week come into my garden at 9pm for 2 nights, Oh and please DO NOT leave a saucer of milk out for them as hedgehogs are lactose intolerant and will make them poorly very quickly, ie - dihorrea leading to dehydration, a simple low dish of water will go down well, as will a little dish of cat food.