Saving hedgehogs

They are almost an endangered species and not nesrly so many hedgehogs around as there were a few years ago.   We do everything we can to preserve them, get them better when they are sick and give them a safe place to hibernate.  Most of our last years waifs and strays survived the winter, are out of hibernation and gone off on their hedgie meanderings.  One or two are still around and enjoying the food on offer.  We continue to put food out and still see some of ‘our’ hedgehogs throughout the summer.

There’s a lot you can do to ensure the survival of these fascinating creatures who have such a hard time surviving because of us humans.  Loss of their habitat and modern farming methods are often to blame.   Hedgehogs are survivors though and do their best to adapt to changes and to urban living.  A few simple adaptations to our gardens can make all the difference.

Gaps and Tunnels – Hedgehogs like to roam so don’t fence them in.  They will be miserable and less likely to thrive in a confined space.  Make sure there are gaps under fences and tunnels and passageways through hedges so that our hedgehog friends can wander as far as they like.  It’s likely they’ll come back for supper if you put a saucer of food out for them.

No chemicals – pesticides and weedkillers are death to hedgehogs and it’s a lingering and surely painful end.   Garden organic and the hedgehogs (and other wildlife) will thank you for it.   Spraying your lawn with chemicals reduces the earthworm population and these are a key hedgehog meal.  Slug pellets will kill them.   When you find a lethargic hedgehog lying around in the middle of  the day it’s usually because he’s eaten something nasty.   A natural organic garden is the answer to saving wildlife.

Home Sweet Home – At this time of year hedgehogs are on the lookout for somewhere to nest.  It doesn’t have to be an expensive purpose built box, a pile of leaves and a piece of wood propped against a fence will suit most hedgehogs.  A empty drain tunnel or old wooden crate make a desirable des res too.  Lots of leaves and straw make it perfect.

Wild Life Area – If you can leave a corner of the garden to go wild then the hedgehogs will love you for it.  If you don’t tidy up and there’s some rotting vegetation there will be lots of grubs and insects – just what Mrs. Hedgehog needs to feed her family.

Helping Hands –  A saucer of food is appreciated by hedgehogs – purpose made bought in food is good but it can be as simple as some meal worms, peanuts or sunflower seeds.   Don’t put dishes of milk down because these little spiky creatures can’t digest it and it makes them ill.

Injured Hedgehogs – If you find an injured hedgehog you can bring him in to us.  If the hedgehog is in obvious need of veterinary attention then that’s the first stop.  They are nocturnal creatures so any hedgie who is wandering around during the day usually is in trouble.  Make sure that baby hedgehogs have been abandoned before bringing them in.  Mom is the best person to rear them and may still be around.  If not bring them in and we’ll rear them for her.   All our hedgehogs are released back in to the wild as soon as they are  well enough and through hibernation.