Here is a pic of my afternoon visitor, which was completely unexpected as, I have lived here for 8 years and not seen a single one. Didn't even think hedgehogs could get in as, as you can see, my garden is completely fenced off. But there is a hole I have discovered under the fence at the bottom of the garden so they have dug their way through.
Now to my question: How can I make my (unruly) garden more hedgehog friendly? There is a pond at the bottom left of it that is home to at least 17 frogs. Is a hedgehog at risk of drowning? Any help/suggestions appreciated.
Denise
Very sad to hear about this horrible event Min but thanks so much for bringing the danger of using sawdust to our attention!
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
There you go, glad you put that up Min, I haven't used it but had just wondered if it would be any good.
Lot to learn
I had decided on hay so it's currently filled with hay and covered over with dead leaves and grass.
I placed a small dish of hedgehog food inside, and a bowl of water outside not too far from it. I'll definitely let you know if I get a new resident over the winter. :)
Maybe when the current mild weather comes to an end you could well have a grateful resident!
Hope you get a visitor or visitors and then you can tell us all about it.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Well I checked the food bowl a couple of days ago. Empty! Could be anything taking it (even great tits which I have seen hanging around) but hopefully the hedgehog found it. Refilled the bowl anyway as something certainly enjoyed it. :)
Fingers crossed that it is a hoggy, as you say anything will have a feed on stuff out.
Just a pic to show you how I've set it up (terrible coverage, I know). Not sure whether to turn the entrance to face the side or back. Hay and food inside.
That's a really smart dwelling LB, the only thing I can suggest about which way to have entrance is sheltered from the prevailing wind for greater comfort & protection!
Hi Denise that looks like a lovely hoggie house, as Wendy has said maybe turn it around so that it is more protected and into the corner a bit. You could maybe cover it up a bit more with some leaves or branches so that bigger animals will not get in.