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
hello Denise, I'm not an expert on hedgehogs but thought I would bump your post up so one of the more knowledgeable members can advise you regarding making your garden hedgehog friendly.
One thing is that you said you saw this hoggie during the afternoon which is a little concerning as they are usually nocturnal as far as I know and if you see them during the middle of the day it is often an indication that this hedgehog is sick and may need help. Don't want to cause you concern but I would keep an eye out for it and if you see it during daylight hours then I would try contacting a local wildlife or hedgehog rescue centre for more advice.
As far as your garden is concerned, I would include a log pile in one corner of your garden and maybe include a hedgehog house or make one out of recycled wood/bricks, etc., there are lots of good ideas on the internet if you google how to attract hedgehogs to a garden. I would add some evergreen shrubs for cover and you could always put a low mesh fence around the pond if you are worried the hoggie may fall in. Others probably have far better ideas but good luck and hope your hoggie is ok.
_____________________________________
Regards, Hazel
Hi there LiverBird, yes it is unusual to see a hedgehog out in the daytime, usually it is unwell and it would be good as Hazy says to keep an eye on it and get it to a hedgehog sanctuary if at all possible. It could be hungry and having to feed before it hibernates which would drive it out in the daytime, so maybe put out more food and see if it comes. We had two coming nightly, I feed soaked dog food which they seem to relish. It has been a week since I've seen them until last night when one came very late. They are huge tho' so must be just topping up! As for your pond, well hedgehogs are good swimmers, but can get stuck if there is no way out so perhaps make sure there are a couple of stones in there that would help it to exit if it needed to. Woodpiles around the garden are always useful and again you can make somewhere dry and warm with a bit wood and dry leaves for them to curl up in. Hope this helps a little, and that your hedgehog is OK.
Lot to learn
What a brilliant blank canvas I would second the shrubs and it doesn't have to be expensive you can pick up some good bargains at garden centres this time of year in the sale sections you can get some sorry looking bushes with a bit of tlc will be blooming next spring and will give much needed cover for other wildlife as well. What are your neighbours gardens like if the hedgehogs are coming from here maybe replicate some of this (unless it's a concrete driveway) maybe dig some more tunnels under the fences for more entry points. So long as your pond has an easy way out like a ramp or beach that the hedgehog can grip on your pond will be fine and great for a thirsty hedgehog. You could also add some flower beds for the bees and other insects. Good luck. It all doesn't have to happen in a day you could just keep adding to it when time and budget allows
I agree with everyone's suggestions, except that hogs climb well so a fence round your pool may not work. We have hogs and two deep pools, we put a plank in the pools angled so they can climb up.
isn't wild wonderful
Thankyou for the feedback. I had hoped daytime activity wasn't unusual as, as you can see, it's daylight in the pic and s/he was rummaging around by the bird table (berry suet pellets). I am hoping that food is the reason and not illness. It's quite a small hedgehog so maybe an adolescent or underfed. I was looking online for hedgehog houses and think I will buy one before Christmas.
(Just editing to add, s/he didn't actually look unwell and was foraging around and seemed quite healthy)
I will put dog meat out on a plate as apparently they love that. Any suggestions re what to put in the hedgehog house, if anything? Would they like hay or do they prefer to find their own bedding?
Currently most worried about the pond. It is quite 'busy' with branches and twigs, and the frogs are positively thriving, but don't want to haul out a drowned hedgehog (the pic is deceptive: the pond is quite large), so will add a plank of wood. Hope it decides to stay, though, and I see more of them. :)
I haven't seen 'ours' again for another two nights, think it's time for hibernation as it is certainly colder here. We don't put out any boxes or houses for them as we have a thick hedge at bottom of garden which they can use if they so want. They seem to curl up somewhere dry and warm and so straw or leaves would be good in a box of some sort which is waterproof, and cover it over with something so other animals can't get at them inside but you will get your own ideas if you look online. About the pond, it should be fine if you add something like a brick or two that the hedgie can climb onto to get out in case it did fall in, or indeed a plank of some sort as Min suggests. Good luck G
Okay, so I've purchased a hedgehog home which should arrive next week. Looking at the pic, where looks best to put it? I'm guessing it's best in a corner. The hedgehog comes through under the fence on the right, near the bottom of the garden, but the last 3 feet of the garden is a patio area, I'm guessing a paved area wouldn't be as good as grass.
Don't have much to cover it with either so might collect leaves from elsewhere but again, suggestions would be great.
Well done LB, fill your hedgie home up with torn newspaper, leaves and cover it over with bits of wood, and I would place it in a corner away from prevailing wind, I wonder if sawdust is any good, not sure really. They reckon the hedgie likes to hibernate in the compost heap so imagine what could be in there maybe. Also don't leave out milk as they are lactose intolerant only water, just read that in the RSPB mag.
Hi LB, great news that you have purchased a hoggie house, just been reading an old thread on here where it was suggested that straw, hay or leaves be provided for bedding but that Hoggie may well throw it all out & make it's own choice ... Do hope you get a Hoggie resident!
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Sawdust can be lethal because of possible resin-I found out the hard way when after raising I housed a leveret and it died-RSPCA said resin fumes.So if there is any in your house I should take it out good luck