This time of year most hedgehogs are busy getting ready for their annual hibernation. As the weather gets colder their natural food source such as slugs,beetles,caterpillars,snails etc become more difficult to find and so they decide to slow down their use of energy and begin hibernation.
They build a nest (called a hibernacula).This is usually build under hedges, in piles of wood, inside compost heaps, in old rabbit burrows and underneath timber buildings and sheds.Hibernation usually takes place from November till mid march.
Hedgehogs need to weight 600gms to hibernate or they will not be able to survive the winter. This is where you can help.If hedgehogs are regular visitors to your garden you can help by leaving out some meat based dog food, cat food, cat biscuits, cooked chicken, raw mince, cooked potato and small pieces of fruit they will also need a shallow dish of fresh water.DO NOT leave out bread and milk as hedgehogs are lactose intolerant and this will make them ill and could cause dead.Other ways you can help is by not using pesticides. As hedgehogs will eat poisoned slugs and snails and also die.Hedgehogs are a natural pest control and are great to have in your garden especially if you grow fruit and vegables as many people are now starting to do.
Hedgehogs that need help
- Orphaned hoglets found out of the nest during the day or when the nest has been destroyed or when the mother has been injured or killed.
- Sick Hedgehogs are usually found out in the day (as hedgehogs are nocturnal),they will be thin,dehydrated,possibly poisoned or have breathing problems
- Hedgehogs that are unsteady on their feet(wobbling,rocking)
- Injured hedgehogs with open wounds,fractures,burned, or trapped
If you find a sick or injured hedgehog please phone for advice before you pick it up or if it is in immediate danger place it in a cardboard box and keep it warm till you can contact someone for help.
