Why are hedgehogs in trouble in the UK?
Hedgehogs in the UK have suffered a drastic decline in numbers. In the 1950s, there were an estimated 30 million hedgehogs, but today that number is less than a million. They are now listed as vulnerable to extinction due to a combination of factors including habitat fragmentation, loss of habitat in urban areas like hedge margins, building, agriculture, roads, and being unable to sustain populations in smaller fragmented areas.
What features can facilitate hedgehog movement in gardens?
To help hedgehogs roam and find food and mates, it's recommended to create 'hedgehog highways' by making small gaps of about 13 centimeters (about the size of a CD case) in fences or walls. This allows hedgehogs to move freely between gardens and cover the distance they need.
What should I feed hedgehogs in my garden?
The best food to offer hedgehogs is dry or wet dog or cat food, specifically kitten food due to its small kibble size. It is important to avoid feeding them mealworms, peanuts, and sunflower hearts as these can cause metabolic bone disease, which is often fatal. Bread and milk should also be avoided because hedgehogs are lactose intolerant.
How can I make my garden more hedgehog-friendly?
You can create wild, messy areas in your garden, as hedgehogs prefer less tidy environments that can harbor insects and invertebrates they eat. Adding a log pile can also attract insects, benefiting hedgehogs. Additionally, if you have a pond, make sure there is an escape route like a ramp with a gripping surface to prevent hedgehogs from drowning if they fall in.
How can I provide shelter for hedgehogs in my garden?
You can offer hedgehogs a house or nesting box with a waterproof roof and an inner section to make it predator-proof. Place it on a slab to avoid dampness, point the entrance away from the north to avoid cold winds, and add a small amount of straw for bedding.
What do hedgehogs eat in the wild?
Hedgehogs in the wild prefer to eat caterpillars, beetles, earwigs, and sometimes worms. They tend to avoid slugs due to the risk of contracting lungworm, which is a serious parasite issue for them. Avoid using pesticides in the garden, as hedgehogs will naturally control pests.
How do I know if I have hedgehogs in my garden?
You can look for signs such as hedgehog droppings, which are typically jet black and shiny, listen for grunting and snuffling noises indicating a hedgehog's presence, and set up cameras to catch them on video. Additionally, if you find hedgehogs active during the day or notice a heavy tick burden on a hedgehog, it may require rescue and care from a wildlife rescue center.
What should I do if I see a hedgehog in distress?
If you see a hedgehog that is wobbling, still, or seems to be unwell during the day, place it in a high-sided box with a warm water bottle wrapped in a blanket and take it to a wildlife rescue center. Avoid trying to handle the hedgehog yourself, as it can stress the animal further.
