Hedgehogs Will Keep Visiting Gardens If Simple Item Is Placed Outdoors in February
Hedgehogs are adored by many people across the United Kingdom, with numerous garden owners wishing these charming creatures would visit their outdoor spaces more often. You may be surprised to learn that placing a simple, everyday item outdoors can significantly encourage hedgehogs to keep returning to your garden, especially during the challenging winter months.
Understanding Hedgehog Hibernation Habits
Hedgehogs are beloved sights in many British gardens, but their presence is not typically abundant during winter due to their hibernation habits. These nocturnal mammals usually hibernate from November through March, entering a state of torpor or deep sleep where they lower their body temperature and slow their organ functions to conserve energy. However, during milder spells, hedgehogs may occasionally venture out to switch nests or forage for food.
These occasional visitors might pop into gardens searching for sustenance and shelter, meaning a little assistance from humans can go a long way in supporting their survival through the frosty season. Wildlife conservation group Seedball recently shared invaluable advice on social media for those keen to support hedgehogs through February with straightforward tasks.
The Simple Item That Makes a Significant Difference
Leaving a specific item in your garden could substantially aid hedgehog wellbeing during chillier months. According to experts, placing a water bowl outdoors is the most effective and simple method to help these creatures. While it might appear modest, this straightforward gesture could prove vital for hedgehogs, particularly since British hedgehogs are now officially classified as vulnerable to extinction.
What's more, maintaining a consistent water source will entice hedgehogs to visit your garden with greater frequency, as they require hydration even during hibernation breaks. The water bowl should be shallow and sturdy to prevent accidents, and it's crucial to refresh the water regularly to ensure cleanliness.
Additional Steps to Support Hedgehogs
Beyond the water bowl, there are three additional steps you can take to assist our prickly pals through winter:
- Supplement Their Diet: If you know you have active hedgehogs in your garden, you can put out fresh water and dried kitten food to supplement their diet. This helps them build necessary fat stores for successful hibernation.
- Create Natural Shelter: Help hedgehogs by not being too tidy in the garden. Hedgehogs use fallen leaves, dry grass, and moss to make their nests, choosing sheltered spots under hedges or in piles of sticks. Leaving these nesting materials available could be a lifeline.
- Introduce Hog-Friendly Habitats: Consider creating dedicated hedgehog habitats or leaving undisturbed areas where they can nest safely without human interference.
When to Intervene with Hedgehog Welfare
You might question what action to take if you're ever concerned about a hedgehog's welfare. Should you encounter one during daylight hours appearing frail, sluggish, or infested with fleas, immediate intervention is essential. If they appear notably undersized throughout winter, they'll require assistance too. When their weight drops below 450 grams, this signals potential danger.
Simply place them in a container with a towel-wrapped hot water bottle if you're concerned, then contact your local wildlife rescue facility for guidance on appropriate next steps. Always consult professional assistance from an animal specialist while maintaining the hedgehog's comfort in the container until it can receive proper examination.
Nevertheless, by positioning a dish of water outdoors, you'll be doing your part to assist hedgehogs as effectively as possible throughout winter months. You might also consider leaving out small portions of cat food alongside the water source. These simple actions collectively contribute to hedgehog conservation efforts across the United Kingdom.
