Putting a hedgehog house in your garden during November offers a simple way to support hedgehogs as they prepare to hibernate. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) notes that hibernation can begin in November, December or even January, with hedgehogs currently seeking the best places to build their nests.
Hedgehogs are valuable garden visitors because they eat beetles, caterpillars and worms that might otherwise damage plants. While gardens naturally provide food, a purpose-built house can give these creatures a sturdy, dry place to rest, nest and hibernate through the colder months.
Choosing and Placing a Hedgehog House
One approach is to buy a hedgehog house and assemble it yourself. A purchased house is simple to put together and offers reliable protection. It can be filled with straw and positioned in a quiet area of the garden, with leaves placed by the entrance. Outdoor Value sells a house for £17.99, while B&Q offers one for £16.99, currently reduced to £14.44.
Purpose-built houses can help keep out predators, but a natural shelter can also be made from logs, leaves and compost. The RSPCA explains: "Hedgehogs are regular visitors to our gardens, with as many as 10 different hedgehogs travelling through in a single night. However, the UK’s only spiny mammal species is in decline."
"A loss of natural habitat means less shelter and food is available for hedgehogs – which is why they need us more than ever," the RSPCA added. Offering shelter helps hedgehogs by providing a space to rest, nest and hibernate.
Maintaining the House and Feeding Hedgehogs
To keep a hedgehog house safe and cosy, top up leaves by the entrance regularly and place food away from the house, as hedgehogs do not like to eat where they sleep. The RSPCA advises gardeners not to disturb the occupants. To check if the house is being used, place a small twig across the entrance; if it is moved, a hedgehog has been there.
Hedgehogs have declined due to a lack of natural food. As they enter hibernation, food can be placed out to help them. Hedgehogs eat meat-based tinned cat or dog food, crushed cat or dog biscuits, and fresh water in a shallow dish. Milk and bread should never be offered, as hedgehogs are lactose intolerant. Food and water bowls should be topped up and cleaned every day, with anything uneaten removed.
