Tips On Helping Hedgehogs

The UK hedgehog population is in difficulty

The UK hedgehog population is in difficulty. They are becoming a threatened species that are facing many problems. The destruction of their habitat, as well as facing the traffic on our roads means their numbers are dwindling. Hedgerows and grasslands are in decline and the use of pesticides means that the prey hedgehogs live off are declining too. So if you are fortunate enough to have one in your garden, please take care of them.

Here are some tips for feeding and housing your little garden visitors.

Using slug pellets is a big health problem not just for hedgehogs but for birds and your pets. Usually they are made up of cereal and metaldehyde, which is extremely toxic. A hedgehog is an ally for gardeners. Even though hedgehogs may not eat the pellets they will eat slugs and snails. I've tried the beer trick to stop slugs from wrecking my garden and it has worked every time. Also hedgehogs aren't interested in eating your plants so show them a bit of consideration and try the eco way first. It's good for all of the cute mammals that may pass through your garden.

The main diet of a hedgehog consists of insects, worms and other small mammals. Slugs and snails only make up about 5% of their food. Don't feed hedgehogs milk and bread. Their stomachs are not able to digest bread and cows milk, it gives them diarrhoea which can dehydrate them and eventually cause death. They are normally very picky eaters and will probably turn their noses up if you give them cheap cat or dog food. Plain flavours like chicken are usually their favourite and they don't like fish flavours at all. Left overs like mince and chicken is good for them, but make sure to cut all the meat up as small as you can. Of course the local cats may help themselves, so you could also try unsugared museli, weetabix or raisins. Also leave water out for them with their food. As winter weather freezes cat food quickly you can also feed them cat and dog biscuits and crushed unsalted peanuts. Hedgehogs should be fed all year round and even though you may think they'll be hibernating, they may wake up and need a quick feed.

Your garden is big enough for the both of you. All a hedgehog would need from you would be a little thought. If you have a pond make sure you keep it covered or at least ensure the sides aren't too slippery. Hedgehogs can swim but if they can't get out they will drown. A small piece of wood secured to the side should help them to climb back out. Drain holes should be covered over. If possible leave a few small gaps under your fences so that they can easily move from garden to garden.

Bonfires are very attractive to hedgehogs for nesting, please check them before lighting. That would be a very cruel way for any animal to die. If you can, let a section of your back garden grow. They will love to nest and forage in the leaves and long grass. You can of course buy hedgehog homes which will most definitely attract some spikey visitors.

As humans we have a responsibility to help the food chain and wildlife around us survive. We seem to be poisoning so much of our own natural habitat that now species that were common in my childhood England are declining. We need the eco system to keep its balance, so do whatever you can for the wildlife around you.

by: Alex Kelly

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