Hedgehogs are some of the most endearing creatures in our gardens, but winter can be a challenging time for them. Here’s how to look out for hedgehogs during the colder months, how to support them, and what to do if you accidentally disturb one while gardening.
Understanding Hedgehogs in Winter
During the winter, typically from November to March, hedgehogs hibernate to survive the cold and the scarcity of food. This process sees their body temperature drop and their heart rate slow to conserve energy. They often choose cozy, sheltered spots such as:
- Leaf piles
- Log stacks
- Compost heaps
- Under garden sheds
- Specially designed hedgehog houses
These locations provide insulation and protection from predators.
How to Help Hedgehogs in Winter
You can make your garden a safer place for hedgehogs during the winter months by following these tips:
- Provide Safe Shelters: Leave areas of your garden wild, with piles of leaves, logs, or hedgehog houses to give them suitable places to hibernate.
- Supplement Their Diet: In late autumn, offer food such as wet cat food, meaty dog food, or specialized hedgehog food to help them build the fat reserves needed to hibernate. Always provide fresh water.
- Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides and slug pellets can harm hedgehogs directly or through the insects they eat.
- Check Before You Disturb: Always check compost heaps, leaf piles, and other potential hibernation spots before digging or tidying.
What to Do If You Disturb a Hibernating Hedgehog
Accidentally uncovering a hibernating hedgehog can be distressing, but there are steps you can take to minimize harm:
- Rebuild Their Shelter: If you’ve disturbed their hibernation spot, carefully replace the materials (leaves, logs, or other debris) to restore their shelter.
- Move Them If Necessary: If the original location is no longer safe, gently move the hedgehog to a safer spot nearby with similar insulation.
- Contact a Wildlife Rescue: If the hedgehog appears underweight (less than 450g/1 lb), injured, or sick, contact a local wildlife rescue center for advice.
- Leave Food and Water: Place some wet cat or dog food and water near the shelter to help replenish any energy they may have lost from waking up.
When Hedgehogs Emerge from Hibernation
Hedgehogs typically emerge from hibernation in March, depending on the weather. Warmer temperatures signal the end of their long sleep, and they will begin searching for food to restore their energy. Providing food and water during this time can make a big difference in helping them recover from the winter.
What Not to Do
To ensure you don’t inadvertently harm hedgehogs:
- Never feed them milk or bread, as these can cause digestive issues.
- Avoid handling them unless absolutely necessary.
- Don’t light bonfires or disturb piles of debris without checking for hedgehogs first.
Creating a Hedgehog-Friendly Garden
Making your garden a haven for hedgehogs not only supports them through winter but also helps them thrive year-round. Consider adding:
- Hedgehog houses
- Gaps in fences for them to move between gardens
- A shallow dish of water for drinking
- Native plants to attract insects, their primary food source
By understanding the challenges hedgehogs face in winter and taking simple steps to support them, you can help ensure these charming creatures continue to grace our gardens for years to come. Have you encountered a hedgehog in your garden? Share your story and how you helped them!
