As part of our Open SU Hedgehog Friendly Campaign, we want to highlight how you can support our prickly friends during the spring months. In the four nations of the UK, male hedgehogs typically emerge from hibernation first, between March and May, followed by the females. However, this timing can vary by region depending on temperature.
When they first come out of hibernation, hedgehogs are vulnerable to predator attacks, and may feel disoriented after being asleep for several weeks. They are also likely to be thirsty and hungry, having used up their fat reserves during hibernation.
To support our prickly friends, please consider the following:
1. Provide water: Place bowls of water in various locations around your garden, ensuring they are easily accessible. If a hedgehog falls in, include a small ladder or a way for them to climb out.
2. Provide food: Offer food without milk, as hedgehogs are lactose-intolerant. While their natural diet consists of earthworms, ground beetles, and caterpillars, these food sources are limited during colder weather. Instead, offer high-protein, specially-formulated hedgehog food, or high-meat content pet food (cat or dog) in a shallow bowl.
3. Food placement: If you have a hedgehog house but no hedgehog feeder, place the food about two metres away from the house. This distance helps prevent predators from accessing the hedgehog house and disturbing our prickly friends.
How else can we support our prickly friends in spring
Before strimming or mowing the grass, check for any hedgehogs that may be under hedges or leaf piles.
Clear away leaves from down the sides of your gardens so hedgehogs do not fall into a leaf pile and get stuck.
Make a hedgehog highway so hedgehogs can get out of your garden (details can be found in the Hedgehog Street link below).
Sign up to Hedgehog Street (who campaign on behalf of hedgehogs) and email your confirmation to hedgehog-friendly@open.ac.uk.
For further information, please visit the Hedgehog Street website.
Thank you for reading.
Charon
