Spike's Desk

Many too small to survive alone are coming into rescues throughout the country.  Chris has even had Hoglets coming in at only 211g. One little mite in suffered dreadfully from Frostbite. If you see a hedgehog out in the day regardless of size, it’s in trouble & needs to go to a rescue asap. 

Should you find one, if it scuttles away, then please leave. If it is lethargic as you approach or wobbles when moving, it needs to be rescued.  Throw a towel over it, pick up & put in a high sided box.  A covered hot water bottle, or fizzy drink bottle or milk carton can be used instead (hand hot) in the box & the hedgehog placed covered lightly in the towel you used to pick him/her up with. If available give a few cat biscuits, meaty dog or cat food (not fish flavoured please) & water.  Do not try to force feed as this may result in choking, leave in a quiet, warm place.

If local or you can get into Chris (<temporarily_omitted>) then phone or if further afield please phone the British Hedgehog Preservation Society 01584 890801, who will give you the number of a local hedgehog rescue.

Please continue to place dry food & water in feeding stations. Dry food is less likely to go off, & water is essential to waking hedgehogs.
Do take care when tidying the garden, piles of leaves and compost heaps may well be providing sanctuary for hibernating hedgehogs.  Some hedgehogs hibernate in pampas grass so burning the grass to remove the dead leaves can be very dangerous for them, indeed.  Any burning in the garden should be undertaken with caution.

Chris asked me to mention the two pictures of a hedgehog in the cage (messy) is typical after just one evening. The following is after Chris has cleaned. Now times that by every hedgehog in & every day of the year. No respite, no day off etc. No volunteers to take over, all down to Chris.

Thanks, Spike. (A resident at Les Monts.)

If the hedgehogs that visit your garden have hibernated, it can be difficult to know when to start feeding them again.  However, there are several things you can try.  If you have a nest box that has a hibernating hedgehog in it, you could place a small screwed up piece of paper well into the entrance.  If this is pushed outside you know your hedgehog has left the box at some point.

If you have had regular visitors prior to hibernation you could continue to leave out food and water for them.  Use dry biscuits/dry hedgehog food so it will not need to be replaced as frequently as wet tinned food.  You could cover the dish of food with a saucer, this will need something like a hedgehog to push it off so smaller mammals, and perhaps slugs, will not be able to get to the food until after the hedgehog has visited. 

Once you know your hedgehogs are awake and visiting regularly you can revert to your usual menu.  A dish of water should also always be available.  They will probably not have had any liquids since going into hibernation and will be very thirsty.

If you are concerned about any hedgehogs you should see contact Les Monts Hedgehog Rescue, Nuneaton (<temporarily_omitted>), OR the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, they can give general advice and perhaps details of a local hedgehog rehabilitator that you can contact.  Contact them on 01584 890801 or for general advice visit their website www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk.   

Happy HOGmanay to all.

Unless the weather is very mild, all the well-fed hedgehogs are likely to be in hibernation.  Please be extra careful when tidying in the garden that you do not uncover a hibernating hedgehog.  If you do so re-cover it as best you can.  Once it has been disturbed it is likely to wake fully and either repair the nest or move to another nest it has used before or even make a new nest.
Some hedgehogs, maybe just up to or a little under-weight to hibernate will still be around. Please continue to put dry food & water. Making sure as for the birds, it hasn’t frozen. 

Waking will have used some of its valuable fat reserve, so it would be helpful if you can put out food, so it can have a few good feeds before returning to hibernation.  Water is essential as it will not have had a drink since it went into hibernation.  Some smaller hedgehogs will still be awake.  Their natural food is less abundant but there will be less competition for food because the larger hedgehogs will be hibernating.  As the weather gets colder, they will need more food, and their natural food will be getting more and more difficult to find.  Putting out food (and water) for them will be a life saver.  Make sure the food is under cover, so any rain, frost or snow will not spoil it and this will also mean the hedgehog can feed in the dry. 

If you see any out in the day, then it is highly likely that they should be rescued as should any weighing under 450gms.  If they are out at night, look healthy and are a decent size, making a quick beeline for their feeding station at night, then this may be an example of when they can probably be left in the wild.  If you want, you could mark them.  Mark a few of their prickles with either some quick drying emulsion paint or a small amount of nail varnish or Tippex, don’t get it on their skins.  If you mark in a different place you can identify them next time – record their mark, date and weight.  I suggest you do not use red as this can be mistaken for blood and the hedgehog may be rescued, by another concerned person, in error.  By doing this you can monitor their weights and judge how well they are doing and if necessary bring them in to overwinter.

If you are concerned about your local visiting hedgehog contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, they can give general advice and perhaps details of a local hedgehog rehabilitator that you can contact.  Contact them on 01584 890801 or for general advice visit their website www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk.   

Chris has asked me to mention if you use antifreeze at all, please mop up any spills to prevent any wildlife &/or pets from drinking it. 

Depending on weather and a few other factors it is likely that hedgehogs will be going into hibernation this month.  The larger ones may hibernate earlier, and many others will start around mid-November.  However it is the smaller ones that need a helping hand.
For many, especially regular visitors, all they need is plenty of food (and access to a dish of water) whatever the weather.  The circumstance around each individual means they will all have different needs.  If you are concerned about a visitor call the BHPS (see below) for advice and a local contact.  You can also check out their website and look at the leaflet on “Autumn Juveniles” – the leaflet gives lots of advice on the extra help you can give to help your smaller visitors and when to take more urgent action.

Ones out in the day, especially when lethargic or hyperactive, ones “hibernating” in the open or extra small ones or those shaped more like a rugby ball (i.e. thin), all need to be rescued as a matter of urgency.

November is a difficult month for hedgehogs.  One of the most difficult nights in the year will be 5th November or there about.  Those larger hedgehogs that have already entered hibernation may be disturbed during the hunt for suitable burning materials for Bonfire Night or worse still will become part of that bonfire and become another fire victim.  Others that are still awake may well be disturbed and if bonfires are made in advance they may see the bonfire pile as a welcoming place to build their hibernation nest, some will have lucky escapes others will not be so lucky.  Even those that escape the bonfires will have a traumatic night, or nights, of noises and smells that will disrupt their vital forages for food.

We can all do our bit to help our local hedgehogs.  Those who want a bonfire can store the materials for their bonfire under cover and in the dry and only move it to its final site that afternoon.  This will prevent hedgehogs being tempted into the pile and keep the materials dry so they are easier to light and burn.  If there are any bonfires built beforehand that have been unattended overnight then they should be checked for any creatures that may have made it their home in the intervening time.  Perhaps push some broom handles or thick blunt sticks into the base of the pile and lift slightly, shining a torch in to see if there is anything that looks like a nest.

Any rescued hedgehogs can be put into a high sided box or pet carrier with some towelling that they can snuggle into.  Make sure they cannot get out of the box.  Some hedgehog food or meat based cat or dog food can be left in the box and a dish of water.  This can all be put into perhaps a greenhouse, shed, downstairs toilet or similar until the noise and heat from the fire has died down.  Once calm is restored they can be released with some more food and water.

The safest night for everyone can be had at an organised bonfire and firework display.  November  sees as mentioned, one of the hedgehog’s main hazards  (to survive bonfire night).  However, checking the bonfire for strays (hedgehogs, frogs, cats etc) is always a good thing to do just in case. Most creatures will shelter in the bottom of the pile so lifting it gently, section by section, using broom handles and checking with a torch should find any squatters. Hedgehogs can then be kept in a high sided box in a safe place with some meaty cat or dog food and water until the party has ended and the bonfire dampened down. Give them a towel or similar to snuggle under, indeed the towel is a useful thing to have handy, so you have something to use to scoop them up with.  

Light the bonfire on one side so anything missed should have an escape route away from the flames.

If you need further advice about any hedgehog that you think needs help, contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. They can give general advice and usually details of a local hedgehog rehabilitator who you can contact for more advice and help. Contact them on 01584 890801 or for general advice visit their website www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk    

If you see any dead hedgehog, and it is safe to do so, check to see if there are any hoglets nearby. (It will only be the females who rear the hoglets, but sexing can be difficult especially with road traffic accidents). Then if possible, check the area for another 4-5 days or longer for hoglets. Mum has around 4-5 hoglets in a litter so if you find one there are likely to be others also in need of help nearby. They make a high-pitched sound a bit like a baby bird, but at ground level. If the dead hedgehog is very local, perhaps let your neighbours know there could be orphaned hedgehogs about. Unless you hear this noise do not go searching for a nest as you could disturb the nest of a different female.

The other issue is disturbance, when a female may abandon or even kill her hoglets. If you see hedgehogs in your garden be aware there could be a nest nearby and if the hedgehog is a regular visitor it is more likely a female, the males tend to be more nomadic in the breeding season. One common type of disturbance is removal of a wooden garden shed, underneath sheds is a favourite place for a nursery nest, as it is well protected, dry and does not get direct sunlight. Another spot is bags of garden rubbish destined for the tip, or household rubbish, also opened bags of potting compost. Try to keep such bags off the ground so the hedgehogs cannot get inside them.

During these often hot, dry months do offer dishes of fresh water and if possible make a feeding station (see website below) and leave out meaty hedgehog, cat or dog food, dry hedgehog or cat biscuits are a good choice as they should not attract the flies, although the smallest hoglets may have trouble crunching them up.

If you need further advice about any hedgehog or hoglets that you think are in need of help contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. They can give general advice and perhaps details of a local hedgehog rehabilitator who you can contact for more advice and help. Contact them on 01584 890801 or for general advice visit their website at www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk

Chris has asked me to remind you that any hedgehog (especially small ones) on their own or out in the day, are in trouble. Some people are watching them in amusement. Contact your local rescue immediately. Place in a high sided box, take indoors into a cool, quiet room away from pets & children, cover in a towel/tea towel to keep stress levels low & make contact. Thank you.

Chris has also asked me to pass on the good news that Freddie (249g) & Freya (204g) after 132 bottle feeds are now weaned & no longer needing bottles, leaving Chris free to feed the latest litter of four, 4-5 bottles each per day.

Next month – creating a wildlife garden.

If you have a hedgehog nest box do not put food too close to it. Although you may think a nearby feeding station helps mum as she does not have to travel far to get the food, it will also attract other hedgehogs towards her nursery nest and perhaps cats and foxes too.
If you have a permanent hedgehog in your nest box at this time of year it is likely to be a female. Females have to stay local to rear their hoglets so have a smaller home patch than the males. In the breeding season males tend to be nomadic as they are looking for potential mates. The males do not help with rearing the hoglets, this is done solely by the females.

If you have seen signs of courtship, lots of huffing and circling, you will need to be patient. Do not be tempted to check the nest box as mum may leave. You will have to wait about 8-9 weeks (32 days of pregnancy + 4 weeks until the hoglets come out with mum), but it will be worth it. After a further 4 weeks the hoglets should be independent and will disperse leaving mum to perhaps start a new family.
Many people go out to clear areas, move sheds etc. as the weather has not been so good, it may be you are later doing this later than planned. Chris has received many frantic phone calls from people in the past, who come across nests with tiny hoglets in. Should this happen please immediately recover the nest. If mum is frightened off, move away & keep an eye to make sure she comes back. This may take some-time, even hours’ dependant on how frightened mum is. If mum is still with the babies, phone to get a rehabilitator to come as soon as possible. 

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society 01584 80801; [email protected];
www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk are the best contact as they know of all rehabilitators across the whole of the UK. Rehabilitators, like Christine are registered with the BHPS & they are aware of whether rescue centres are open/full/on holiday.

If mum has not returned & you have phoned the BHPS they will advise you as to whether to bring the babies inside. Only once they have been left a considerable time. If however, you find/hear babies who squeak like baby birds, & discover a nest with no mum or small babies who have come out of a nest as mum hasn’t returned from feeding, place in a high sided box with a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel to give heat. (If no hot water bottle use an empty plastic drinks/pop bottle,) Keep outside close to where found just in case mum returns & again phone for help. 

Christine has just advised me that she has had a litter of babies brought in, but luckily still with mum. Rarely do the whole litter survive & if a first litter for mums, they often need help. 
Please ensure lots of shallow bowls of water are readily available for hedgehogs, it may well save a life. Should you need more information contact Chris on <temporarily_omitted>. Do not message on fb as Chris is often working in the rescue alone for long hours & may not get the message, or it could be days later. Thank you.

Next month – gardening ‘with’ hedgehogs.

As well as food they will be in need of water. They will not have had a drink during their hibernation so can be dehydrated, but also a little dozy so make sure they cannot fall into ponds or other water features.

To check if the occupant of your nest box is up and about put a small piece of screwed up paper just inside the entrance, this will be pushed out by the occupant as it leaves the nest box.

You might want to start leaving some meaty cat biscuits out in any feeding stations you have. If you put a saucer over the dish the hedgehog should be able to push this off and you will know a hedgehog is visiting. This also stops, slugs, mice etc. from tainting or eating the food at least until after the hedgehog has visited: once visiting has resumed you can continue to feed with your chosen brand of wet or dry food.

Also check any hedgehog highways you may have in your boundary fences and walls. Make sure they have not become blocked over winter, so your prickly visitors can come and go as they please.

Any nest boxes that are empty could be cleaned out. Remove any bedding; pour boiling water over the inside, especially around joins where parasites and their eggs may be concealed, then wash with soapy water and rinse. It’s very important to not clean out boxes that are in use, so be sure it’s vacant before proceeding with spring clean.

If you need further advice about any hedgehogs that you think are in need of help contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. They can give general advice and perhaps details of a local hedgehog rehabilitator who you can contact for more advice and help. Contact them on 01584 890801 or for general advice visit their website www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk 

Also check any hedgehog highways you may have in your boundary fences and walls. Make sure they have not become blocked over winter, so your prickly visitors can come and go as they please.

To encourage hedgehogs into gardens, have an area of ‘wild’/not so tidy an area. We love rummaging about in compost heaps, piles of leaves and long grass. Log piles make excellent homes for us both in hibernation & general as they often have invertebrates living in them. 

A good supply of invertebrates & protection from predators often see us in rural or urban locations. Hedgehogs need to be able to forage. We like about twelve gardens a night to rummage through for food & we need therefore to be able to move in and out easily. A small hole in the fence is all that’s needed.

Badgers are a natural predator, but as we eat the same foods in areas of good habitat and invertebrates, both species can & do co-exist. Dogs sometimes attack hedgehogs. Adults sufficiently protect themselves using their spines, whereas sick or young hedgehogs can be killed. Christine, the owner of Les Monts tells me that many of my friends brought into the rescue are however found by dogs; letting their owners know about us. Many young hogs are then happily brought in for vital help.

Cats on the other hand are inquisitive & after some initial investigation usually leave us alone. Foxes can & do co-exist in the suburban matrix, but Christine has told me to keep away from them. They can, she says, kill us for the fun of it &/or if there is no other food around.

Next month I will suggest ways of keeping your garden safe for us.

Should you find one, if it scuttles away, then please leave. If it is lethargic as you approach or wobbles when moving, it needs to be rescued. Throw a towel over it, pick up & put in a high sided box. A covered hot water bottle, or fizzy drink bottle or milk carton can be used instead (hand hot) in the box & the hedgehog placed covered lightly in the towel you used to pick him/her up with. If available give a few cat biscuits, meaty dog or cat food (not fish flavoured please) & water. Do not try to force feed as this may result in choking, leave in a quiet, warm place.

If local or you can get into Chris (<temporarily_omitted>) then phone or if further afield please phone the British Hedgehog Preservation Society 01584 890801, who will give you the number of a local hedgehog rescue.

Please continue to place dry food & water in feeding stations. Dry food is less likely to go off, & water is essential to waking hedgehogs.

Do take care when tidying the garden, piles of leaves and compost heaps may well be providing sanctuary for hibernating hedgehogs. Some hedgehogs hibernate in pampas grass so burning the grass to remove the dead leaves can be very dangerous for them, indeed. Any burning in the garden should be undertaken with caution.

Thanks, Spike. (A resident at Les Monts.)

If the hedgehogs that visit your garden have hibernated, it can be difficult to know when to start feeding them again.  However, there are several things you can try.  If you have a nest box that has a hibernating hedgehog in it, you could place a small screwed up piece of
paper well into the entrance.  If this is pushed outside you know your hedgehog has left the box at some point.


If you have had regular visitors prior to hibernation you could continue to leave out food and water for them.  Use dry biscuits so it will not need to be replaced as frequently as wet tinned food.  You could cover the dish of food with a saucer, this will need something like a hedgehog to push it off so smaller mammals, and perhaps slugs, will not be able to get to the food until after the hedgehog has visited. 

Once you know your hedgehogs are awake and visiting regularly you can revert to your usual menu.  A dish of water should also always be available.  They will probably not have had any liquids since going into hibernation and will be very thirsty.

If you are concerned about any hedgehogs you should see contact Les Monts Hedgehog Rescue, Nuneaton (<temporarily_omitted>), OR the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, they can give general advice and perhaps details of a local hedgehog rehabilitator that you can contact.  Contact them on 01584 890801 or for general advice visit their website www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk.  

 Happy HOGmanay to all.

Many Hoglets are in at the moment (we are thinking third litters have been born late this Autumn) are very poorly & Chris is extremely busy.

grateful to volunteers who are taking some to the vets for her &/or collecting meds from them. The relationship Chris has with Amicus is brilliant, they can talk on the phone & Chris explains the diagnosis she has made & the relevant drugs are ready for collection. 
We are now also working alongside PAWS & building a good relationship with them. 

Below is an article from Fay from the BHPS & Chris hopes you will forgive her not helping me to write for this month, as the information below is very useful. 
Many thanks for reading, Happy Birthday Chris (this month). Spike xx

Unless the weather is very mild, all the well-fed hedgehogs are likely to be in hibernation. Please be extra careful when tidying in the garden that you do not uncover a hibernating hedgehog. If you do so re-cover it as best you can. Once it has been disturbed it is likely to wake fully and either repair the nest or move to another nest it has used before or even make a new nest.

Waking will have used some of its valuable fat reserve, so it would be helpful if you can put out food, so it can have a few good feeds before returning to hibernation. Water is essential as it will not have had a drink since it went into hibernation. Some smaller hedgehogs will still be awake. Their natural food is less abundant but there will be less competition for food because the larger hedgehogs will be hibernating. As the weather gets colder, they will need more food, and their natural food will be getting more and more difficult to find. Putting out food (and water) for them will be a life saver. Make sure the food is under cover, so any rain, frost or snow will not spoil it and this will also mean the hedgehog can feed in the dry. 
If you see any out in the day, then it is highly likely that they should be rescued as should any weighing under 450gms. If they are out at night, look healthy and are a decent size, making a quick beeline for their feeding station at night, then this may be an example of when they can probably be left in the wild. If you want, you could mark them. Mark a few of their prickles with either some quick drying emulsion paint or a small amount of nail varnish or Tippex, don’t get it on their skins. If you mark in a different place you can identify them next time – record their mark, date and weight. I suggest you do not use red as this can be mistaken for blood and the hedgehog may be rescued, by another concerned person, in error. By doing this you can monitor their weights and judge how well they are doing and if necessary bring them in to overwinter.

If you are concerned about your local visiting hedgehog contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, they can give general advice and perhaps details of a local hedgehog rehabilitator that you can contact. Contact them on 01584 890801 or for general advice visit their website www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk.  
Article by Fay Vass, BHPS.

Depending on weather and a few other factors it is likely that hedgehogs will be going into hibernation this month. The larger ones may hibernate earlier, and many others will start around mid-November. However it is the smaller ones that need a helping hand.

For many, especially regular visitors, all they need is plenty of food (and access to a dish of water) whatever the weather. The circumstance around each individual means they will all have different needs. If you are concerned about a visitor call the BHPS (see below) for advice and a local contact. You can also check out their website and look at the leaflet on “Autumn Juveniles” – the leaflet gives lots of advice on the extra help you can give to help your smaller visitors and when to take more urgent action.

Ones out in the day, especially when lethargic or hyperactive, ones “hibernating” in the open or extra small ones or those shaped more like a rugby ball (i.e. thin), all need to be rescued as a matter of urgency.

November is a difficult month for hedgehogs. One of the most difficult nights in the year will be 5th November or there about. Those larger hedgehogs that have already entered hibernation may be disturbed during the hunt for suitable burning materials for Bonfire Night or worse still will become part of that bonfire and become another fire victim. Others that are still awake may well be disturbed and if bonfires are made in advance they may see the bonfire pile as a welcoming place to build their hibernation nest, some will have lucky escapes others will not be so lucky. Even those that escape the bonfires will have a traumatic night, or nights, of noises and smells that will disrupt their vital forages for food.

We can all do our bit to help our local hedgehogs. Those who want a bonfire can store the materials for their bonfire under cover and in the dry and only move it to its final site that afternoon. This will prevent hedgehogs being tempted into the pile and keep the materials dry so they are easier to light and burn. If there are any bonfires built beforehand that have been unattended overnight then they should be checked for any creatures that may have made it their home in the intervening time. Perhaps push some broom handles or thick blunt sticks into the base of the pile and lift slightly, shining a torch in to see if there is anything that looks like a nest.

Any rescued hedgehogs can be put into a high sided box or pet carrier with some towelling that they can snuggle into. Make sure they cannot get out of the box. Some hedgehog food or meat based cat or dog food can be left in the box and a dish of water. This can all be put into perhaps a greenhouse, shed, downstairs toilet or similar until the noise and heat from the fire has died down. Once calm is restored they can be released with some more food and water.

The safest night for everyone can be had at an organised bonfire and firework display. This is less likely this year in what has been a very distressing one for many. Les Monts is full & already has a fire victim amongst its full cages.

Once Bonfire Night is over any hedgehogs still awake will still be trying to put on weight ready for their hibernation. Providing a dish of food for them every night can be a life saver. Have a look at the British Hedgehog Preservation Society’s leaflet on Autumn Juveniles for more about how you can help hedgehogs at this time of year.

If you are concerned about your local visiting hedgehog contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, they can give general advice and perhaps details of a local hedgehog rehabilitator that you can contact. Contact them on 01584 890801 or for general advice visit their website www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk.  


Take care when tidying your garden as that pile of leaves may well be a hibernating hedgehog, or at the very least a potential hibernation site.

Another reminder, not just on November 5th but for any bonfire; they can be potential death traps for hedgehogs visitors to your garden (other than incinerator type ones). Moving the bonfire just before it is to be lit minimises the chance of a hedgehog or other wildlife making a home in it and being overlooked when it is ignited.

Finally, if you are using antifreeze in your car do make sure there are no puddles left that a hedgehog or indeed any other animal might lap up.

Our native hedgehogs are now officially vulnerable to extinction according to new research. The UK Red List conservation report, which was conducted by the Mammal Society, suggests that our hedgehogs could be at risk of dying out completely if we don't act to help them.  Please try to help any visiting hedgehogs to survive the winter and perhaps they will also raise a family in your garden next year.

Now is the time when hedgehogs will be concentrating on putting on weight for hibernation.  As the weather gets colder so their natural food is harder to find.  However if they are underweight but healthy in October they can still stay in the wild provided they are given a plentiful supply of food. Please continue to feed hedgehogs through-out the winter, as juveniles will not survive without our help as they may not be able to find enough food.  Plenty of water being available is also a life saver for our little friends.  Dry food or cat biscuits are a good idea at this time of year, as they will not go off as quickly as tinned dog/cat food.  Please do not feed dry mealworms, sunflower seeds/hearts &/or Pea nuts. The high Phosphate content & a poor diet are to blame for a huge increase in Bone Density Disorder. (The high Phosphate content means that the blood compensates by drawing calcium from the bones, leaving horrendous weaknesses & the hedgehogs in great pain.) Vets have little choice but to euthanise. Should your visitors diminish due to hibernating, please still put a small amount out as hedgehogs do wake from hibernation if the weather becomes warmer & whilst the majority will simply go back to sleep, some may come for a feed, especially if it is their first time. Any hedgehogs under 200g are likely to be genuine orphans & need rescuing.

Contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society for general advice and perhaps details of a local hedgehog rehabilitator that you
can contact.  Tel: 01584 890801 or for general advice visit their web site www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk

Chris has so far this year released 157 hedgehogs back into the wild & most in her care will remain at Les Monts now over winter.  If you need to contact her please phone: <temporarily_omitted>.   

Next month – The most difficult month for Hedgehogs.

The use of hedges rather than fences, or plant some hedging plants. Flowering & fruiting ones provide flowers & fruit for wildlife, nesting for birds, cover for hedgehogs, voles & shrews.

Wildflowers provide nectar & pollen to feed insects such as bees, butterflies & hoverflies. Wildflowers can be bought in seed form; a packet will have a variety of flowers & grasses. Other suitable plants to encourage wildlife are: Buddleia, Scabious, Ice plant, Michaelmas Daisy, Phlox, Sweet William, Marigolds, Sunflowers, Ornamental grasses, wild Irises, Pyracantha, Snowberry, Hostas & Cotoneaster.  Recommendations from BHPS.)  A wild area allowing nettles & weeds to take a corner provide privacy for small creatures & food for
caterpillars.  I sew some seeds between/at the edge of logs.  Newts & female frogs spend winter on land & I often find them in the logs.

A small pond or Bog garden if room, attracts a multitude of creatures. Ensure a sloping side for hedgehogs to get out &/or use plastic netting on the side to assist exit.

Even as late as September female hedgehogs can give birth.  The chances of any of her hoglets surviving is very poor unless she and they get a lot of help.  So now is the time to put out plenty of hedgehog food and water.  The better fed a mother is the better she can nurse her hoglets and then once they start to come out of the nest with her they too can tuck into your offerings of food and water.  Normally they would leave mum at around 8 weeks but it is late in the year for her to start another family so, if food is still around, she may live with her youngsters for longer.  This again gives them a better chance of survival.

When the leaves start to fall you may have a secluded and dry area in the garden, under a hedge or shed or at the back of a border, where
you can place a pile of these leaves. The hedgehog may make use of the pile for a nest or may decide to use them in the construction of a nest nearby.  They will carry the leaves and other bits and pieces in their mouths to make a new nest.

Do take care when tidying such patches especially if you see an unusual mound of leaves.  Hedgehogs are often raked up during garden activities.

Really the breeding season should have ended, however there will still be some mums giving birth even now, as mentioned.  These youngsters will potentially be autumn juveniles, with many not building up enough weight to hibernate.

Hedgehogs hibernate because the cold weather makes their natural food go deeper under cover to escape the cold, this makes them harder to find.  Hedgehogs respond by building up a large store of internal fat, which they live off through the winter by slowing their bodies down to use less energy ie hibernation.  However if they do not have sufficient fat to hibernate they need to find another source of  food.  This is where you come in, keep putting out food especially if you have any smaller hedgehogs visiting.

As if they did not have enough to cope with, this is also the time of year when there are more of the hedgehog’s internal worm parasites
about.  Often the smaller hedgehogs can be seen rushing around the garden but with no particular purpose.  So they are not returning to a nest or are not stopping to feed, they are in a hurry to nowhere in particular.  This can be a sign that they are in trouble especially if out in the day.

The larger hedgehogs often will have built up an immunity to these parasites so they are not really affected by them.

Next month – Autumn Juveniles

The hoglet season is well underway and there will be new born as well as some that are just reaching independence. Once they are about 8 weeks of age the juveniles will start to disperse leaving Mum behind to perhaps start another litter. 

Les Monts has had 71 babies in this year to date, including four today. Please if seen out in the day they are in trouble. Phone a rescue or the BHPS. This weather is hot and dry both mothers & juveniles are having difficulty finding their natural food. Leaving a dish of hedgehog food or meat based cat or dog food can help them during difficult times. 

Don’t forget the dish of water, several around is even better. However, do take care in what you are offering as too much of any single food may cause problems. Chopped unsalted peanuts, sunflower hearts or dried mealworms, should not be offered; with meaty pet food or cat biscuits being far better nutritionally. Please be careful though as some cat biscuits are so hard hedgehogs can break/lose their teeth!

Some foods whilst acceptable are not very nutritious others e.g. raisins contain sugar & hedgehogs often develop dental problems so sugary foods should be avoided alongside dairy products made from cows’ milk as lactose intolerant. Cooked chicken bones can splinter and cause problems when fed to dogs and the same is likely to apply to hedgehogs. 

Contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society for general advice and perhaps details of a local hedgehog rehabilitator that you
can contact.  Tel: 01584 890801 or for general advice visit their web site www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk

Next month - Creating a Wildlife garden.