13, June, 2019
Photo credit: British Hedgehog Preservation Society
Here at Spike’s, caring for the nation’s hedgehogs is our number one priority. If you want to do your bit to help our spiky friends, you can build a hedgehog feeding station. This will encourage hedgehogs to visit your garden without worry of other animals, such as your cat or dog, stealing the food you provide for them. A feeding station will also protect the hedgehog and its food from inclement weather and offer them a safe space away from predators.
You only a few simple materials to build your hedgehog feeding station:
- Large plastic or wooden box
- Hacksaw or strong scissors*
- Strong, thick tape
- 2 bricks or large stones
How to build a hedgehog feeding station:
- Choose a quiet spot in your garden to place the feeding station, ensuring the area is in relatively close proximity to the ‘hedgehog highway’ (a small hole cut into your fence which allows hedgehogs to come and go as they please).
- Carefully cut, using a hacksaw for a wooden box or scissors for a plastic box, a 13cmx13cm/4.5’’x4.5’’ hole in one side of the box. This will be your hedgehog entrance point.
- Next, if using a plastic box, ensure that all sharp edges are covered with thick tape. This will ensure that the hedgehog will not be harmed by any sharp bits.
- Turn the box upside down and place your hedgehog food and water at the furthest point away from the hedgehog entrance.
- Place one of your bricks on top of the plastic box to ensure that the box does not fall over or move and expose the hedgehog and its food.
- Place the second brick approximately 13cm away from the hedgehog entrance point.
And there you have it… your own hedgehog feeding station! We’re sure that your spiky garden visitors will love their new restaurant! Make sure you clear away any leftovers and replenish the supply of food and water every evening. Make some time to keep watch every night and you may just catch sight of a snuffly little hedgehog enjoying their dinner!
What do hedgehogs eat?
In the wild, a hedgehog’s diet is usually made up of invertebrates (creepy crawlies) like worms, beetles, caterpillars, earwigs and millipedes. But hedgehogs can also eat crumbled cat biscuits, or better yet, specialist hedgehog food like Spike’s. Always be sure to leave a dish of water out to help keep your hedgehog visitors hydrated.
When should I put out my hedgehog house?
Hedgehogs hibernate during the winter months and are usually most active between April and October. There’s no better time than the present to start building your hedgehog feeding station!
For more ideas on how you can help local hedgehogs, follow us on social media for tips, tricks and advice.
*Please always be careful when using sharp objects. Children should seek assistance from a parent or guardian.