Hedgehog Houses
Hedgehogs are one of the UK’s most charming garden visitors. Sadly, hedgehog numbers are in decline, but we can help. Our range of hedgehog houses offer a safe, cosy shelter that encourages these prickly pals to nest, hibernate, and thrive in your garden. Browse our collection to find the perfect residence for your garden hedgehogs.
Choosing the Right Hedgehog House
When it comes to choosing the perfect hedgehog house, there are a few key factors to consider. Hedgehog houses should be:
- Crafted from responsibly sourced wood: Wooden hedgehog houses are the best option. At Garden Wildlife, many of our hedgehog houses are made using FSC-certified timber, ensuring sustainability without compromising on quality or durability.
- Designed for hedgehog safety and comfort: Look for features like a tunnel entrance to keep predators out, and weather-resistant finishes to keep the interior dry and cosy all year round.
- Thoughtfully constructed: Houses are built with ventilation to reduce condensation and spacious interiors to comfortably fit a hedgehog or its growing family.
- Expert-backed designs: Some models are developed in collaboration with wildlife charities and hedgehog experts, offering features that genuinely support wild hedgehogs' needs.
- A natural addition to your garden: The wooden finish helps the house sit discreetly among plants and shrubs, giving hedgehogs the sense of safety they need to settle in.
Hedgehog House Maintenance
Maintaining your hedgehog house is key to keeping garden visitors healthy and safe. Start by giving the house a gentle clean every so often, using a mild solution and steering clear of harsh chemicals, just be sure to check for any residents before lifting the lid. Fresh bedding like hay or dry leaves should be topped up regularly, especially in autumn and winter, to keep things dry, cosy, and well-insulated.
And most importantly, try not to disturb hedgehogs during hibernation or while they’re raising young. Quiet, undisturbed spaces make all the difference when it comes to their wellbeing, but if you’re more than a little curious, consider installing one of our hedgehog house cameras to observe these secretive and fascinating little creatures.
7 Ways to Attract Hedgehogs to Your Garden
- Provide shelter: Place a hedgehog house or leave a pile of logs and leaves in a quiet spot for nesting and hibernation.
- Put out food: Offer hedgehog food, mealworms or sunflower seeds in a shallow dish, away from pets or high-traffic areas in the garden.
- Leave fresh water: A shallow dish of clean water helps hedgehogs stay hydrated, especially in dry spells.
- Keep it natural: Scatter leaves and twigs, perfect for insects (and hedgehog snacks) and nesting material.
- Plant native: Native plants support more insects, giving hedgehogs a richer food supply.
- Ditch the chemicals: Avoid pesticides and slug pellets, they can harm hedgehogs and other wildlife. Use biological pest control instead.
- Create a hedgehog highway: Cut small holes in fences so hedgehogs can safely explore between gardens. Probably best to chat with your neighbour first though!
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to put out a hedgehog house?
Late March to early April is ideal for setting up a hedgehog home. This gives hedgehogs plenty of time to discover their new safe space before the colder months set in. Placing the house in a quiet, shady spot, away from direct sunlight and cold winter winds, helps create the perfect environment.
Why is hedgehog conservation so important?
Hedgehog populations have declined sharply in recent years due to loss of natural habitat and increased dangers like roads and predators. Supporting hedgehogs with food, shelter, and safe passage through gardens helps protect this beloved species, and boosts biodiversity in your garden too.
Where should I position the house’s entrance?
To protect against harsh elements and prevent predators like foxes or cats from spotting what's inside, the house’s entrance should ideally face north or east. This keeps it sheltered from wind and rain, while still allowing hedgehogs easy access to the box.
Can I feed hedgehogs in summer as well as winter?
Yes, feeding hedgehogs during the summer months helps them build up strength for breeding and later hibernation. Offer hedgehog food in a covered feeding station to protect it from larger animals and always place fresh water nearby.
