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Thread: Hedgehogs ?

  1. #1

    Default Hedgehogs ?

    We have quite a large back garden with loads of plants in the borders, surrounded by flowering currant, which is very dense, hence it drops a lot of leaves in autumn time. There is a huge expanse of lawn and also a big pile of old twigs and branches in one corner. It is not accesible to dogs, although our cat and neighbour's cats frequently use it (LOL !!)

    My question is; how do we go about getting hedgehog(s) to inhabit our garden, as we'd love to have them as our "new" guests.

    Think they're gorgeous wee creatures and that our garden would be a good environment for them.

    Any ideas/advice greatfully received ?
    Last edited by cherokee; 20-Jun-11 at 14:54.
    I'm the kind of woman whose feet hit the floor each morning, and the Devil says........... " Oh, Blast She's Up !! "

  2. #2
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    We used to have hedgehogs come to our garden but, sadly, haven't seen them for a while.

    The first thing is to make sure they have access to your garden. Then make up a 'feeding station' for them use something like an upturned plastic cat bed with a brick on the top to weigh it down and a brick at the entrance to keep cats out. Put a dish of water and a dish of dried kitten food in it to entice them.

    Once you see them in your garden you could buy a hedgehog house or get someone to make one.

    They are lovely wee creatures whose numbers in decline.

    Well done for wanting to help them and I hope they do come into your garden.
    "Until one has loved an animal part of their soul remains unawakened"

  3. #3
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    I didnt realise you got a hedgehog house I suppose P at H will have them. I do know of hedgehogs in area and I would love to attract and feed them so I may just give that a try any more advice would be welcome. Thanks

  4. #4

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    Thanks Liz for your very kind advice.

    It's just that, to my knowledge, there are no hedgehogs in our vicinity....eg - none of our neighbours know of any sightings etc.

    I'm wondering, more along the lines of, about actually introducing hedgehogs to our vicinity; by literally moving some "wee ones" which have been bred in captivity, whilst awaiting to be put back to their natural inhabitant?

    I think this may be the only way that we can "introduce" hedgehogs into our garden ?

    Anyone who cares to correct me, then please feel free to do so, as I'm keen on any advice .....

    (P/S - Thanks again Liz , hope you're all well ! X)
    I'm the kind of woman whose feet hit the floor each morning, and the Devil says........... " Oh, Blast She's Up !! "

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mrs Bucket View Post
    I didnt realise you got a hedgehog house I suppose P at H will have them. I do know of hedgehogs in area and I would love to attract and feed them so I may just give that a try any more advice would be welcome. Thanks
    Not sure whether PAH have them Mrs Bucket. You can get one here

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Hogitat-.../dp/B001MUHMCG

    Or if you have a look on internet you will find instructions on how to make one.
    You can feed them on tinned cat food as well and never give milk as this makes them really poorly.

    Quote Originally Posted by cherokee View Post
    Thanks Liz for your very kind advice.

    It's just that, to my knowledge, there are no hedgehogs in our vicinity....eg - none of our neighbours know of any sightings etc.

    I'm wondering, more along the lines of, about actually introducing hedgehogs to our vicinity; by literally moving some "wee ones" which have been bred in captivity, whilst awaiting to be put back to their natural inhabitant?

    I think this may be the only way that we can "introduce" hedgehogs into our garden ?

    Anyone who cares to correct me, then please feel free to do so, as I'm keen on any advice .....

    (P/S - Thanks again Liz , hope you're all well ! X)
    You are very welcome and I misunderstood what you meant. Sorry!

    I am quite worried in that I haven't seen one for a while. We used to have two come into our garden regularly but haven't seen them for a long time.
    The poor creatures get run over so much and their habitat is disappearing.

    I hope you do find some though who can take up home in your lovely garden.

    We're all doing fine thank. How is the lovely C-for? xx
    "Until one has loved an animal part of their soul remains unawakened"

  6. #6

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    I'd be careful if I were you - scientists have estimated it takes on average 4 days for a rat to find a food source left out in the uk - and there are more rats than hedgehogs.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by smithp View Post
    I'd be careful if I were you - scientists have estimated it takes on average 4 days for a rat to find a food source left out in the uk - and there are more rats than hedgehogs.
    I fed hedgehogs for a long time and also feed stray cats and wild birds and have never seen a rat.
    Last edited by Liz; 24-Jun-11 at 13:41.
    "Until one has loved an animal part of their soul remains unawakened"

  8. #8
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    They've probably seen you though.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Dog-eared View Post
    They've probably seen you though.
    Maybe they have but if I'd had a rat 'problem' I'd know about it.
    "Until one has loved an animal part of their soul remains unawakened"

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    They breed very quickly but it's possible to have just the one. For a while anyway..

  11. #11
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    I know that rats breed quickly but I've been feeding cats and birds for many years with no problem.

    As long as food is cleared up daily then there shouldn't be a problem.
    "Until one has loved an animal part of their soul remains unawakened"

  12. #12
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    You could always ask at balmore if they would release a couple of hedgehogs that were in for treatment etc in your garden...
    might be worth a try....
    especially with the underweight ones needing fattening up if you are willing to provide a regular food source.

  13. #13

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    You really should release hedgehogs back where they were found. Not shift them to another's territory.

  14. #14
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    We have one that comes to us and it was a mystry how he was getting into our back yard as it is walled on three sides, but Mrs M saw him last night going under the front gate through a gap you would not believe possible.
    A man who fears suffering is already suffering from what he fears.

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by Kevin Milkins View Post
    We have one that comes to us and it was a mystry how he was getting into our back yard as it is walled on three sides, but Mrs M saw him last night going under the front gate through a gap you would not believe possible.
    Kevin tell the hog to come round to mines as I have slugs galore in my garden;o)
    Families are like fudge,mostly sweet with a few nuts

  16. #16
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    Within the last month Ive found two hedgehogs on my way home from the pub, one in the gutter and one on the road and I live in a built up area. I put them in a green bit round the back. The wife wasnt too pleased when I took the first one up for her to see, when she was in bed though. I also found a cat a couple of years ago on my way home from the pub but that decided it wanted to stay here.

  17. #17

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    Quote Originally Posted by Bazeye View Post
    Within the last month Ive found two hedgehogs on my way home from the pub, .
    Maybe I should be going to the pub then, LOL !!!???


    Seriously though, thank you to everyone for their advice, ideas and stories, much appreciated !
    I'm the kind of woman whose feet hit the floor each morning, and the Devil says........... " Oh, Blast She's Up !! "

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