Hedgehogs ?

[cherokee]

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 ?

[Liz]

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.

[Mrs Bucket]

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

[cherokee]

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)

[Liz]

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.

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

[smithp]

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.