Hedgehogs are beloved garden visitors, but with their numbers sadly in decline, they need our help now more than ever! Whether you’re a seasoned garden expert or a newbie just getting started, there are simple actions you can take today to ensure hedgehogs stay healthy and safe in your backyard. Ready to make a difference? Let’s go!
1. Make ‘Wild’ Areas in Your Garden
Hedgehogs are the ultimate garden guests, but they need a little mess to feel at home. Instead of perfectly manicured lawns, consider leaving part of your garden a little wild. Think uncut grass, piles of leaves, and shrubs. These are all great habitats for hedgehogs to forage, find shelter and sleep safely during the day. Bonus: You’re not just helping hedgehogs; you’re also creating a haven for other wildlife too!
Top Tip: You don’t need to transform your entire garden – just a small area with tall grass or some leafy corners will do the trick.
2. Stop Feeding Mealworms – Not All Hedgehog Food is the Same!
Mealworms are a common treat for hedgehogs, but they aren’t an ideal dietary staple. While hedgehogs do enjoy them, mealworms have an imbalanced nutritional profile – too much phosphorus and not enough calcium – which can lead to serious health issues like Metabolic Bone Disease. Wildlife specialists, including those at Vale Wildlife Hospital, recommend feeding hedgehogs a more balanced diet, such as specially formulated hedgehog food like Vale’s. These complete foods provide the right mix of protein, fat and essential nutrients to support hedgehogs’ health throughout the year.
3. Stop Picking Them Up – Let Them Do Their Thing!
A big thing to remember here. When you spot a hedgehog in your garden, give them some space to roam around. Picking them up can be stressful for these creatures, and according to the experts at Vale Wildlife Hospital, stress is one of the biggest causes of wildlife mortality. Plus, you could risk transferring harmful bacteria, so it’s best to just enjoy their presence from a safe distance.
If you do find a hedgehog that looks visibly injured or in distress, don’t hesitate to contact your local wildlife hospital for advice.
4. Always Include Water!
Just like us, hedgehogs need plenty of water to stay healthy. A fresh bowl of water in your garden is one of the simplest – and most important- things you can do to help them thrive. Hedgehogs can lose a lot of moisture when they’re out foraging, so providing water will ensure they stay hydrated and can carry on with their important nightly adventures. Just make sure to refresh the water regularly, especially during hot weather.
5: Stock Up on Vale’s™ Hedgehog Food!
Now that you’re armed with these 5 simple tips, don’t forget to keep Vale’s Hedgehog Food on hand! Packed with nutrients to help hedgehogs, it’s a great way to supplement their diet, especially during the colder months when food is in short supply. Pair it with fresh water, and your garden will be the ultimate hedgehog haven!
For more tips and to shop Vale’s™ Hedgehog Food, visit our where to buy page.
