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Hedgehogs are probably our most familiar garden mammals,
common in city parks and gardens as well as the countryside across Britain.
They are very useful to the gardener, as they eat many garden pests.
Hedgehog Features
Hedgehogs have short, sharp, stiff spines over the back and sides, short
legs and a pointed snout. The underside is covered with dense fur and the
animal will roll into a ball when alarmed. This presents the spines towards
danger, but is the main reason why so many become road casualties.
Food
Hedgehogs mainly eat beetles, caterpillars, earthworms and slugs. Many
people put out a saucer of bread and milk for them, but this can be harmful
as their stomach cannot digest bread, and cow's milk is a breeding ground
for germs and can cause stomach upsets. A better diet would consist of
tinned dog or cat food (but not fish-based varieties), minced meat, chopped
liver, or scrambled egg. Dog biscuits, bran and peanuts can be used to
supplement the diet and to provide roughage but sweet foods such as
chocolate and fruit should be avoided, as they are bad for their teeth. It
is very important to ensure that a supply of fresh water is always
available.
Hibernation
Hedgehogs spend the winter in hibernation, as they are unable to find
sufficient food outside in the cold weather. Younger animals may be at risk
if they have been unable to build up sufficient reserves to keep them alive.
Those over 1lb.in weight will probably survive, and should be left alone,
but those weighing less are unlikely to live unless taken indoors, given
plenty to eat (see section on food), and kept warm. A suitable place could
be a large box lined with hay, crumpled paper or dried leaves. If the
hedgehog is very young, place a hot water bottle wrapped in a blanket at the
bottom of the box. Once they have reached a weight of 1-1.5lbs., hedgehogs
can be released into the wild during a spell of mild, dry weather.
Adult hedgehogs hibernate for short periods during the
coldest weather. They may not enter hibernation until December and become
active again in March or April. Individuals may be seen during this time as
they briefly emerge in a spell of warmer weather.
Breeding
The female makes a nest of grass, well hidden in the undergrowth. She has 2
- 4 babies that are born naked, with closed eyes. She suckles them and they
grow quickly. They leave the nest after about 3 weeks and become
independent.
Interesting Facts
Hedgehogs visit several gardens within an area - and as many as 10 different
individuals may visit the same garden over a period of several nights, so
the hedgehog you see in the garden may not be the same every time. Most wild
hedgehogs have fleas, but these only live on hedgehogs, and cannot be
transferred to cats, dogs, or humans.
The hedgehog is a very noisy animal and can be heard
crashing through the undergrowth or snuffling in ditches on quiet nights. To
encourage hedgehogs (and other wildlife), leave some wild areas in the
garden, and avoid 'tidying up' too much. Leave plenty of dead leaves in
which they can hibernate - and always check before starting bonfires, in
case a hedgehog is sheltering there.
Don't use slug pellets. These are poisonous to hedgehogs
and many other animals. Injured hedgehogs should be taken to the nearest
R.S.P.C.A centre or vet. It is quite safe to pick up a hedgehog - but be
sure to wear gloves!
See also Hedgehogs by Pat Morris, published by Whittet
Books.
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