Hedgehog houses

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Adding a hedgehog house to your garden is a great way to support the species, which has seen significant declines over recent years. Back in the 50s there were 36 million hedgehogs in the UK, and now there are thought to be just a million left.

By placing a hedgehog house in your garden, you can provide these adorable mammals with both a place to hibernate and a home to raise little hoglets.

Position your hedgehog house in a quiet, shady area, ideally under some bushes and against a wall or fence. Don't forget to put out some fresh water and hedgehog food too!

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RSPB Classic hedgehog starter kit with house, food & bowl product photo
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RSPB Classic hedgehog starter kit with house, food & bowl
£45.50
RSPB Silhouette hedgehog home product photo
RSPB Silhouette hedgehog home
£60.00
(25)
RSPB Silhouette hedgehog home + food + bowl product photo
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RSPB Silhouette hedgehog home + food + bowl
£67.50
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RSPB Classic hedgehog house kit product photo
RSPB Classic hedgehog house kit
£38.00
(3)

Hedgehog house FAQs

Do hedgehogs use hedgehog houses?

Hedgehogs will use hedgehog houses as they provide valuable protection, whether they are breeding, hibernating through the winter, or simply sleeping during the day. This is especially important given their recent loss of natural habitat, which has left them vulnerable to the elements and prey.

Where to put a hedgehog house

A hedgehog house should be placed in a peaceful corner of your garden, preferably against a bank, wall, or fence. A flat surface under a bush or a tree, away from potential predators is ideal. Make sure the house's entrance does not face north or northeast, since this will help to keep the cold winter winds at bay.

What to put in hedgehog house

To help make a hedgehog house cosier we suggest filling the chamber with a layer of small dry leaves such as birch, oak, hawthorn or hazel. It is not recommended to place hedgehog food inside the house as hedgehogs prefer not to eat in the same place they sleep. Water should also be placed outside the house, unless the temperatures are very cold and the water is in danger of freezing.

When to put hedgehog house out

A hedgehog house can be set up and used at any time of year, but they are especially important in the autumn when hedgehogs are looking for a cosy spot to hibernate.

Which way should a hedgehog house face

A hedgehog house should face either east or southeast to take advantage of the sun's warmth and to provide some protection from the wind.

How many hedgehog houses in a garden

As many as you have space for! If you have a particularly large garden, and plenty of suitable spots to place a hedgehog house that will provide them with a safe place to shelter, there is no limit to how many you can have.