1. **Shelter**: Hedgehogs need a safe place to sleep and hide from predators. You can create shelters using wooden boxes, old logs, or even a hedgehog house specifically designed for them. Ensure that the shelter is dry, well-ventilated, and insulated to keep them warm in colder months.
2. **Access**: Make sure your garden has access points for hedgehogs to enter and leave freely. A gap of at least 13cm (5 inches) in fences will allow them to roam safely from one garden to another, which is crucial for their foraging and mating habits.
3. **Food Sources**: Hedgehogs are insectivores, so providing a natural food source is essential. Encourage insects by planting native wildflowers, leaving some areas of your garden wild, and avoiding pesticides. You can also supplement their diet with hedgehog food or cat food (avoid dairy products).
4. **Water**: Always provide a shallow dish of fresh water for hedgehogs to drink. Ensure that it is not too deep to prevent drowning.
5. **Safe Environment**: Keep your garden hedgehog-friendly by avoiding harmful chemicals and ensuring that any garden tools or machinery are stored away safely. Also, be cautious with netting, as hedgehogs can get trapped in it.
6. **Hibernation**: During the winter months, hedgehogs will hibernate. Ensure that your habitat has areas where they can burrow and create a nest, such as piles of leaves or brushwood.
By following these tips, you can create a welcoming outdoor habitat for hedgehogs that will help them thrive in your garden! Remember, the more natural and safe your garden is, the better it will be for these little spiky friends.
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