Hedgehogs are hurt by common garden hazards like slug pellets, strimmers, lawnmowers, and being trapped in netting, ponds, or bonfires, while dangers outside the garden include traffic, badgers, and dogs; humans also harm them by feeding them unsuitable foods like milk, bread, and birdseed (especially mealworms) which cause illness or bone deformities, notes Hedgehog Sanctuary, Cambridge Hedgehogs, not just greenfingers, and Hedgehog Cabin.
Pesticides and chemicals
Slug pellets can be detrimental to hedgehogs who eat the infected slugs, herbicides reduce the number of earthworms in lawns and insecticides reduce the number of other insects available for hedgehogs to eat. Glue traps are horrifically cruel and we would support a nationwide ban on their sale.
Hedgehog - Threats to the Hedgehog
Strimmer accidents, unchecked bonfires, open ponds or netting left lying around are all risks to a hedgehog's safety. Find out how to turn your garden from a danger zone to a wildlife-friendly haven. We want to empower the public to do their bit to help out hedgehogs.
Badgers are hedgehogs' main predators in the UK. They are the only animals strong enough to tackle a hedgehog's spiny defences. Hedgehogs and badgers share what's known as an asymmetric intraguild predation relationship.
It would be very unusual for a cat to harm a hedgehog. Cats seem to know hedgehogs are spiky and leave them alone, though they do often like to watch what the hedgehogs are getting up to!
Generally, Hedgehogs are scared of humans so as long as you observe them from a distance, they pose no threat.
Unfortunately, dogs can and commonly do hurt or even kill hedgehogs. While adult hedgehogs are often able to protect themselves with their spikes, sick or young hedgehogs are vulnerable to attack. You can protect the hedgehogs in your garden by: Keeping your dog away from where the hedgehog is.
Our observations show that nesting Mums often leave their young ones to rest elsewhere. That rest is often through the first and last part of the night but can also be in the day time. Routinely we expect to see hedgehogs come out in the evening around 9.30pm and go back to bed by 5am.
Hedgehogs are very sensitive to smells. Often, when they encounter a new smell, they will start to produce a large amount of frothy saliva. Then, they reach to their side and spread the saliva over their spines. They often wiggle around in weird positions in order to try to cover all of these spines.
Hedgehogs will not usually eat and sleep in the same place so it's best not to offer food inside the home (except perhaps to tempt them in initially). Once there is a resident, move food away from the box so as not to attract predators or rival hedgehogs to the site.
A hedgehog shouldn't usually be pottering around in the daytime as it is against their natural rhythm and routine. If you are concerned about a hedgehog that is active all day, particularly in bright sunshine, or not moving very much, report them to a rescue centre which will advise you what to do.
Hedgehogs typically hibernate from autumn to spring (October - March), but this can vary depending on the temperature and food available.
What not to feed hedgehogs. Hedgehogs need a balanced diet with a calcium to phosphorus ratio between 1:1 and 2:1. Foods outside this range can lead to serious health problems like Metabolic Bone Disease. Avoid giving mealworms, sunflower hearts, peanuts, crickets, and beetles.
IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE
Predators. The various species have many predators: while forest hedgehogs are prey primarily to birds (especially owls) and ferrets, smaller species like the long-eared hedgehog are prey to foxes, wolves, and mongooses. Hedgehog bones have been found in the pellets of the Eurasian eagle owl.
As pets, hedgehogs can recognize and remember their owners' scent and voice, making them a loyal and affectionate companion. They can also quickly learn routines and habits, such as when it's time to eat or play.
Yes, hedgehogs often return to the same garden - especially if it provides a good food source, shelter, and safety.
Severe parasitic infestations constituted the primary cause of death of 10.7% (17/159) of hedgehogs, all being caused by the respiratory nematodes Crenosoma spp. and/or Capillaria spp. Clinically significant parasitic infestations were also the most prevalent contributing factor (44.7%, 71/159).
You could also, only leave food out for the hedgehogs whilst you are around to watch. That way you can scare the rats away from the food. (rats are much more sensitive to movement than hogs are, so it's easier than it sounds).
These creatures are thought to bring good luck, particularly if they appear in your garden. A hedgehog's presence can be interpreted as a symbol of peace and protection, suggesting that your home is a safe and nurturing space. However, like any symbol, it's important to consider the context of your encounter.
Try to keep dogs away from any hedgehogs in your garden as an encounter could lead to both animals being hurt. If you know your dog is prone to attacking hedgehogs then try to warn hedgehogs visiting your garden when the dog is being let out e.g. turn on an outside light a minute or so before letting the dog out.
Toxic foods for hedgehogs include chocolate, caffeine, dairy products, and certain fruits like grapes and citrus. It's essential to avoid these items to ensure your hedgehog's health and well-being.
Signs of stress
Many hedgehogs are busy and want to try to explore but a stressed hedgehog will be much more persistent and not easily distracted. The stressed hedgehog may also twitch or shake its head nervously. It is almost as if the hedgehog is saying “Sensory overload. I can't take it anymore.”
"Hedgehogs certainly aren't blind; their little black eyes can spot your approach in the dark from a fair distance away.