Bedding. Provide your hedgehog with at least 3–4 inches deep of high-quality paper bedding or crumbled paper. Hedgehogs like to burrow so the more bedding the better for them. Recycled paper bedding and towels or blankets are often used inside the enclosure.
A hedgehog box is not a natural environment. Placing natural materials like leaves, dry grass, straw or hay in it will make it feel more natural for the hog.
IN THE WILD
Efficient winter nests are essential if hedgehogs are to survive hibernation. In autumn they begin to collect dry leaves, grass, bracken, reeds etc. and use these materials for building their own nests at the bottom of hedgerows, fallen logs or piles of brushwood.
Bedding to Avoid
Bedding / Cage Liners
Choose safe, absorbent, and easy-to-clean bedding. Carefresh Complete Bedding or a Fleece Tray Liner are both excellent options. Avoid loose threads or unsafe materials that can tangle around toes.
Only solid bottom cages are suitable for hedgehogs, any wire bottom cages could trap their legs or rip off toenails. Provide a soft bedding free of dust, such as recycled paper pellets or if you use wood shavings use only kiln dried pine or aspen. Do not use cedar shavings as they could irritate your hedgehog's lungs.
Place your hedgehog house in a quiet, sheltered part of the garden, near natural hedgehog pathways. Fill the base with a generous layer of bedding for hedgehogs, around half the height of the house.
What should I never feed a hedgehog? Foods that are toxic to hedgehogs...
A recycled newspaper bedding (Carefresh or similar product) should be used as a substrate for your hedgehog. Make the bedding several inches thick as hedgehogs like to burrow. The bedding should be replaced at least weekly, and changed more often as needed.
Hedgehogs enjoy rooting around in bedding. A two to three inch thick layer of bedding is recommended for many types of pelleted litter and shavings. Only the soiled portions of the litter need to be removed on a regular basis.
Hedgehogs are known to be very communicative when it comes to their needs, and often make a low purring sound when they are happy or content.
Acceptable bedding materials include shredded paper, newspaper, recycled pelleted/absorbable material, and wood shavings, such as aspen or untreated pine. Avoid corncob bedding as it tends to grow mold when wet.
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.
Creating the Ideal Sleep Environment
Hedgehogs instinctively build nests known as hibernacula using dry leaves, moss, and other materials to provide insulation. These nests are typically found in sheltered woodland areas, offering hedgehogs a warm and secure place to sleep.
Provide a thick layer of good bedding such as recycled paper or hardwood shavings (not cedar or pine). Soft clean towels can be used but should be removed if the pet chews them or if they become frayed; hedgehogs may become tangled in loose threads.
Does the hedgehog house need a base? You can decide whether to build your hedgehog shelter with a base or open at the bottom. The priority is to keep the hedgehog and filler material dry throughout winter – so if you opt for an open floor, don't place the house in a ditch or on low, damp ground.
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.”
It's a good idea to put out food for hedgehogs all year round. In spring, it will be a boost for those emerging from hibernation, while in late summer and autumn it will help them build up those all-important fat reserves to survive the colder months.
Hedgehogs require daily handling in order to socialize them. It is best to handle your hedgehog with bare hands instead of blankets or gloves so they will be better acclimated to your touch. If your hedgehog has its spines erect, use your hands as scoops on either side and gently scoop him up from the bottom.
Just like any other pet, hedgehogs love treats. Waxworms are a favorite with these guys. You can also offer Hedgie some cooked chicken, turkey, or egg. Low fat/high protein wet cat or dog food is also fine, as is the occasional pinky mouse.
This decline is partly due to a loss of natural habitat, which provides both shelter and food for hedgehogs. Fencing, pesticides, garden hazards (like ponds, strimmers and netting) and development and construction also have an impact. And of course, cars are a major threat to hedgehogs, killing thousands each year.
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. Always consult your veterinarian for specific dietary advice.
Pick a shady, quiet spot to put your assembled hedgehog house. Lift the lid off the house, and put the dry leaves inside. Cover with polythene sheeting (making sure it's still accessible for cleaning later on), and pack soil and dead leaves around the outside, leaving the entrance and air pipe free of debris.
I have switched to soft barley straw as I have seen this recommended by more hedgehog rescues. It is important to point out that other straws are far too spiky and hard. This can injure our UK hogs. Hay, on the other hand, is softer and preferred by others, but it can quickly go damp and mouldy in our wet winters.
Looking after your hedgehog house
It's worth clearing out the hedgehog home every year or two. You can do this in April, after their hibernation but before hedgehogs start producing hoglets. However, the ideal time is in October before they go into hibernation, and after most of the litters have been weaned.