Wee hedgehog

We've had a hedgehog living under our garden decking since last autumn, but only ever see it late at night. However recently we have started to get these half-sized versions coming out from under there in the middle of the afternoon. I was quite excited as I haven't seen many live ones before (lived in a hedgehog-free country for a long time)

This chap was probably a little less than 6 inches long.



Someone has since told me that their faces lose the hair as they get older?

That's cute, My in-laws used to put milk out for them.

Lovely shot.

We have one which braves our dogs every now and then and anders through the garden. the dogs really don't understand it all.

Shouldn't put milk out for them - it's very bad for them. Cat food and water are best.

They'll clear you garden of slugs and snails so are a good thing to have around.

You beat me to the milk point Gwyn, and the cat food as well.

Just a point, if these guys are in your garden don't use slug pellets, poisoned slugs can harm the hedgehogs!

Hedgehogs are nocternal. If they are out in the daytime it is usually the case that they are 'at risk' and need careful watching and feeding, as mentioned, cat food and water. Maybe the food souce is scarce. Always seek the advice of a hedgehog rescue centre if you encounter a hedgehog wandering your garden in the daytime. I didn't and two hedgehogs died because I did not realise that they were at risk.
regards thoramay.

I should clarify that we had assumed last autumn that the one under our decking was making a nest as we heard a lot of snuffling around and rustling leaves. We did put out some dog food next to the decking every now and then during the winter. The food always disappeared within a day or two.

Starting this spring we heard much more rustling, often from more than one place at a time, so we guessed she'd had babies. This seems to be one of those as it is about half the size of the mother (which we still see at night). I assume the young ones just don't know they should be sleeping during the day!

Our garden has a large planted area of ferns and suchlike where there are millions of snails and slugs, and I often hear mummy hog crashing around in there at night, so I think the food situation is okay.

Thanks for the advice about slugs too. We have loads of slugs, they drive my wife batty, but have never tried slug pellets.

Tim. You are priviledghed and doing the right thing. I still feel guilty at being so ignorant and actually enjoying the hogs out in daylight but I failed them and they died through exposure to the sun.
I once had to rescue one from the water metre access using a very good leather glove. Great to have in the garden and special when you do meet them foraging at night.
I should imaging that under a decking is almosrt five star lodgings.
regards Thoramay.

That's a lovely clear and sharp image, Tim high in the aaaahhh factor ratings. I also heard you shouldn't give them bread and milk but cat and dog food is okay.
David

I had to rescue a Hedgehog a couple of weeks ago, our lower back garden is totally enclosed with walls, the "big" chap had got down onto the decking and couldnt get back up the steps onto the higher level to find a way out, he was running round in what looked like panic (not the first time its happened either) so out came the garden gloves and after he had curled into a ball he was airlifted to freedom

Think I may have to devise some sort of hedgehog ramp.

PS: pity about the grass covering his nose, thats a super shot.

Thanks chaps

Alan I had already cloned out 2 or 3 long blades of grass covering his face and shoulder, but the nose was beyond my capabilities. Note to self; cut grass more often!