The days are getting shorter and colder, and that means that the hedgehogs are also preparing for their hibernation. These animals are increasingly seeking a sheltered spot in our gardens. With a few simple adjustments you can help them – and prevent them from having too much trouble in the winter.
Linda van der Kolk from Wijk aan Zee has a few regular guests in her garden: a mother hedgehog with two cubs. “They live in a small house and under the couch,” she says. “It’s quiet during the day, but at night it’s a party. Then they wander around happily and eat snails and kibble.”
She finds the presence of the hedgehogs especially pleasant. “I had one hedgehog last year, and now apparently the same one with little ones. It’s so nice to see”
Junk corner
Hedgehogs have a hard time because many gardens are neat and tidy. On the other hand, a messy corner with leaves or branches is what they need for shelter.
“They want a place where they can hide and stay warm,” Van der Kolk explains. Anyone who wants to help the animals is welcome to feed them. “I give special hedgehog food. It looks like cat food, but they like it best. And no cat comes to it,” she laughs.
No milk!
And what you should especially not give? “No milk,” Van der Kolk emphasizes. “That can make them very sick. It is better to give hedgehog food or possibly some cat food. But then a cat can sometimes eat with you.”
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It is also important to provide a bowl of water for the hedgehogs. You also have to be careful with ponds and ditches: they can drown in them.
Nature under your nose
“I love the creatures in my garden,” says Van der Kolk. “Who knows, I might have five next year. Nature lives right under my nose.”