How to save the lives of hedgehogs before winter?

Winter is approaching slowly but surely. How can you give the hedgehogs in your garden every chance of crossing it in good health?

As the time to hibernate approaches, a few simple reflexes are enough to help these little animals get through the winter without a hitch.

Reach winter in good shape

Autumn is here, the weather is already getting colder, and the hedgehogs are already starting to prepare for hibernation. If you have them in your garden, this is in itself a sign of its good health: there is undoubtedly no shortage of insects to feed on and little places to shelter.

But you can probably do even better, as climate change and the gradual destruction of their habitat make these friendly little animals more and more vulnerable. For them to spend the winter in good conditions, they must also be able to find shelter. And that they arrive at the gates of winter in good enough shape.

Shelters in corners

How can we help them in either case? First by arranging the corners of your garden to help them make a nest. So do not clean the base of your hedges, the branches, the leaves too thoroughly. Leave a small bramble bush in a corner, and they will be happy to nestle there and hide.

Read also – Our formidable allies in biological control – Le Hérisson

Nothing can be enough to be useful to them, as hedgehogs are clever little creatures: a simple board placed at an angle against a wall, a piece of tarpaulin, or a gap to access the garden shed can be enough for them. encourage them to move into their winter quarters.

Always a little food

But to be sure that a hedgehog survives the winter, it must also arrive there in sufficient shape. However, global warming is causing more and more late litters in the fall. Between mothers exhausted from breastfeeding and babies not having gained enough weight, entire families of hedgehogs arrive exhausted when it’s time to hibernate. If you come across a hedgehog during the day, even though it is a nocturnal animal, this in itself is a sign of fatigue. Weigh it on your kitchen scale: if it weighs less than 700 grams, it will need you. Contact an association to ask for advice and find out how to take care of it, feed it and warm it.

September’s baby hedgehogs need your help!
The autumn months are crucial for baby hedgehogs, these small mammals so important for biodiversity. Unfortunately, their existence is now threatened. Let’s try to preserve it together with concrete actions. How can I help them?

In general, always leave some food in your garden, preferably away from felines: these little gourmands will quickly get used to it, between a shallow water bowl and cat food. Warning: especially no bread or milk, which would be fatal to them!

Read also
How to create a shelter for hedgehogs in your garden?