10 Jun 2006 - Hedgehog Family
This photo was taken after moving a pile of straw, needless to say the straw was put back and that part of the plot left undisturbed until we were sure the hedgehogs had gone. Always move piles of compost, allotment rubbish etc carefully many animals consider piles such as these to be ideal winter hideaways or nesting sites. Never set light to a bonfire that has been left in situ, move the materials to a new site and then burn.
When the straw was removed the young hoglets squealed really loudly but the mother never moved.
Most baby hedgehogs are born in June or July. At birth the spines are covered in skin and look something like small pimples. A minute or two after birth pure white spines are apparent. Gradually brown spines grow up among the white ones. After about 15 days after birth the white spines are barely visible. Baby hedgehogs are born blind and do not open their eyes until they are two weeks old so it would appear that the babies that we found were less than two weeks old. At three to four weeks old the babies are able to leave the nest but often return.
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Original Oak Hedgehog House
Act quickly and provide a snug winter abode for the gardeners’ ally, the hedgehog. This substantial house is of durable oak timber construction, with a double layered roof for waterproofing, oak floor for insulation and sheltered entrance tunnel. A waking hedgehog will hungrily consume slugs, snails, beetles and caterpillars come spring.
• Hedgehog House Includes vent pipe and instructions. • There is a hinged door at the back for annual cleaning and inspection of sick or rescued hedgehogs.
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