Hedgehog populations have been declining over the years due to habitat loss, urbanization, and changes in agricultural practices. That’s why it is always crucial that we take action to protect these adorable mammals and provide them with suitable habitats. As responsible stewards of the environment, we need to keep these creatures safe so they don’t go extinct. And one effective way to do this is by building hedgehog houses for them so they can have a safe space to stay when they visit our gardens. In this post, we’ll be looking at how to build a hedgehog house ourselves.
What Is A Hedgehog House?
A hedgehog house, also known as a hedgehog box or shelter, is a purpose-built structure that mimics the natural burrows and nesting sites where hedgehogs seek refuge. Hedgehog houses are typically made from wood and have an entrance hole just big enough for a hedgehog to enter. However, a hedgehog house can also be built with other materials like straws and stone.
Benefits Of Building A Hedgehog House
Here are a couple of reasons why building a hedgehog house is always a good idea.
- Hedgehog houses offer protection from many stuff that can harm hedgehogs, including predators and extreme weather conditions like heavy rainfall.
- Hedgehog houses enable hedgehogs to exhibit their natural behaviors since it easily makes them forage and hibernate.
- Hedgehog houses provide a safe place for hedgehogs to breed and raise their young when they don’t have a home or a safe space to do so.
- Hedgehogs are natural pest controllers since they are prolific at feeding on slugs, snails, insects, and other garden pests that destroy plants in the garden. So building a hedgehog house and placing it in your garden, can help reduce the need for chemical pest control methods since the hedgehogs that use the hedgehog house in your garden can help you eat the pests.
- Hedgehogs play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance. By supporting their survival, we contribute to our environment’s overall health and biodiversity.
- Building and maintaining a hedgehog house can be an excellent educational activity for families, schools, and communities, raising awareness about hedgehog conservation and inspiring environmental stewardship.
Where To Place A Hedgehog House
It’s best to find the perfect spot to place the hedgehog house in your garden before you start constructing it. So take your time and consider the following factors when deciding on the location.
- It’s best to select an area for your hedgehog house that is naturally sheltered and quiet. So you can try placing your hedgehog at the farthest point from the road if you live close to one.
- You should always go for a spot surrounded by natural vegetation, such as shrubs, bushes, or trees. This vegetation helps provide additional cover and camouflage for the hedgehog house.
- While hedgehogs require some sunlight, direct exposure to intense sunlight for prolonged periods can affect them negatively. That’s why it’s best to place the hedgehog house in a location where it receives partial shade during the day.
- Position the entrance of the hedgehog house away from prevailing winds and heavy rainfall. This helps prevent wind and rain from entering the shelter and ensures a more comfortable environment.
- Avoid placing the hedgehog house near areas where predators like dogs, cats, or foxes may frequent. If possible, consider adding a predator-proof barrier, such as wire mesh, around the entrance or the immediate vicinity of the hedgehog house.
Designing The Hedgehog House
It’s important to design your hedgehog house first before you start building it. Doing this goes a long way in ensuring the house turns out just the way you want it. Besides, it’s crucial to meet the basic requirements that cater to hedgehogs’ natural needs and behaviors when you want to build a house for them. So ensure you follow our tips below when designing a hedgehog house.
Hedgehog houses should have an entrance so they can get in or out as they see fit. Ensure the entrance is approximately 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) in diameter. This size allows hedgehogs to enter while keeping out larger predators that might want to eat the hedgehog.
The interior of the hedgehog house should provide enough space for a hedgehog to comfortably rest, nest, and hibernate. Aim for dimensions of at least 12 inches (30 cm) square.
A sloping or waterproof roof is essential to protect the hedgehog house from rainwater or snow. Ensure the roof is well-sealed to prevent leaks.
Make sure the hedgehog house is adequately ventilated to maintain a healthy environment inside the hedgehog house.
The Tools And Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s an essential list of all the tools and equipment you’ll need to build a hedgehog house.
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Saw
- Screwdriver
- Drill
- Screws or nails
- Hammer
- Sanding block
- Wood glue
- Paint
- Insulation material (such as straw or dry leaves)
- Bedding material (like hay or shredded paper)
- Camouflage materials (natural materials like leaves or moss)
- Safety gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, so you can be safe when handling these tools and materials
How To Build A Hedgehog House
Make sure you remove all the debris, rocks, or potential hazards that may hinder the placement or stability of the structure of the hedgehog house before you even start building it. The hedgehog house must be placed on level and firm ground.
The first thing you’ll need to do is cut the necessary wood pieces or use pre-cut panels according to your chosen design and dimensions.
Next, you’ll need to assemble the walls by attaching them to each other using screws or nails. Make sure the corners of the hedgehog house are at right angles so the house’s structure will be sturdy.
Cut and attach the floor panel, ensuring it fits securely within the walls. Fasten it using screws or nails.
Create a sloping roof by cutting two pieces of wood or panels that are longer than the width of the hedgehog house. Attach them to the top of the walls, ensuring a slight slope for water runoff. Secure the roof using screws or nails.
Choose the location of the entrance on one of the walls near the ground. Mark the desired diameter for the entrance hole (typically around 4-5 inches or 10-12 cm). Carefully cut out the entrance hole using a saw or drill. Smooth the edges with sandpaper to prevent any potential injuries to the hedgehogs that will eventually use the house.
Install a small entrance tunnel leading from the hole into the main chamber of the hedgehog house. This can be made from a pipe or a length of drainage pipe with a diameter slightly larger than the entrance hole. Attach the tunnel securely to the entrance hole.
Line the interior of the hedgehog house with insulation material such as straw, dry leaves, or shredded paper. This helps regulate the temperature and provides a cozy nesting environment.
Ensure the roof is waterproofed to protect the interior from rain or snow. Apply a waterproof sealant or paint to the roof surface too. This step is crucial for maintaining a dry and comfortable space for hedgehogs.
That’s it. You’re all done.
Conclusion
Building a hedgehog house is a wonderful project that anyone can enjoy, regardless of their background or expertise. It offers a chance to create a safe and inviting home for these charming creatures while also contributing to their overall well-being. So, gather your tools and get to work. Besides, building a hedgehog house isnt all that complicated.
