Everyone knows this small mammal with a distinctive appearance: it almost looks like a stuffed toy, but don’t be fooled by its endearing face, the hedgehog remains a wild animal covered in thorns that stings you if you get too close.
However, it is a protected species and gardeners love it. And for good reason, as it mainly feeds on insects, slugs, snails and other worms, it is an excellent ally to fight against the scourge of parasites in the garden. If you have a hedgehog around, don’t chase it away!
The hedgehog frequents a wide variety of environments, but it is very attached to lush spaces where it can dig, climb and climb. You should know that it is a very solitary animal that does not like to have company, except at the time of mating. Usually, you will be more likely to find a hedgehog nest during warm periods, from spring to summer. It hibernates the rest of the year. It is a nocturnal animal that actively hunts at night and sleeps peacefully in its nest during the day. Many people don’t know it, but having these little animals in the garden bodes well. For farmers, hedgehogs are very valuable, which is why they often try to attract them and create an environment as close as possible to their natural environment. Find out why you should always have one!
Why you should have hedgehogs in the garden?
In recent years, although they are very useful for agricultural crops, hedgehogs have become increasingly rare in gardens. Farmers and gardeners try to seduce them as much as possible by offering them a favorable environment in which to take refuge and multiply.
Because the biggest advantage of hedgehogs is that they feed on insects harmful to plants, but also on snails or rodents. Their presence is therefore highly coveted in the garden.
How to attract them?
Attracting hedgehogs to your garden is not an easy task. This animal will not find shelter under a closed hedge, loaded with humidity and located in a very busy area. He needs space and calm. The place where the mammal can live must be very similar to its natural environment. Having large green spaces is a significant advantage. But be careful, for his own safety, the environment must not contain open and deep holes, as he could fall into them.
You must not have any barriers or sharp parts in which these small animals can be injured. It should also be noted that you should not use phytosanitary products in the garden, which can be dangerous for the survival of hedgehogs. Likewise, dogs and cats can be a threat to these small mammals. Other predators of the hedgehog include the fox, the owl, the owl and the badger.
In terms of nutrition, you should never give them sweets, carbohydrates, fried or seasoned foods. Also avoid cow’s or almond milk. What exactly does he eat? As we have said, the hedgehog is an insectivore: it can therefore feed on slugs, ants, earthworm spiders, etc. However, its diet can vary and include certain foods such as eggs, raw chicken, cooked ham, fresh fruit, boiled carrots or honey.
Useful tips to remember
So, to attract hedgehogs, when designing the yard, plant a few large trees. You can choose different types of shrubs, because the hedgehog prefers to take shelter in these corners rather than in open spaces. Remember to avoid pine forests and excessively humid places.
The hedgehog will look for its food in the dead leaves of trees, from which it builds a nest. Remember that it feels safe in lush places: if you want it to stay in your garden as long as possible, give it a corner where there are no agricultural plantations. Finally, for its comfort, install a large bowl of water, because this small wild animal loves to swim.
