 |
| Betty found out during the day |
During July you can expect to see the first of the season’s hoglets coming out of the nest with mum.
They will start to come out with her at around 4 weeks of age and continue to do this until they are around 8 weeks of age, after this time they will become independent and disperse.
There will still be new born hoglets arriving, born perhaps to last years later youngsters or perhaps when a mother loses her litter and starts a second one and later still when an early successful litter is followed by a second one.
Hedgehogs are not territorial although they can have home patches. The females’ home patches will be smaller than the male’s. She just needs enough space and a good food supply to rear her hoglets. The males will wander further in the breeding season so have a larger home patch during this time. Once the breeding season is over they will tend to range over a smaller area, concentrating on building a good fat reserve for their hibernation.
If the weather becomes very hot the ground will dry out and this can make foraging difficult as their natural food may burrow deeper into the leaf litter or retreat underground or under stones and paving slabs. Putting out extra food during these times can help a mother hedgehog feed her hoglets and once they are coming out with her they may visit your feeding station for food. Good quality hedgehog food, meaty cat or dog food or cat biscuits are suitable things to offer. Don’t forget to put out water for all your wildlife visitors as well, and keep ponds topped up so hedgehogs don’t topple in when looking for a drink.
If you are concerned about a hedgehog it is much better to seek advice sooner rather than later it is better to be safe than sorry.
If you need advice about any hedgehogs contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, they can give general advice and perhaps details of a local hedgehog rehabilitator that you can contact. Contact them on 01584 890801 or for general advice and leaflets visit their website.
If you need advice about any hedgehogs contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, they can give general advice and perhaps details of a local hedgehog rehabilitator that you can contact. Contact them on 01584 890801 or for general advice and leaflets visit their website.
