Hedgehogs are born in June and July and the experts are saying that the adorably named baby hedgehogs, hoglets, are appearing in back gardens all over the country
Everyone cherishes the sight of a cute black-nosed hedgehog in their garden but many are unaware of the challenges these prickly creatures face during the summer months.
While we humans may grapple with the heat, we have various ways to cool down, such as fans, cold beverages, or a refreshing dip in the pool.
However, wild hedgehogs encounter two primary problems – a scarcity of juicy insects to feast on and fewer pools of cool water to frolic in.
According to Hedgehog Street, most hedgehogs are born in June and July, and the charmingly named baby hedgehogs, or hoglets, are now appearing in back gardens across the country.
The initial few weeks of a hoglet’s life are spent in the nest before they learn to forage for food with their mothers for ten days, reports the Express.
After this period, hedgehogs are left to fend for themselves and will venture off to begin their own lives in the lush fields of Great Britain. It is at this stage that some hedgehogs may start to struggle in the hotter months.
Although late summer is abundant with insects like earwigs and beetles, which provide plenty of food for hedgehogs, other insects are less plentiful.
Hedgehogs’ staple diet consists of slugs and earthworms, which can be harder to find at this time of year. Water sources also tend to dry up in the hot weather and sun.
Without access to fresh water, hedgehogs’ chances of surviving their first weeks of life are significantly reduced.
However, there are measures we can take to alleviate their hardship. Simply placing a small bowl of fresh water in the garden can assist these tiny creatures.
As an added bonus, your water bowls are likely to attract thirsty hoglets. You could also provide some wet cat or dog food to makeup for the scarcity of natural hedgehog food.
If you’re up for a larger project, consider constructing a pond. A pond offers hedgehogs a consistent water source, enticing them back to your lawn time and again.
It also creates a habitat for insects and amphibians that hedgehogs enjoy munching on, and as an extra perk, they can use it to cool down. You can facilitate their access to and from your sanctuary by creating a gentle slope for their petite legs.
