Cover Story – Hedgehog Helpers
The November edition of Bee Local Magazine is hitting doorsteps around the Leighton Buzzard area and this month’s cover image features a cute hedgehog nestled under a mossy tree.
Depending on temperatures hedgehogs will be preparing to hibernate around November/December time and there are a few things you can do to help.
Here is some advice from Aylesbury animal rescue centre St Tiggywinkles
- Do leave some areas of wilderness where the hedgehogs can snuffle for insects.
- Do put out water for drinking.
- Do put out a bowl of dog food or meaty cat food around dusk.
- Do install, in a quiet part of the garden, a hedgehog house.
- Do look to see if your hedgehog is limping or appears to be injured, or in late Autumn look out for underweight hedgehogs
- Don’t put out bread and milk
- Don’t pick up fit hedgehogs
- Don’t leave black sacks lying around.
- Don’t use slug pellets or other chemicals, they may poison hedgehogs and other animals.
- Don’t light a bonfire without checking to see if a hedgehog or other wild animal has moved in.
- Don’t fork over compost heaps in case hedgehogs or other animals have taken up residence.
- Don’t spray hedgehogs with dog or cat flea sprays. It will be detrimental to the hedgehog.
Underweight hedgehogs, hedgehogs out during the cold winter months or injured should be taken to a rescue centre like St Tiggywinkles in our area. There is plenty more helpful hints on their website.
Find out more about about the work amazing St Tiggywinkles do. It’s a great place to visit too.
