Cover Story – Hedgehog Helpers

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.