Hedgehogs Will Visit Your Garden If You Put This 1 Thing Outside In February

Want to attract hedgehogs? Sightings are lower than ever, but the experts have revealed the two things you should leave outside this February to make your garden a welcome stop.

According to the team at Seed Ball, placing a small portion of dried cat food and fresh water is a good energy source for hedgehogs, as it can supplement their diet when food is scarce. Supporting their muscles and overall health, cat food helps them to build reserves before or after hibernation.

“Hedgehogs are one of a very few mammals that truly hibernate – which means going into a torpor or deep sleep, dropping their body temperature, which slows down all of their organs to save energy,” the team wrote on Instagram.

“British hedgehogs are now officially classified as vulnerable to extinction. If you know you have active hogs in your garden, you can put out fresh water and dried kitten food.”

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This is better than leaving bread and milk, which can cause dehydration and serious digestive upset. Bread has very little nutritional value for hedgehogs, simply filling them up without providing the nutrients they need.

Another easy way to help declining hedgehog numbers is by not being too tidy in the garden. “Hedgehogs use fallen leaves, dry grass and moss to make their nests, choosing somewhere sheltered and out of the way, such as under a hedge or in a pile of sticks,” say the team.

“Leaving some of these nesting materials available and introducing hog-friendly habitats could be a lifeline.”

Hedgehogs will be emerging from hibernation in March, making now a great time to create leaf piles outside.

And don’t forget to ensure hedgehogs have easy access to and from your garden by putting a 13x13cm hole in any boundary that may block their way. “A simple hedgehog highway could help connect them to other gardens in your neighbourhood.”

Hedgehog galleryHedgehogs Cotton Tea TowelCredit: Country Living MarketplaceHedgehog Meadow Art PrintCredit: Country Living MarketplaceHedgehog Charm NecklaceCredit: Country Living MarketplaceHedgehog Greetings CardCredit: Country Living MarketplaceDouble Oven Glove – HedgehogCredit: Country Living MarketplaceHedgehog in a Hoop Needle Felting Craft KitCredit: Country Living MarketplaceHoggy Hedgehog Recycled Doormat with Dark Brown BorderCredit: Country Living MarketplaceBeneath the Autumn Beech – Original Linocut PrintCredit: Country Living MarketplaceAutumn Hedgehog Bone China MugCredit: Country Living MarketplaceLisa Joyner

Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful

 Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she’s busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.