Hedgehogs are valuable garden visitors that help control pests like slugs and insects. However, their natural habitats are shrinking. A homemade hedgehog house provides them with a safe shelter and a protected place for hibernation.
Here, you will learn how to build a suitable hedgehog house with simple materials.
Why a hedgehog house is important
Hedgehogs need sheltered hiding places for hibernation and raising their young. In the wild, they use piles of leaves, dense hedges, or wood stacks as shelter. However, in tidy gardens, these natural hideaways are often missing. A hedgehog house provides a safe alternative, protecting them from cold weather, predators, and disturbances.
Materials for a DIY hedgehog house
A hedgehog house can be made from wood, bricks, or even an upside-down crate. The following materials work well:
- Untreated wood (e.g., plywood or planks)
- Nails or screws
- Weatherproof roofing material (e.g., roofing felt or pond liner)
- Straw, dry leaves, or hay for bedding
- A small wooden board or pipe for an entrance tunnel
Step-by-step guide to building a hedgehog house
- Determine the size and shape
The hedgehog house should be about 30 x 30 cm in size and 20 cm high. The entrance should be around 13 x 13 cm—large enough for a hedgehog but too small for cats or larger animals.
- Assemble the walls and base
Connect the wooden planks to form a sturdy box. Use nails or screws to securely attach the walls. The base should be firmly fixed to keep moisture out and ensure stability.
- Create the entrance and tunnel
Cut an entrance hole in one of the side walls. For extra protection, you can attach a short tunnel (made from wood or a bent pipe). This helps keep out predators and other unwanted animals.
- Attach a weatherproof roof
The roof should be removable for occasional cleaning. Cover it with roofing felt or pond liner to protect it from rain.
- Add nesting material
Place a layer of dry leaves, straw, or hay inside the house. This provides hedgehogs with soft and insulating bedding.
- Choose the right location
Position the hedgehog house in a quiet, shady area, such as under a hedge or in a sheltered corner of the garden. It should be protected from wind and rain and not placed in direct sunlight.
Creating a safe home for hedgehogs
With little effort, you can create a valuable habitat for hedgehogs in your garden. A well-built and properly placed hedgehog house helps them survive the winter safely and provides a secure retreat.
Additionally, making your garden more hedgehog-friendly by leaving wild corners, leaf piles, and natural shelters will further support these beneficial animals in the long term.
Tips for maintenance and cleaning
- Clean the hedgehog house once a year, preferably in early autumn before hedgehogs prepare for hibernation.
- Use warm water instead of chemical cleaning products.
- If you replace leaves or straw, always leave some old material inside so the familiar scent remains.