Hedgehog Feeding Station

Here’s everything you need to know about choosing, setting up, and maintaining a hedgehog feeding station to support these delightful garden visitors.

Why hedgehog feeding stations are important

Hedgehogs face numerous challenges in the wild, including habitat loss, reduced food availability, and increased dangers from traffic and predators. By offering a dedicated feeding station, you help ensure they have access to nutritious food in a secure environment. Feeding stations also protect food from larger animals such as cats, foxes, or birds, making them ideal for hedgehogs’ needs.

Features to look for in a hedgehog feeding station

When selecting a feeding station, consider the following important features:

• Accessibility: The entrance should be large enough for hedgehogs but small enough to deter larger animals.
• Weather protection: A sturdy roof or cover will keep the food dry and safe in bad weather.
• Ease of cleaning: Look for a design that is easy to open and clean, ensuring the food stays fresh and hygienic.

What to feed hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are insectivores, but they’ll happily enjoy supplementary foods that are easy to provide in your garden. Here’s a quick guide to what to include and what to avoid:

Recommended foods

• Special hedgehog food or dry cat biscuits (meat-based).
• Wet cat or dog food with no added sugar or artificial ingredients.
• Fresh water in a shallow dish (never milk).

Foods to avoid

• Bread and milk, which can upset their digestion.
• Salty or sugary foods like crisps or sweets.
• Raw meat or processed human food.

Setting up your feeding station

Place the feeding station in a quiet, sheltered spot in your garden. Ideally, it should be close to hedgehog-friendly areas, such as hedgerows or dense shrubs. Ensure the station has an easy entrance and is weighed down to prevent it from being tipped over by other animals. Adding a small dish of water nearby will make it even more attractive to visiting hedgehogs.

Maintenance tips

To keep your hedgehog feeding station safe and hygienic:

• Clean the station regularly to remove old food and prevent bacteria or pests.
• Replace food daily to ensure it remains fresh and appealing.
• Monitor for signs of unwanted visitors, such as cats or rodents and adjust the setup if necessary.

Additional tips for a hedgehog-friendly garden

Encouraging hedgehogs to visit doesn’t stop at feeding stations. Here are a few extra ways to make your garden a haven for them:

• Provide shelter: Install a hedgehog house where they can rest and hibernate.
• Create safe pathways: Ensure hedgehogs can move between gardens by leaving small gaps in fences or hedges.
• Avoid chemicals: Use organic pest control methods to prevent harming their food supply.

A well-maintained feeding station is a small but impactful way to help hedgehogs thrive in your garden. Ready to get started? Explore our range of high-quality feeding stations, designed with hedgehogs in mind.