Heatwave Help: 4 Simple Ways to Protect Hedgehogs in Your Garden

During a heatwave, hedgehogs suffer just like we do. Normally nocturnal, they may venture out in daylight in search of water — a behavior that puts them at serious risk. This change in their habits can result in:

  • accidents (e.g., cars, predators),
  • severe dehydration,
  • prolonged sun exposure, which can be fatal.

Here are four simple and practical actions you can take to make your garden a safe haven for them.

1. Provide Fresh Water

Make It Accessible

  • Use a shallow dish placed in a shady spot to ensure safe drinking.
  • Add a stone or small plank inside the dish to help smaller hedgehogs climb out if they fall in.
  • Replace the water every morning to avoid contamination from heat and insects.

Clean, fresh water can be life-saving during hot days.

2. Never Give Milk

A Common Mistake

  • Cow’s milk is toxic for hedgehogs.
  • It causes severe digestive problems and can even lead to death.
  • Only offer them fresh water — it’s the safest option.

When in doubt, always keep it simple: water only.

3. Create a Cool Shelter

Build a Natural Refuge

  • Set up a pile of leaves, branches, or a wooden plank to give them a shaded resting spot.
  • Choose quiet, shaded corners of your garden for these shelters.
  • You can also build a small box and cover it with vegetation to provide insulation.

These shelters help hedgehogs regulate their body temperature during extreme heat.

4. Avoid Domestic Traps

Secure the Environment

  • Avoid deep bowls or smooth-sided containers where small hedgehogs can get stuck.
  • Use accessible containers with low edges or build simple ramps.
  • Secure ponds and pools with stones or wooden boards for safe exits.
  • Check vents, cellars, and holes that may trap wildlife.

Additional Tips

  • Do not use pesticides or chemicals in your garden — they contaminate the hedgehogs’ food sources.
  • If you spot a disoriented hedgehog during the day, move it to a shaded area and offer water.
  • Contact a local wildlife rescue if the animal appears weak or injured.

These small but important gestures can make a big difference. Your garden can become a true sanctuary for hedgehogs and other wildlife during heatwaves.

You Can Also Read :

The Garden’s Tiny Guardian: Hedgehogs

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