What to feed hedgehogs in your garden as hibernation ends

As their hibernation period comes to an end, there is a lot that can be done to help these animals safely re-enter the world. The hedgehog population has been in decline in recent years, so

creating suitable conditions for them in gardens will give them the opportunity to stay healthy and repopulate over time. When hedgehogs initially emerge from hibernation, they will be

incredibly hungry and looking for food. Leaving fresh food and water in the garden will help them return and repopulate. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to

Animals (RSPCA), specialised hedgehog food is recommended and can be bought from wildlife food suppliers, but tinned dog or cat food (not fish-based) is also suitable for them to eat.

Crushed dog or cat biscuits are also good for hedgehogs and will help satisfy their hunger after the long hibernation period. PETA UK state that most hedgehogs are lactose intolerant, so

they should never be given milk as this is likely to make them incredibly ill. Fresh, plain water is the best thing for them to drink and it needs to be in a shallow bowl that is easy for

the hedgehogs to reach and drink from. Hedgehogs enjoy ‘wild’ elements of a garden, such as piles of leaf litter and logs. They appeal to the animal as it is an attractive nest for them and

the slugs and beetles hedgehogs like to eat, the Woodland Trust advises. Artificial homes can be as simple as placing a piece of board against a wall to provide hedgehogs with shelter,

though a sturdy wooden home with natural elements would be preferred as it will be more enjoyable for them and protect them from the weather. Making your garden hedgehog-friendly is another

important step in helping hedgehogs emerge from hibernation. Keep drains and holes covered so hedgehogs do not fall in and place bricks or something similar near ponds to make it easier for

hedgehogs to climb out, as well as keeping these and similar things such as pools covered when not in use. Additionally, remove any nets from the garden when not in use, as hedgehogs can

easily become entangled in this which can trap, injure and traumatise them. READ MORE: DRIVERS MAY BE CAUGHT OUT BY NEW ROAD SIGN When gardening, always check for hedgehogs before beginning

any work in case they are somewhere less visible in the garden. It is also worth checking compost heaps for nesting hogs, as hedgehogs may be resting there. The RSPCA advise against using

slug pellets to protect plants as these can poison hedgehogs. Instead, go for safer alternatives such as sprinkling crushed eggshells or coffee grounds around the necessary plants. If

pellets are your only option, place them somewhere that is inaccessible to hedgehogs to protect them. As hedgehogs are nocturnal, one being out during the daytime will often mean they are

injured. If you ever come across an injured hedgehog, take them to a reputable animal shelter or rescue instead of trying to treat the injury at home. DON'T MISS: Grant Shapps sparks

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‘bargain’ [REVEAL] Although there is not one singular reason for the declining population, experts at the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) have linked it to a range of factors

such as widespread use of pesticides, an increasing badger population and impermeable fences between gardens making it impossible for them to move around. PTES estimate that hedgehog

populations fell by as much as 50 percent between 2000 and 2019, so small changes will go a long way for the animals as they exit their hibernation period.