+100 votes
by (950 points)
We've "acquired" a large hedgehog. Any views on what, if any, damage he could do? Do we catch and set free in rural countryside (3 min drive away)? If he's happy where he is (stays around for a number of nights) do we add cat food or other food? He/she is welcome to stay so long as it's in his/her best interests and no detriment to us. So far we have hostas that aren't damaged. Probably down to his scoffing the slugs  
We've "acquired" a large hedgehog.

93 Answers

+29 votes
by (950 points)
 
Best answer
Apologies guys I cant answer all of you but I have read all of your posts and took on the great advice. Thank you. I've gone from thinking "another pest in the garden" to "I feel lucky, I got myself some help in the garden"
by (1.1k points)
@combustible8973 they are so cute, my dad has one in his garden. He gets hedgehog food for them, Tesco had for a while then he bought it online. He set up one of those night time cameras so he could watch it snuffling around  
by (950 points)
@otherwise it can't really go anywhere in my garden without it lighting up. There's led lights covering every part. Wonder if the lights would send it running ?  
by (560 points)
@otherwise I buy Tesco kitten biscuits for my hedgehog  
by (1.1k points)
@combustible8973 maybe but I guess they get used to it? A nice wee hedgehog house is in a good idea
by (1.1k points)
@gleeson24 I will tell my dad to try that thanks
by (500 points)
@combustible8973 Hedgehog s are not bothered by light .  
+81 votes
by (1.4k points)
Wish I had one in my garden I haven’t seen one for many years
+59 votes
by (2.8k points)
Have never heard of anyone who is hesitent about having a hedgehog. maybe big cis shes pregnant you are very lucky to have it
+34 votes
by (2.1k points)
They eat slugs.  
+20 votes
by (810 points)
I've not read any of the comments so I apologise if I am repeating everyone else. Please do not move the hedgehog. The only time you should move a hedgehog is if you see it out in the day. it means its injured or poorly and should be put in a box and a wildlife rescue contracted. Encourage it if anything by feeding it. but no milk and no cat food that contains fish  xxxx We have a hedgehog hotel in our garden that my stepdad made. hoping to get babies in it ! Xxxx
by (950 points)
@fourier so I've bought chicken and duck cat food and put water out. I had a look around the garden today but couldn't find it (I expected that to be the case because it's nocturnal and will hide during day). He/she was big (football big) so probably female and pregnant?  
by (810 points)
@combustible8973 yes possibly! The first goblets are due around end of may-beg of july! Xxx
by (530 points)
@fourier are goblets baby hedgehogs?! What a lovely word, so apt for these sweet creatures  
by (810 points)
@proudman it was supposed to say hoglets. grrr predictive text Haha xxx
+47 votes
by (850 points)
Don’t use slug pellets or relocate it PLS. You are so lucky to have one
by (950 points)
@whitesell slug pellets were put out a few weeks back on first signs of hostas coming through. Haven't used since and wondered why the hostas haven't been destroyed like usual by slugs. Slug pellets now firmly away and not in use.  
by (850 points)
@combustible8973 oh goodness hopefully it has eaten any  
+21 votes
by (1.9k points)
Hedgehogs are the gardeners friends  
+2 votes
by (850 points)
Sadly they do suffer from lung worm because of slugs and snails  
+79 votes
by (880 points)
You are very lucky. Make sure it can get into other gardens and not isn't just limited to your own. Most are looking for a mate.  
+84 votes
by (810 points)
They say dog food, also water to drink. Never milk! Enjoy, while he's visiting you.  
+73 votes
by (2.3k points)
Id just leave him be if hes large enough to survive x
+91 votes
by (1.4k points)
Love hedge hogs. Great for gardens.  
+53 votes
by (4.3k points)
It will eat the slugs and snails that damage your plants
+22 votes
by (4.3k points)
Give it catfood but not the fish variety and never ever milk. Just fresh clean water.  
+79 votes
by (850 points)
Leave him alone, feed meat cat food and put out water. Most importantly lay off the garden chemicals i. e weedkiller and slug pellets.  
+43 votes
by (2.1k points)
You’ll find he’ll repay your kindness by protecting your plants by eating the slugs
+21 votes
by (3.6k points)
Don't touch him or her there could be young somewhere relying on mr or mrs hedgehog
+84 votes
by (1.1k points)
Lucky you
+64 votes
by (850 points)
Absolute asset to any garden. Definitely encourage them. Ours come every night. We put out meat cat food in jelly, every day. No fish or fish based food as this makes them very ill. Always make sure they have water too as they drink lots.  
+39 votes
by (1.5k points)
Apparently if you boil them for 1 hour and serve with chilli and pepper ( after taking all the spikey bits out) and a wee side salad they are delicious. Off to try and lure one in now, i have a bit rotting woodpile that they love.  
by (1.5k points)
@chevaldefrise61017 you gave me the recipe!  
by (1.1k points)
@exactly ooooh you are naughty
by (950 points)
@octans lol
by (1.1k points)
+91 votes
by (2.7k points)
Cat meat or cat biscuits and water, hedgehogs great for getting rid of slugs
+21 votes
by (2k points)
Is it out and about all day . if so it needs catching and taking to the local rspca centre as they shouldn't be seen in the day if they do come out in daylight they need help x
+84 votes
by (780 points)
Do hedgehogs eat salads I just rescued one and he followed me around the garden while I was working  
+28 votes
by (870 points)
I have hedgehogs in my garden. They are lovely things! I feed with hedgehog food and clean water to drink. Cat food is ok for them I think. Check with the British Hedgehog Association. I have 2 hog houses for them. They cause no trouble at all, my cat was curious at first but takes no notice now. I love them! ❤
by (790 points)
@hour5 Sketchley hog house! Aww I didn't know there was such a thing.  
+41 votes
by (1.4k points)
Forth Hedgehog Hospital could give you advice on what to put out for it to eat
+42 votes
by (1.8k points)
One of the best creatures you can have in your garden.  
+58 votes
by (2.4k points)
So jealous. I just love hedgehogs
+97 votes
by (2.2k points)
Of you have a pond make sure they can get out of it. Lucky you to have him in your garden  
+48 votes
by (2.9k points)
I have one comes in my garden, i have bought special hedgehog food from pet shop .  
by (860 points)
@prurigo Morrisons sell it too - don't know how they compare, price wise.  
+71 votes
by (840 points)
❤️ I love them
+69 votes
by (2.2k points)
I love hedgehogs they are so cute  
+97 votes
by (810 points)
Be blessed it will eat your garden pests.  
+27 votes
by (7.3k points)
Great addition to your garden it will eat all the slugs. Lucky you. Cat food and water is good. Milk is not. Watch out if you use a strimmer as they hunt in long grass and also hide and nest in piles of Leaves or bonfires waiting to be lit, check them first please! Provide a hog house and hay for the winter , just note they can get infested with fleas so a little flea powder to dust over them where they cannot lick if necessary
by (850 points)
@mattos NO FLEA POWDER it can kill them.  
by (2.7k points)
@mattos do not put flea powder on them.  
by (7.3k points)
@whitesell didn’t kill any I used it on depends what’s in it
by (1.3k points)
@mattos hedhehogs have their own type of fleas which as not transferable to any pets or humans :)
by (850 points)
@mattos it takes a while to poison them - only rescue organisations should use certain flea powder. I worked at a hedgehog rescue. It’s worrying how people can kill with kindness. They are such precious creatures, thank you for caring about them.  
by (7.3k points)
@outfox McAulay you can get the right Flea and Mite treatment From your vet or contact a wildlife rescue . gently bathing them in warm water with a little olive oil in it once a month helps to relieve the dry itchy skin and quill loss mites cause
by (7.3k points)
@whitesell get special one from a vet
by (850 points)
@mattos fantastic  
by (7.3k points)
Aj NL get a specialised one from a vet for fleas and mites
+55 votes
by (4.3k points)
If you relocate him he could be in danger, plus he may have a family , just let him be & enjoy him , they are lovely creatures they do no harm & or becoming an endangered species.  
by (4.3k points)
Oh & never give him milk, they are lactose intolerant, milk can make them very ill & even kill them.  
+73 votes
by (1.6k points)
No milk. Some cat food and thats it  
+82 votes
by (2k points)
Aw I miss the hedgehog that used to visit us, never did any damage. I’d defo feed it if it was me but that’s because I want him to keep visiting
+43 votes
by (790 points)
I would love a hedgehog in my garden. They eat slugs and snails.  
+95 votes
by (960 points)
Keep little Herbie please!  
+1 vote
by (2.5k points)
Luv Hedgehogs I wish he was in my garden they are almost extinct they have 10 to 12 years left until they all gone  Just leave it be if you give it food it won’t eat your slugs etc
by (530 points)
@theogony I believe their demise is linked to when badgers became a protected specie. they need to eat kilos of meat every day, worms are just snacks.  
+45 votes
by (810 points)
I’ve got one that lives in my garden, he comes out late at night and mooches around the garden, they don’t cause any damage, the only thing is we do find hedgehog poo in the garden and our dog likes to roll in it  
+1 vote
by (1.9k points)
You are very lucky  
+54 votes
by (1.9k points)
Can anyone show a pic of their hog house please. Have you bought or made them. Thanks
+23 votes
by (810 points)
Dog food no fish I have a family of hedgehogs never have the damaged my garden or plants just looking for tasty slugs
+31 votes
by (820 points)
Cat food but no fishy flavour, shallow bowl with water and he/she will eat all the slugs  
+46 votes
by (750 points)
No damage
+94 votes
by (2k points)
I have a hedgehog in my garden I love him/she boggy has a box and it's full of hay straw leaves its wrapped in black plastic and its supper time st around 845pm every night there is water down and its brilliant Going to do a better one for him for winter Look after your hedgehog ❤
by (590 points)
@outfox Hollin that is the cutest
by (2k points)
Leave yours and build him a home they travel about a mile a night but if fed I dont think they will stay and they will be safe in the garden . That's what I hope x Look after your hedgehog and keep him safe xx
by (2k points)
Get some hedgehog food x
by (2k points)
Will post a picture
+8 votes
by (1.1k points)
Please leave it where it is. Moving it to another location could prove fatal has it won’t know the area and where to find water or a suitable nest quickly. It also could be a female with babies in or around your garden and obviously moving it would be fatal for the babies. It will help with unwanted bugs and slugs in your garden but if you want to really help it leave a shallow bowl of clean water and some cat biscuits every night in the place you normally see it. This could help it survive in really dry weather especially if it has babies and you can be sure it will return regularly once it knows the food and water is there for it every night. They are very scarce now so your lucky to have one visiting your garden.  
+17 votes
by (1.2k points)
Great for gardens encourage him to stay
+74 votes
by (1.3k points)
O damage, does good work eating slugs. He won’t stay unless you get him a mate
+68 votes
by (1.7k points)
They are great little creatures. Love catfood. Will eat your garden pests.  
+42 votes
by (1.6k points)
Everyone commenting such positive supportive remarks & honestly @combustible8973 Rossiner comments are narcissistic imo. Totally clueless about hedgehogs. I really sympathize with the hog.  
by (5.4k points)
@mesarch9638 agree. leave the animal alone.  
by (610 points)
Narcissistic?! Really? You might want to check the dictionary. Are you saying she should only ask questions about things she is already knowledgeable of? That makes sense.  
by (1.6k points)
@blotto the questions asked suggested to me that any negative impact of having a hedgehog in Martini’s garden was the bottom line. I said nothing abt what she should or shouldn’t say, that was not the point of my comment. My point. I feel sorry for the hedgehog.  
by (610 points)
@mesarch9638 ‍♂️ And of course you felt it necessary to say so. Because, however unwarranted, your opinion is more important than a strangers feelings. Well done. You defined narcissistic.  
by (1.6k points)
@blotto I can feel sympathy for an animal & express it. My comment was as warranted as anyone else’s who replied. @combustible8973 wanted feedback to their comment. I was polite but expressed a different view, that’s allowed in life. Get over it. You just want to have a go at someone which is not what I did. Enjoy your day
by (610 points)
@mesarch9638 there was nothing polite or positive towards the original poster, it was blatantly insulting. But you tell yourself whatever helps you sleep at night.  
by (1.6k points)
@blotto you interpret what I said whatever way you want. & feel good about it. Enjoy your day
by (610 points)
"Honestly @combustible8973 Rossiner comments are narcissistic imo. Totally clueless about hedgehogs. I really sympathize with the hog. " Wait. Hmm. Nope. In no version of this language that I know is that anything but insulting.  
+33 votes
by (750 points)
Don't give milk it will kill them
+62 votes
by (870 points)
I've one too , only downside is the trail of poop everywhere it goes but otherwise it's not a bother
+63 votes
by (790 points)
Just be careful as there full of fleas
by (1.3k points)
@outage75 hegdehogs have their own type of fleas which can't be transferred to anyone or dogs/cats :)
by (790 points)
@outfox McAulay they still leave you with bites tho
+33 votes
by (1.4k points)
Wish I had one in mine you are lucky x
+15 votes
by (2.7k points)
She will eat your slugs do not move it anywhere you dont know if he is a she so probably has a family somewhere they are great for the garden but very loud when mating  
+55 votes
by (1.6k points)
Leave out some catfood and a bit of water x
+37 votes
by (840 points)
No damage! Treasure him x
+16 votes
by (790 points)
If he is injured your local vet should treat him free. if he was outside in the daytime they are uite often ill- we will on the edge of sheffield hedgehogs do have an area they like to roam in. If he wasnt eating i would be getting him to the vets for a check. we get no damage apart from little paths in flower beds -
by (790 points)
The vet should treat for free - my sister took one in took one in last week.  
0 votes
by (910 points)
They're lactose intolerant, NO MILK!  
+82 votes
by (1.3k points)
My mum gets a few lol. They are back this year also.  
https://m.facebook.com/groups/10552...88695
+52 votes
by (790 points)
Wow  how amazing , I’m trying to encourage hedgehogs into my garden. It’s got to be a good thing ! Make him welcome and build a hog house and you can buy hedgehog kibble .  
+10 votes
by (790 points)
Catfood but not fishy stuff, no milk just water enjoy they keep all the slugs and snail population down
+7 votes
by (700 points)
There’s no downside to hedgehogs in the garden. They will eat slugs, snails. My dogs say hello and leave alone. Treat as a friend, will also eat dog kibble! I have rescued some babies and fed them up on cat food.  
+92 votes
by (820 points)
Enjoy it !  
+24 votes
by (3.6k points)
You can give him some cat food NO MILK! they are a great bonus for your garden
+26 votes
by (2k points)
Get some Mr Spikes hedgehog food
+90 votes
by (750 points)
@midgard49 can you advise as hedgehog foster Mummy  
by (800 points)
@goldoni  
+14 votes
by (1.1k points)
Leave him be, they eat all the insects you wont want in your garden e. g. slugs, snails etc. Leave him out some dog or cat nuts, no milk just plenty of water. Its the best animal you could have. Your so lucky
+87 votes
by (3.1k points)
They sound like an old man with a cold in the middle of the night when out looking for slugs but please let it stay. This time of year there’s so many hurt by hedge trimmers it’s heart breaking.  
+35 votes
by (2k points)
And they snore lol
+69 votes
by (1.4k points)
Google it I guess but don't move, he could have family
+15 votes
by (800 points)
Please Do not move it unless you think it is injured, may have a family nearby. Please feed your hog guest cat biscuits or cat wet food chicken flavour and make sure there is water available. A hedgehog is a great addition to any garden eating the pests that eat our plants! If you want any advice please message me. I work with 2 hog charities and foster hogs myself, they are incredibly cute but rare creatures xx
by (510 points)
@midgard49 hey Jan, I was scrolling through the comments and seen this, could I ask you some advice please? I’ve been wanting to build/buy a hedgehog home since last year but we have a large cat and I don’t know if I’d actually be putting hedgehogs in danger by putting a home right outside a big cats home (also wouldn’t want Zeus getting spiked either) he’s never came home with a ‘present’ before but it’s not something I’d chance without asking someone who knows about these things, would it be worthwhile or would I just be putting the hedgehogs and my cat in danger? X
by (510 points)
P. s might I add he actually runs away from the squirrels that are constantly in the garden, he’s not a very normal cat tbh  x
by (800 points)
Here is Anthony I am looking after as he only has 3 legs after a fox attack, we hope he can be released when better. He is so cute and a little character  
+48 votes
by (2k points)
I certainly are not missing the slugs lol
+54 votes
by (740 points)
A great bonus to a garden having a hedgehog x
+86 votes
by (850 points)
I acquired a hedgehog in my new garden when I moved out of London 6 years ago and realised I’d never seen a real one before! I leave out a shallow bowl of water and puppy food with dried worms. I sometimes have up to five hedgehogs waiting patiently for their food. I love watching them and hearing them snuffling through the flower beds. One of life’s simple pleasures  
by (800 points)
@perseid @honourable Hedgehogs just love meal worms but please do not feed them worms in a regular basis, not good for them, they have a detrimental affect on their bones. Cat food wet and/or dry chicken flavour food is best x
+95 votes
by (820 points)
Your so lucky I adore hedgehogs there such sweet little animals x
+3 votes
by (600 points)
Car food and water, ppl used to put bread and milk soaked but not good for them, leave it it won’t do any thing it will go when it’s ready x
+4 votes
by (7.9k points)
Leave him alone he’ll keep your slugs and snails down and our cat food out for him at night.  
+77 votes
by (7.9k points)
Ps have you ever seen them run? They hitch there skirt up and run very fast they’re adorable.  
by (580 points)
@champerty we have, so funny and caught on camera climbing they stretch their little legs. Super cute and they can move quite fast❤️
by (550 points)
@champerty I'm going to have to look this up now  
by (7.9k points)
by (7.9k points)
@honourable chases my little Yorkshire terrier into the house!  
+66 votes
by (1.1k points)
Slug eating machines! Keep!  
+4 votes
by (820 points)
I've had a family for past 6 years I put dog food chubb roll out for them they live next to my garage they eat all the slugs and snails I my garden I even have names for them hubby think im crackers
by (2.5k points)
@trehala2 what are their names
by (820 points)
New hoglets this year are snuffles as shes loud but freindly and 2020 as he isn't ha ha
by (950 points)
@trehala2 hubby's right  
+53 votes
by (2k points)
Aw keep him and have a look at how to create hedegehog friendly spaces. I used to have a hedgehog who lived in my garage and my mum has a couple living in her shed. (She has a cat flap so they can get in ) if you set it free you could be moving it away from his home x
+61 votes
by (2k points)
You could follow this group @combustible8973
+22 votes
by (1.6k points)
What damage could a poor hedgehog do?, I'd be grateful to have such a lovely thing. don't move it, it may have a family
+78 votes
by (1.1k points)
Just put some cat food down for him but not fish flavour and some water and he will be fine x
+17 votes
by (740 points)
I've got so many slugs and snails in my garden, I could only dream to have hungry hedgehogs here
by (550 points)
@gatehouse7 same
by (800 points)
@gatehouse7 justca suggestion, you could try and encourage a hog visitor, do you have a solid fence or hedge on all sides? If so just make a 10-12cm hole, then put in a feeding station, a log pile, you never know  
by (740 points)
@midgard49 I've been trying for years, no luck yet. Not seen any in our village for years sadly
by (800 points)
@gatehouse7 it is so sad that once a common sight they are no more. If you have badgers that could be one reason, they are a Hedgehogs main predator.  
+14 votes
by (880 points)
Yes feed him to encourage him to stay. I wish I saw them in my garden.  
+39 votes
by (790 points)
He can eat cat food and drink water. Definitely no milk
+89 votes
by (770 points)
I have a hedgehog called Mr Prickles. He comes around every night he has cat meat and cat biscuits and a bowl of water. X
+40 votes
by (2k points)
Here is mine x
+51 votes
by (2k points)
I'm going to do a better bed for him more cosy and dry before winter comes x
+28 votes
by (1.6k points)
We have two that we know to, they don’t damage , just feed them cat food in jelly, chicken , beef and u will help the hedgehogs survive as they are in decline.  
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