I think the general consensus is that it's mainly to attract them into suburban gardens in areas where they may find it difficult to obtain enough natural food @borgadr. It sounds like the area in which you live, and your garden, would probably give them enough to feed on. If they're looking a good size then it may well be that they don't need supplementary feeding. Hedgehogs can cover a fair distance in one night, so if you have neighbours in comparatively close proximity they are probably heading there as well (if they can gain access under gates etc).
The only thing l would say is to make sure they have a dish of water, and if you have a pond make sure it has a ramp or slope so that they can get out. If we get a mild Winter you may still see them out and about at night in the warmer spells, so you might want to consider putting out some food then as their natural supplies are more restricted . https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/feeding/
I recommend the British Hedgehog Preservation Society website, lots of information there,and they are only to happy to answer any questions you may have 🦔🙂.
Thanks @purplerallim and @AnniD, very helpful. I will hold back on feeding mine. Hopefully they should be OK for water, as I inherited a pond in the garden and built a pebble beach so things can get in and out (it was an ornamental pond with sheer sides before).
Hedgehogs carry MRSA superbug. It's worth bearing in mind when handling food bowls, bedding, housing etc. Worth getting professional advice on how to proceed.
I came across this as well @fire, my local rescue has links to a Danish rescue ,and the Danish laboratories were involved in this research. Most (if not all) rescues operate with very high hygiene standards and handlers wear gloves etc. All dishes etc are washed in very hot water, and bedding (shredded paper) disposed of. Each "cage" is thoroughly cleaned daily during and after use.
Most members of the public coming across an injured or deceased hedgehog would wear thick gloves when handling them, and would wash their hands afterwards as a matter of course. Those who feed hedgehogs in their gardens probably don't have much direct contact with them, and l would hope they wash the dishes every day.
As in handling all wildlife, sensible precautions should be taken, and the BHPS or a local rescue are always happy to give advice.
As one of the scientists said, cute though they are, it's probably best not to kiss them 🦔.
"Most members of the public coming across an injured or deceased hedgehog
would wear thick gloves when handling them, and would wash their hands
afterwards as a matter of course. Those who feed hedgehogs in their
gardens probably don't have much direct contact with them, and l would
hope they wash the dishes every day."
Well this was last nights visitors Unexpected to have two, but I was suspicious as the food was going very fast. The funny thing is that neither look to be the resident one!
Posts
It sounds like the area in which you live, and your garden, would probably give them enough to feed on. If they're looking a good size then it may well be that they don't need supplementary feeding. Hedgehogs can cover a fair distance in one night, so if you have neighbours in comparatively close proximity they are probably heading there as well (if they can gain access under gates etc).
The only thing l would say is to make sure they have a dish of water, and if you have a pond make sure it has a ramp or slope so that they can get out. If we get a mild Winter you may still see them out and about at night in the warmer spells, so you might want to consider putting out some food then as their natural supplies are more restricted .
https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/feeding/
I recommend the British Hedgehog Preservation Society website, lots of information there,and they are only to happy to answer any questions you may have 🦔🙂.
https://news.stv.tv/west-central/hedgehog-highway-created-at-railway-station-to-solve-a-prickly-issue
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Most (if not all) rescues operate with very high hygiene standards and handlers wear gloves etc. All dishes etc are washed in very hot water, and bedding (shredded paper) disposed of. Each "cage" is thoroughly cleaned daily during and after use.
Most members of the public coming across an injured or deceased hedgehog would wear thick gloves when handling them, and would wash their hands afterwards as a matter of course.
Those who feed hedgehogs in their gardens probably don't have much direct contact with them, and l would hope they wash the dishes every day.
As in handling all wildlife, sensible precautions should be taken, and the BHPS or a local rescue are always happy to give advice.
As one of the scientists said, cute though they are, it's probably best not to kiss them 🦔.
https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/national-hedgehog-day-2021/
(I know it says 2021, but it's still NHD 🦔🦔🦔🦔)
Unexpected to have two, but I was suspicious as the food was going very fast.
The funny thing is that neither look to be the resident one!