How to clean your hedgehog house
Mid Spring is a great time to clean out hedgehog hibernation boxes ready for the Summer nesting period. You can also check and make any repairs at the same time.
The best time to clean your hedgehog boxes is normally in April. This is usually after hibernation but before the nesting period begins (although note that climate change and regional differences make it difficult to be exact these days). Here is my step by step guide to what to do.
I recommend a sturdy wooden hedgehog box like this one. It provides the best protection against the elements and predators. Many commercially available hedgehog boxes are produced by people who have never seen a hedgehog because the dimensions are way too small and they are too flimsy to last long.
- Check your hedgehog box is empty
You can place a little hay or a twig in the entrance to the hedgehog house. If it is moved, you know something is using it. To know for sure if it is a hedgehog, use a night camera. If you aren’t sure, be very gentle when moving the box and open the lid to take a little peak, being very careful not to disturb any hedgehogs that may be inside. Make sure you wear thick gloves whilst cleaning the hedgehog box.
2. Remove the old contents of the hedgehog box
Remove the current contents of the hedgehog box.
3. Sweep out the hedgehog box
Clean out any loose material from the inside.
4. Clean the hedgehog house
I recommend boiling water. This will kill any parasites and bacteria. Many cleaning products (including Dettol) are toxic to hedgehogs (and other creatures). If you need to use anything else, I would only recommend a veterinary approved or pet-safe rabbit hutch cleaner which is non-toxic.
5. Dry the hedgehog box thoroughly
If it is a sunny day you can leave it outside or place it somewhere warm to dry out.
6. Replace the contents of the hedgehog box
I recommend using dust extracted barley straw. I’ve found that hay tends to go soggy and mouldy in these wet conditions and straw can be too sharp. Hedgehogs will add leaves and other materials to the nest. I don’t use newspaper in the hedgehog box because this can go soggy.
What to do if your hedgehog box is ‘hoggupied’
Don’t worry. Hedgehogs do clean their own nests and it is better not to disturb them. I always leave some dust extracted barley straw around the garden underneath something to keep it dry and then hedgehogs can choose material to add to their nest at any time. Also leave long areas of grass that the hedgehog can tear off for its nest.
Place your hedgehog house back
Place your hedgehog box back under cover. If your box has not been used in its previous location, it may be worth considering relocating it. How the box is sited is crucial for the chances of it being used by a hedgehog. Read my blog for more information and a video showing how to locate your hedgehog house.
Learning to help hedgehogs
If you’d like to learn more about how to help hedgehogs in your garden, I run online hedgehog courses for all levels of interest and experience.]
About me
I’m currently working hard to transform an acre of land in the Yorkshire Wolds into a wildlife haven. If you’ve found the information on my website useful, please consider making a donation to help me continue my awareness work. If you are a hedgehog lover, you might also like my handmade wildlife jewellery, which also comes with information about how to help hedgehogs. Yes I make hedgehog designs!
Little Silver Hedgehog 
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