When the hedgehogs have regained their strength after being nursed back, it's time to release them into the wild. In order to make it easier for the animal to go outside, a few aspects should be taken into account. This includes choosing the right time and setting the feed.

Hedgehogs should be released with their houses

release

If the boulder has spent the cold season in the apartment, use a box or the sleeping house to release it. Place your dwelling in a cool, sheltered place in the basement, garage or garden shed for the first two weeks. (€24.90) This allows your body to get used to the temperatures outdoors. Place the accommodation in the garden and offer cat food for the first 14 days. Remove the house after your charge escapes.

Watch the right time:

  • release overwintered animals in spring
  • It is possible to release strong and strengthened animals before the onset of winter
  • Release takes place in the late evening hours

For outdoor accommodation

If the hedgehog was housed in an outdoor enclosure, open it. So the animal can decide for itself when it wants to find its way back to freedom. Offer him food for another two weeks so he has emergency food to fall back on. To prevent a habituation effect, you should then no longer provide food.

Correct feeding

Hedgehogs should not be used to humans. Therefore, they have to experience that the food source is not constantly available. Even if it is not easy, abrupt withdrawal of food is better for the animal. Provided it has recovered sufficiently and is strong enough.

total deprivation

An even reduction in food, especially just before the onset of winter, would mean that the prickly predators kept showing up in the garden and not going into hibernation. If you confront him with a total withdrawal instead, he has to suddenly adapt to the conditions in nature and follow the natural rhythm.

With this measure, orientate yourself on the outside temperatures, because these play an important role for the mammals. As soon as the thermometer suddenly drops into the single digits, stop feeding.

Category:

Animals in the garden