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Hedgehogs are one of the most endangered species in Britain. They are being threatened year in, year out by the cold winds of the ever-blustering winter and in the worst case, some hedgehogs in some colder region hardly survive the winter. It is estimated that just over a million hedgehogs are left from the initial 30 million estimated in the UK in the 1950s. As humans, we may love to see hedgehogs go out in wild. But sometimes we may need to help a hog get shelter by building or purchasing an already made hedgehog house, especially during the winter.

Here at Konservatory, we love hedgehogs – so we think that investing into a hedgehog house is a real essential for any garden. Keeping them safe and out of danger in your garden is definitely something we recommend doing! You may initially think it will be quite difficult to attract the hedgehogs to the house in the first place. However, there are definitely some simple tips and tricks you can do to make the hedgehogs feel at home! For example, you can lure them into their new hedgehog house by placing some food and water out for them is a great start. Hedgehogs really benefit from extra food, using it as a supplement to their natural diet. Meaty cat or dog food, hedgehog food and chopped unsalted peanuts are all suitable. Only ever give hedgehogs water as their drink option, too. We also recommend hedgehog-proofing your garden. Make areas such as water features and ponds safe, don’t use any harmful chemicals and deal with netting and litter.

Hedgehog houses, just like bird tables, are great tools for viewing animal visitors in the garden up close and when it comes to getting one, there are a lot of already made hedgehog houses to choose from. In this guide, we will review the top 10 best hedgehog houses while taking a look at their features and specifications, factors to consider in order to choose a safe and weather resistant hedgehog house will also be looked into, as well as a FAQ section.

1

The Hutch Company Hedgehog House and Hibernation Shelter

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First on the list is the lovely designed Hutch Company Hedgehog House and Hibernation Shelter. It is a safe and secure shelter for hedgehogs to take up residence, breed, and hibernate. It is made with waterproof timber wood which makes cleaning the house much easier. It shelters the hedgehogs from the summer heat and cold winter; it also protects them from predators. Aside from providing shelter for hedgehogs, this hedgehog house can serve as a feeding station. In the event that you don’t even have a hedgehog yet, with this attractive and safe looking shelter house, you’re not really far away from getting one.

Key Features:

Attractive Hedgehog house

Out of view sleeping area to protect hedgehog from predators

Convenient and spacious

Durable timber material

Specification:

Brand            

Hutch Company

Dimension   

46.8 cm x 41 cm x 28 cm

Weight         

4.5Kg

Material  

Wood, Timber

Pros

Pros easy to clean

Highly convenient and spacious

Safe and attractive

Cons

The entrance is too big, enough for predators to goo in

2

Tom Chambers Rustic Hedgehog House

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Another weather-resistant shelter, the Tom Chambers Rustic Hedgehog House proves to be a great accommodation for hedgehogs. It looks really smart and sturdy and protects cats and other predators from getting in. It has a realistic design and it is good for encouraging hedgehogs to go in for shelter. It is made from quality wood and is very easy to clean. You can place some leaves in front of the entrance to persuade your visitors to go in for shelter.

Key Features:

Realistic hedgehog house

Easy cleaning feature

Durable wood  

Specification:

Brand             

Tom Chambers

Dimension   

39.4 cm x 39.2 cm x 24cm

Weight         

0.8Kg

Material         

Wood

Pros

Fits well in the garden

Heavy and sturdy

Totally weather resistant  

Cons

Does not have a demarcation inside

The roof is not detachable

3

Selections Wooden Hedgehog House With Bark Roof

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This Selections Wooden Hedgehog House with Bark Roof is a decorative natural shelter for hedgehogs and it is made with real natural wood bark. This gives hedgehogs a place to hibernate and pass the night without the risk of being attacked by predators. The body of the hedgehog house is made in such a way that it can blend well with the surrounding where it would be kept. This convinces the hedgehogs more to move in and take shelter.

Key Features:

Wooden hedgehog house with a bark roof

Natural body structure

Weather-resistant

Convenient and safe

Specification:

Brand             

Selections

Dimension   

34 cm x 17 cm x 19 cm

Weight         

1.06Kg

Material         

Wood

Pros

Well fit together

Nice natural design

Safe and convenient

Cons

The wood is untreated

A bit smaller overall

4

Igloo Hedgehog House

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The Igloo Hedgehog House is a simple design hog house that offers hedgehogs a safe retreat and hibernation from environmental hazards and predators. It is much safe than the traditional compost heap where hedgehogs will still be in danger of garden pets and foxes. This hedgehog house is much more spacious than other contemporary hog houses. It is convenient for multiple hedgehogs or family groups. It is designed for shelter but can be used for hibernation and feeding, It is weather-resistant and protects hedgehogs from harsh weather conditions.

 

 

Key Features:

Simple design hedgehog house

Sturdy and rainproof

Spacious enough for multiple hogs

Specification:

Brand    

Wildlife World

Dimension   

53 cm x 59 cm x 22 cm

Weight         

2.38 Kg

Material         

Wood

Pros

Waterproof

Big and spacious enough for up to 5 hedgehogs

Heavy and strong  

Cons

Not firmly stabilized to the ground

Does not have compartments

5

URBNLIVING Large Wooden Hedgehog House

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Made of rainproof materials this URBNLIVING Large Wooden Hedgehog House provides shelter and serves as a hibernation or nesting house for hogs. Made from untreated wood which is ideal for hugs as treated wood emits some fumes which may be harmful to the animals. It features 2 compartmental rooms with a realistic roof made of bitumen which keeps the house rainproof. The entrance is specially designed to allow hedgehogs to go through and small enough to keep predators away.

 

 

Key Features:

Large wooden hedge house with 2 rooms

Bitumen roof to keep house waterproof

Suitable for hibernation and nestling

Specification:

Brand    

URBNLIVING

Dimension   

H: 18 cm x W: 35 cm x L35cm

Weight         

2.96 Kg

Material         

Wood

Pros

Great for use as a feeding station

Good for winter hibernation

Specially designed door to keep predators away

Cons

The walls are a bit thin

The hog house construction is a bit flimsy

6

CKB LTD Wooden Hedgehog or Guinea Pig House

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This CKB LTD Wooden Hedgehog or Guinea Pig House is designed to shelter hedgehogs safely in autumn. It is designed for hedgehogs to sleep, feed, breed and stay protected from predators. It is made from fir wood/pine wood and on top of the construction is a curved roof which helps to keep the hog house waterproof. This house can also be used to shelter guinea pigs. It is very easy to get these animals inside them, simply keep close to a quiet secured area in the garden.

Key Features:

Wooden hedgehog house suitable for hedgehogs and Guinea pigs

Curved roof design to keep the construction totally waterproof

Fir/pinewood make up

Spacious with a safe door

Specification:

Brand

URBNLIVING

Dimension

33.5 cm x 34 cm x 19cm

Weight

2.96 Kg

Material

Fir / Pinewood  

Pros

Suitable for hedgehog shelter in winter

Convenient and safe

Cons

The inside is difficult to clean

The roof is not totally waterproof and may require sealer in joints

7

WILDLIFE FRIEND Hedgehog House

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If you’d like to keep hedgehogs around in your compound then this WILDLIFE FRIEND Hedgehog House is the right choice for you. It is made of natural wood and has a floor as well as a sturdy gable roof. It is made from untreated natural pine wood. It has been finely sanded and the edges have been made smooth and safe. It even supports animals of diverse species. Simply keep in a quiet and safe area that is away from direct sunlight and watch from afar as these animals begin to troop into it for shelter.

 

Key Features:

100 natural wood hedgehog house

Weather-resistant

Finely sand and smoothened wood

Open entrance with floor and gable roof

Specification:

Brand

URBNLIVING

Dimension

33 cm x 22.5 cm x 25 cm

Weight

1.98 Kg

Material

Pine wood

Pros

Easy to set up

Accurate and stable

100% weather resistant  

Cons

Difficult to clean

8

SA Products Wooden Hedgehog House Made from Authentic Fir Wood

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Give your pet hedgehog a wonderful home SA Products Wooden Hedgehog House, made from authentic Fir wood. It is one chamber with a floor house for hedgehogs to take residents. It is weatherproof and features a compact proof to protect your buddies against the downpour. It comes with screws and materials you need to set up easily, It is also a beautiful piece that sits fine in your garden and fits well with your garden landscape.

 

 

Key Features:

Hedgehog house made with fir wood

Suitable for hamsters, hedgehogs, guinea pigs and rabbit

Removable roof for checking on pets

Floored and fit for feeding

Specification:

Brand

SA Products

Dimension

29.34 cm x 20.57 cm x 14.86 cm

Weight  

1 Kg

Material

Firwood

Pros

Good for winter hibernation

Perfect for use as a feeding station

Easy to put together

Cons

It features only one room

The roof is not completely rainproof and may require using a sealant

A bit flimsy

9

Selections Wooden Hedgehog Hogitat with Bird House and Hanging Bird Feeder

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This Selections Wooden Hedgehog Hogitat with birdhouse is a multiple 3 – in – 1 animal house set. The first part features a hogitat hedgehog house designed with still intact trees with bark and moss roof for a little added camouflage. It is made from untreated wood and is suitable for hedgehogs since it emits no fume. It provides a place for hedgehogs to shelter, feed and breed. The second part is an attractive hanging bird nest box. It is made from wood with bark skin and is perfect for smaller birds to take shelter in. The third part is a feeder table. It is simple but attractive and gives you the chance to watch visiting birds up close.

 

Key Features:

3-in-1 wildlife bundle

Wooden hedgehog house measuring 20cm x 40cm x 48cm

Bird box 19cm x 19cm x 13cm

Hanging feeder table 16cm x 17cm x 14cm

Specification:

Brand

Selections

Package

1 hedgehog house, 1 bird box and 1 hanging feeder table

Material

Wood

Dimension

20 cm x 40 cm x 48 cm

Pros

Natural design and feel

Suitable for gardens

Sturdy and durable items

Multiple set in one purchase

Cons

Quite costly

Some of the bark may peel off

10

Pet Ting Hedgehog House Hibernation Wildlife Cosy Sanctuary

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Lastly on our list is the beautifully designed Pet Ting Hedgehog House Hibernation Wildlife Cosy Sanctuary. With this hedgehog house’s natural look, it is very easy to attract hedgehogs and make them take residency in your garden. It protects hedgehogs from predators and harsh weather conditions. It is very easy to clean and maintain. It is suitable for keeping hedgehogs any time and all year round.

Key Features:

Protruding doorway tunnel for extra protection

Removable back panel for easy cleaning

Specification:

Brand      

Pet Ting

Dimension

31 cm x 18 cm x 22cm

Weight

1kg

Pros

Solid and sturdy wood

Spacious and accommodating

Easy to setup

Cons

Cleaning it requires patience

Summary

Hedgehog houses are perfect for providing safe habitat for hedgehogs to nest, sleep, feed and hibernate. The reviewed hedgehog houses are products made by renowned companies under adequate research and monitoring. They are designed for convenience and are very accommodating to hedgehogs. You can see more garden guides here:

Cat deterrent

Weed Killer

Stump Killer

Hedgehogs and the Garden

Hedgehogs are spiky, nocturnal mammals that people who live in the UK are well familiar with. They are very good at climbing, running, and nestling. And they roam at night looking for snails, slugs, and beetles to feed on. Hedgehogs love lots of bushy, dense, and overgrown grasses. So, if you would like to see more of these creatures around your garden, then you should reduce the rate at which you use electric weed burners and hand push lawn mowers.

Hedgehog houses are designed for hedgehogs to shelter, hibernate and breed in, whilst giving them protection against predators which may want to harm them. It is quite easy to get your visiting friend to take up home in your garden. You can add cascading water features to your garden and leave out food in the open to attract hedgehogs to your home

What to look for when buying a hedgehog house

To choose the best hedgehogs for you, here are some things you may need to consider:

Size

Hedgehogs may be relatively small creatures, but when they build their own nest, they build pretty big nests. The hedgehog house needs to be big enough to allow room for insulation during hibernation and to give the family a chance to breed. If you would like your friend hogs to spend more time in the shelter you’re providing, then you need to consider a hedgehog house with a big size

Safety

Apart from giving a home to hedgehogs, another important reason for making hedgehog houses is to keep the hogs safe from predators that may want to harm them. When getting a hedgehog house, ensure that the hedgehog house is a safe enough to protect hogs from cats dogs or other animals that may want to invade. You can go for a model that has multiple rooms or a tunnel. Make sure the entrance is small enough to keep out predators

Construction

Waterproof hedgehog houses are the perfect way to keep hogs. Make sure you choose a house with a completely watertight roof. In terms of construction, it is advised to go for a roof that isn’t flat. Snow and water can sit on flat roofs, eventually making them rot or wear out. Go for a sturdy roof with a pitched or sloppy design

Material

When it comes to material, there are a lot of options available to choose from. Hedgehog houses are available in metals, wood, and plastics. Hedgehog houses made from metals are usually dangerous and unsafe. They may have hidden sharp edges and spikes. Hedgehogs are delicate mammals that could easily injure themselves. Therefore it is best to avoid hedgehog houses made from metals.  There are a growing number of hedgehog houses made from plastics which without good ventilation may cause the house to become very hot. Hedgehog house made from untreated wood materials are the best, they are usually waterproof and have no sharp thatch or edges

FAQs

Where to put your hedgehog house?

If you want hedgehogs to reside in your newly purchased or self-made hedgehog house you need to place your hedgehog house in a quiet but serene corner of your garden. Do not locate it too close to your rattan cube garden furniture. You can place it against a wall or any plain surface, you can even place it against a BBQ shelter in the garden. Ensure that the entrance is not facing the cold winter wind from the North or Northeast. You should also avoid placing the house in the direct path of sunlight to avoid it becoming too hot.

How to make a DIY hedgehog house?

To make your own hedgehog house, you will need certain materials such as; an old box or anything that looks like a wooden wine crate, untreated timber (15 x 2 cm, 1.2m length), galvanized nails (25mm), Hosepipe (1m), Jigsaw, Hammer, Drill and 5mm wood drill. For a do it yourself hedgehog house, simply follow the following steps

  • Begin by cutting the timber into four 30cm lengths and nail them together lengthways to make a tunnel by using a hammer
  • Cut an entrance hole of up to 11cm x 15cm from one side on the base of the wooden wine crate or box using a jigsaw
  • Attach the tunnel by nailing it from the inside
  • Drill a hole in the back of the crate and insert a hose for ventilation
  • Fill the sides and the entrance of the hole with hay, dry leaves, or straw in other to make the area a bit more natural. There you have it! Your hedgehog house is ready for placement.

When should you put out a hedgehog house?

You can basically get and/or put out a hedgehog house anytime! Ideally, it is best to put out a hedgehog house at the end of summer, which means it would be available for hibernation during winter when hedgehogs go house-hunting.

Further Reading

For more about hedgehog houses, click here.

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