How to Build a Hedgehog Box

During the winter, hedgehogs like to hide away from the cold weather in a toasty pile of leaves or another protected spot. Hedgehogs begin to hibernate around December, the best time to put out a hedgehog box. The boxes are expensive to buy but cheap and simple to make. Hedgehogs will enjoy having a warm place to stay for the winter and, for females, have their babies in spring. A hedgehog box allows hedgehogs to hibernate safely without being disturbed by other animals. When spring comes around, you can give them a plate of canned cat food.

Things You'll Need

  • 6-inch by ¾-inch untreated wood
  • Jig saw
  • Nails
  • Hammer
  • Strong wooden box or crate
  • Drill
  • Piping about 15 inches long and 1/2-inch in diameter
  • Roofing felt
  • Dry leaves or straw
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the wood into four equal pieces lengthwise with the saw. Nail the pieces together lengthwise. Leave the opening at about 4 inches square.

    • 2

      Saw a 4-inch by 6-inch hole near the base of the box.

    • 3

      Make a hole in the back end of the box, close to the top, big enough for the pipe to fit through, using the drill.

    • 4

      Insert the pipe in the hole. Make sure the pipe angles down coming out of the box to drain excess moisture.

    • 5

      Fasten two pieces of ¾-inch wood, long enough to cover the length of the box, to the bottom of the box. Nail them on from the inside.

    • 6

      Saw one end of the tunnel so it's angled enough to touch the ground when attached to the box.

    • 7

      Nail the tunnel on from the interior of the box.

    • 8

      Attach the roofing felt to the box to keep the hedgehogs warm and the weather out.

    • 9

      Put dry leaves or straw in the box until it's filled around two-thirds full.

    • 10

      Place the house in an undisturbed spot.