How tall is a hedgehog?

[JackintheGreen]

No, I mean it.

As many others these days, my garden is very enclosed with solid fences and walls on three sides. One of the things I'd like to do to improve the situation is to lift the front gate to leave a gap beneath that's big enough for ours spiny friends. I don't want to make life any easier for the local feline murder squad so I want to lift the gate by just enough, hence my question.

Thanks,

Steve

[Jason Claxton]

We seem to get a Hedgehog in the garden when there is only a gap about 2 inches high at most ,they appear to be adept at getting in somehow

[JackintheGreen]

Originally Posted by Jason Claxton

We seem to get a Hedgehog in the garden when there is only a gap about 2 inches high at most ,they appear to be adept at getting in somehow

They are the sort of replies (and dimensions) I was hoping for.

[TheSeagull]

Originally Posted by JackintheGreen

No, I mean it.

As many others these days, my garden is very enclosed with solid fences and walls on three sides. One of the things I'd like to do to improve the situation is to lift the front gate to leave a gap beneath that's big enough for ours spiny friends. I don't want to make life any easier for the local feline murder squad so I want to lift the gate by just enough, hence my question.

Thanks,

Steve

I get hedgehogs in my garden and my gate is only about 2-3 inches off the ground, they appear taller than that when they're in so they must be able to squash themselves!

[Jason Claxton]

Yes we must have a troglodyte Hedgehog,just before you are put to the trouble of raising your gate twice,it might be worth seeing if my experience is the same as others though.Yes I did put 'wide' rather than 'high 'at first.Hope you start getting them soonJason.

[Marcia]

Hi Steve, I've made two "hedgehog feeding stations" for my hog visitors. One with a 3" x 3" entrance and it's very much cat proof. The other one I raised the entrance height to 4" x 3" and a cat managed to get inside . Hedgehogs can squeeze themselves in incredible small gaps. I hope you can get visitors soon. Do put some food out for them too.

[Cazzie]

Yep, 3" is sufficient for hoggies to get under and they certainly do 'squish' themselves down to get under that size. I've had some huge hedgehogs get into my old enclosed garden that only had that height hole to get through!

Just remember that moggies will more likely go over than under!!!

Is there evidence of hedgehogs in your area then - have you seen any? As Marcia said, please do put some food and water out for them if you suspect you'll get a visit as they sure do need extra nourishment this time of year to help build them up for hibernation

[JackintheGreen]

Originally Posted by Cazzie

Yep, 3" is sufficient for hoggies to get under and they certainly do 'squish' themselves down to get under that size. I've had some huge hedgehogs get into my old enclosed garden that only had that height hole to get through!

Just remember that moggies will more likely go over than under!!!

Is there evidence of hedgehogs in your area then - have you seen any? As Marcia said, please do put some food and water out for them if you suspect you'll get a visit as they sure do need extra nourishment this time of year to help build them up for hibernation

Yes, the blooming moggies do go over but I'd like to at least make them work for their passage.

I used to see hedgehogs in the garden but I haven't for a few years, probably coinciding with my neighbour putting up a new fence. Though, we do get foxes and I know that they can kill hedgehogs, so that could be the reason for the hedgie's absence. I'm really hoping that I can get them back because I miss their summer snuffling and rustling.

[JackintheGreen]

Originally Posted by Marcia

Hi Steve, I've made two "hedgehog feeding stations" for my hog visitors. One with a 3" x 3" entrance and it's very much cat proof. The other one I raised the entrance height to 4" x 3" and a cat managed to get inside . Hedgehogs can squeeze themselves in incredible small gaps. I hope you can get visitors soon. Do put some food out for them too.

Those feeding stations look like a great idea Marcia. That way you could be more certain that it's hedgehogs taking the food rather that foxes, dogs or cats, though I suppose rats might take some.

Thanks for the link.

[JackintheGreen]

Thanks for the replies folks. 3 inches it is then.

Cheers,

Steve