Feed hedgehogs

Help local hedgehogs thrive this summer by providing fresh food and water to keep them cool and healthy.

A hedgehog eating from a red bowl in a garden.

Why this is important

A lack of natural food is now one of the biggest threats to hedgehogs.

Providing fresh food and water can help them gain energy in spring and build fat reserves for the autumn.

Create a hedgehog feeding station

Instructions

1. Place the food and water

Late in the evening, place the food and water bowls anywhere in your garden.

Create a simple structure to keep the food safe from cats - some people use large plastic containers with two holes, allowing hedgehogs to come and go easily.

2. Replace food and water

Throw away any leftover food and water and clean the bowls each day. Do this outside with hot, soapy water and rinse well.

Replace the food and water late in the evening.

What you’ll need

Shallow bowl or container

Meaty hedgehog food or tinned dog/cat food

Crushed dog or cat biscuits

A young child spooning food into a plastic container. — Step one

A young child placing a hideaway in a shrub in a garden. — Step two

A young child filling up a cup of water. — Step two

More ways to help animals this summer

Create an RSPCA account to save ideas to your own dashboard, upload photos of your efforts and get exclusive certificates to celebrate your contribution.

Create an account

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Make your own pet treats

Use our quick and simple recipes to create tasty dog and cat biscuits – treat your own animals or gift them to friends with pets. It’s a healthy, thoughtful way to show kindness.

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