Hogilo Hedgehog House

The Hogilo Hedgehog House provides a safe, long-lasting refuge for hedgehogs in gardens, wildlife areas and rehabilitation settings. Designed to offer protection from weather and predators, it provides a sheltered space for nesting, resting or hibernation.

The house features an overhanging roof and porch to help protect the entrance from rain, while the raised battened feet help reduce contact with damp ground. A swivel lid allows access for cleaning or, where appropriate, for specialist carers tending recovering hedgehogs. Hedgehogs should not normally be disturbed when using the house.

The narrow entrance tunnel, approximately 12.5cm square, helps protect against predators. Once inside the porch, a maze-style internal entry further helps deter cats from accessing the nesting chamber.

The Hogilo is made from recycled agricultural plastic on a plywood skeleton. Its screwed construction provides strength and durability, helping it withstand garden use, including accidental crushing or strimming.

Key Features

• Safe and durable refuge for hedgehogs
• Suitable for nesting, resting and hibernation
• Made from recycled agricultural plastic on a plywood frame
• Swivel lid allows access for cleaning when unoccupied
• Overhanging roof and porch help protect against rain
• Raised battened feet help reduce damp and rot
• Narrow entrance tunnel helps deter predators
• Maze-style internal entry helps reduce access by cats
• Strong screwed construction for long-term outdoor use
• Used by the Hedgehog Preservation Society for rehabilitation and re-release

Specifications

• Dimensions: 50 x 39 x 23cm
• Weight: 3.85kg
• Entrance Tunnel: Approximately 12.5 x 12.5cm
• Material: Recycled agricultural plastic with plywood skeleton

Siting

Place the Hogilo in a quiet, sheltered area of the garden, away from regular disturbance. Ideally, cover the house with dried leaves, twigs and other vegetation to help it blend into the surroundings and provide additional insulation.

A small amount of hay or dry leaves can be added inside to give hedgehogs nesting material. Ensure the entrance remains clear so hedgehogs can move in and out easily.

Checking for Occupancy

You can check whether the house is being used by placing something light in front of the entrance. If it has been moved overnight, the house may be occupied.

Take care not to disturb the house during summer, as it may be used as a nursery. Disturbance could cause a female hedgehog to abandon the nest.

Maintenance

If the house is unoccupied after winter use, usually from late March to early April, it can be cleaned.

Feeding

Hedgehogs will not usually eat and sleep in the same place, so do not place food inside the house, except perhaps briefly to encourage initial interest. Once a hedgehog is using the house, move food away from the entrance so predators or rival hedgehogs are not attracted to the nest site. Always provide a shallow bowl of fresh water.