Q: I bought this hedgehog house and successfully over wintered a little critter. I want to clean it out now and have a question. The inside is damp so, can I dry it (GENTLY and SENSIBLY) with say a hair dryer or will this be too hot. Or would it be better to let it dry slowly; thus depriving the poor hedgehog of its roosting.
A. The best time to clean and freshen hedgeho houses is during April when hedgehogs are fully active and before the breeding season starts. Remove all the bedding and give it a good clean with hot water and a mild detergent. It's also a good idea to disinfect with boiling water or a suitable veterinary product to kill off any parasites and eggs that may be present. Finally, thoroughly rinse out with clean water and allow to air dry (with the roof open) on a nice warm day. Fill with fresh bedding and replace the roof and put back to its original situation.
Hedgehogs will use different summer sleeping quarters to their hibernation roost and the cleaning process will not upset or interfere witht the hedgehog' natural patterns.
Q: Can you give me some advice on where to put a hedgehog house in my garden?
A: Hedgehogs readily take up residence in appropriate hedgehog houses and for the best chances of success they should be situated in a quiet part of the garden, preferabley against a wall or fence out of direct sunlight. Make sure the entrances is sheltered to avoid being exposed to drafts and storng winds.
Hedgehog houses may be used for winter hibernation, throughout the summer as lie-ups or, if you're very lucky, by a pregnant female making a nest to have her young in June.