I’ve had hedgehogs in my garden for decades and over the years I’ve personally tried almost every style of hedgehog house going. From lightweight wooden boxes to heavy-duty insulated habitats, each has its place but the difference between a well-built home and a poor one can be the difference between a safe winter or a lost cause. I’m sharing what I’ve learnt about choosing the best hedgehog houses form hands-on experience.

Why Do Hedgehogs Need a House?

Hedgehogs spend their nights foraging, but by day they need somewhere safe to sleep. In winter, that shelter becomes life-saving as they hibernate through the coldest months. Sadly, our tidy gardens and modern fences leave hedgehogs with fewer natural hideaways and access to deep cover, than ever before.

That’s where hedgehog houses come in. A good house offers year-round shelter: a cool retreat for summer, a secure maternity den for mothers with hoglets, and a frost-proof refuge for hibernation. But the “best” hedgehog house depends on your garden, your visitors, and how much maintenance you want to do.

Below, I’ve broken down the different types of houses, their features, benefits, and the little details that matter most.

Best Hedgehog House for Hibernation

If you want to give hedgehogs the greatest chance of surviving winter, choose a sturdy, insulated hibernation house.

• Wood-concrete, thick timber walls or insulated recycled plastic help buffer against freezing conditions.
• Built-in tunnels or entrances keep predators (like cats or foxes) out.
• A design with a deep bed chamber creates a snug core where body heat is conserved and blocks draughts.

Think of it like a winter log cabin, protection from wind, rain, and frost makes all the difference. Place it in a quiet, shaded spot under shrubs or hedges, then line it with dry leaves or straw so hedgehogs can arrange their own bedding.

Best for: Cold winters, exposed gardens, and year-round use.

Why it matters: Hedgehogs drop their body temperature during hibernation and insulation and draught protection can literally keep them alive.

Best Lightweight Hedgehog House

Not every garden needs a fortress. If you move your wildlife features around, or you’re limited on space, a lightweight house is easier to handle.

• Compact wooden or fibre houses can be picked up and relocated without strain.
• Perfect for renters or those who like to change their garden layout.
• Affordable, making them a great entry-point for first-time hedgehog helpers.

While these types of hedgehog shelter will only be suitable as summer ‘sleep-overs’, many people discovering the tell-tale signs of a hedgehog moving in, quickly upgrade their houses!

Best for: Beginners, renters, or those with small gardens.

Why it matters: Even a basic, lightweight shelter can offer hedgehogs a safe daytime nest if placed in a quiet, shaded corner. Just make sure they’re pegged down for security.

Best Portable Hedgehog House

For some, portability is about practicality as much as weight.

• Foldable or flat-pack houses are ideal if you want to store them off-season.
• Portable designs are handy for community gardens, schools, or anyone managing multiple spaces.
• Look for carry-handles or easy-lift features if you expect to reposition frequently.

Just remember: once a hedgehog has moved in, DO NOT disturb or shift the house until it’s empty!

Best for: Seasonal use and educational gardens.

Why it matters: Sometimes the right location changes, a portable house lets you adapt with the seasons, or need.

Best Large Hedgehog House

If you’re lucky enough to have multiple hedgehogs in your garden, a large house provides room for growing families or duel occupation.

• The best design should have double chambers and extra-wide interiors.
• They tend to have sturdier designs and materials, especially useful for females with hoglets (who need extra nesting space).
• Heavier sturdier materials also insulate better, doubling the houses as hibernation shelters.

Large houses can be tucked into corners and camouflaged with logs or foliage, blending into the garden while offering maximum protection.

Best for: Hedgehog families and high-traffic gardens.

Why it matters: Hedgehogs don’t always live alone, a large house can support families in busy gardens.

Best Hedgehog House with a Tunnel

Predator safety is one of the most common concerns for hedgehog lovers and hedgehog houses with tunnels have been proven to be occupied in preference to those without. A tunnel entrance is a simple but effective fix.

• Stops cats, dogs, and foxes from reaching inside.
• Mimics natural burrows, making hedgehogs feel at home.
• Adds extra insulation by blocking drafts.

Many of the best tunnelled houses have removable roofs for cleaning, so you don’t sacrifice practicality for safety.

Best for: Gardens with pets or predators nearby.

Why it matters: Hedgehogs are vulnerable to predators, a tunnel creates that safe, instinctive entrance they trust.

Best Easy-to-Clean Hedgehog House

Hygiene matters, especially if you plan to keep a house long-term. Hedgehogs pick up ticks, fleas and other parasites on their travels, so an easy-to-clean house is your friend and theirs.

• Hinged or lift-off roofs give quick access.
• Smooth recycled plastic models wipe down effortlessly.
• Wooden designs with treated interiors resist mould and damp.

Important note: only clean houses when you’re certain they’re empty: late spring and early autumn are usually safe. Wear gloves, and avoid harsh chemicals; boiling water is enough, simply dry thoroughly before closing the lid.

Best for: Gardeners who want to invest in long term wildlife care.

Why it matters: A clean house avoids parasites building up inside, keeps the house attract to hedgehogs and maintains better hedgehog health.

Best Insulated Hedgehog House (for Warmth)

Winter survival hinges on warmth and stability. A fully insulated house is the best bet in exposed gardens.

• Double walls or eco-insulation keep internal temperatures stable.
• Raised bases stop damp seeping in from below.
• Heavy roofs keep rain, snow, and even curious pets at bay.

In harsher climates, insulation isn’t just a bonus, it can be the difference between life and death for hibernating hogs.

Best for: Harsh winters and frosty gardens.

Why it matters: In cold climates, insulation can mean the difference between a successful hibernation or a fatal freeze.

Best Hedgehog House with a Camera

For wildlife lovers who can’t resist a peek, a house with a built-in camera is the ultimate treat.

• Special viewing windows or removable panels for night-vision cameras.
• Lets you observe nesting, hibernation, and even hoglets; without disturbing them.
• Great for families and schools wanting to learn from nature.

Tip: always choose houses that keep cameras discreet, so hedgehogs don’t notice. Observation should never come at the cost of their comfort.

Best for: Wildlife watchers who love to learn.

Why it matters: Watching hedgehogs is an irresistible joy, but should not come at the expense of disturbing residents by continually opening and closing lids.

Best Heavy-Duty Hedgehog House for All-Weather Protection

If your garden is windswept or exposed, or lacks natural cover such as evergreen shrubs and hedges, you’ll want a heavy-duty, all-weather model.

• Wood-concrete, thick timber, or solid recycled plastic ensures durability.
• Weight prevents them from tipping or blowing away.
• Treated exteriors resist rot and rain damage for years.

These are the “forever homes” of the hedgehog house world, an investment that pays off with long-lasting protection.

Best for: Exposed, windswept gardens or year-round resilience.

Why it matters: If you want to set up once and leave it for years, this is the “forever home” option.

FAQs & Mistakes to Avoid

Not all hedgehog houses are fit for purpose. Here are a few red flags and warnings:

❌ Thin or flimsy – lets in rain, draughts, and don’t insulate.
❌ Wire mesh frames – easily distort becoming a hazardous potential trap for hedgehog.
❌ Single open doorway – offers no protection from cats, dogs, badgers, or foxes.
❌ Brightly painted or treated with harsh chemicals – potentially toxic for hedgehogs.
❌ Wire mesh floors or open bottoms – make houses damp and unsafe.
❌ Tiny “ornamental” houses – look cute but are useless to living hedgehogs.
❌ Unventilated plastic boxes – can overheat in summer and sweat with condensation.

When should I clean a hedgehog house / when to clean a hedgehog house?

Only when you're certain it's empty, typically in late spring or early autumn.

Disturbing a house while it's occupied, especially during hibernation or nesting, can stress or harm hedgehogs. A common check method is the ‘stick test’, place a twig in the entrance overnight - if it’s moved by morning, the house is in use. Use gloves and only clean using boiling water, or animal safe cleansers; avoid chemicals.

Why is my hedgehog house not being used / hedgehog house not being used by hedgehogs?

Often it’s down to location, access, or design flaws.

Even high-quality houses may be ignored if placed in a noisy, exposed site or without a hedgehog highway (a gap in boundaries). Houses without tunnel entrances or those with doors facing into prevailing winds often fail to attract visitors. For tips on best placement, see our guide Where to Put a Hedgehog House.

Where is the best place to put a hedgehog house / best place for a hedgehog house in the garden?

In a quiet, sheltered, dry spot, with good cover and safe access.

Ideal locations are under shrubs, against fences or banks, away from strong winds. Avoid north-facing exposure and ensure the house floor is level and dry. For more details, see our guide on positioning a hedgehog house.

Can a hedgehog house also work as a feeding station / hedgehog house feeding station?

Yes, but but first decide which you want it to be. Hedgehogs do not like eating and sleeping in the same location, due to it attracting other hedgehogs and even the risk of predators.

Better still, use a dedicated Hedgehog Feeding Station sited away from the nesting box keeping food safe from from cats and foxes and avoiding disturbing resting hedgehogs.

What size should a hedgehog house be / how big should a hedgehog house be?

At minimum around 35cm–40 cm internal width, allowing space for insulation and movement. The height should allow plenty of room for insulating leaves and straw if its intended for hibernation.

Smaller houses don’t allow enough bedding or free air circulation, making them ineffective. A good house design gives enough space for a hedgehog to turn, nest, and arrange insulation.

Can you disturb a hedgehog in hibernation / is it safe to disturb a hibernating hedgehog?

No, disturbing them during hibernation should be avoided at all costs.

Waking a hibernating hedgehog forces it to burn precious fat reserves. Only intervene if there’s clear evidence of injury or danger. If accidentally disturbed, return them, cover them up to keep them warm and immediately contact a hedgehog carer for advice.

Final Thoughts

I’ve been designing and building hedgehog houses for over 30-years, and have seen many excellent, and many totally inappropriate products for sale over the years. The information above stems from questions customers have asked me over time and while I’ve linked to a few specific products, the guidelines stand true, wherever you choose to purchase your new hedgehog home.

Therefore the “best hedgehog house” depends on what your garden can offer and how willing you are to add additional protection. Some are built suitable for immediate use, some may require you to add additional waterproofing and insulation. However, always make sure they’re placed out of prevailing winds, have adequate insulation but are well ventilated, have space for families, and offer protection from predators. Whatever you choose, remember the golden rule: a house should protect, not endanger.

With the right shelter, fresh water, and safe access to your garden, you’re giving hedgehogs exactly what they need, not just to survive, but to thrive.