With hedgehog numbers declining fast in the UK, providing the best hedgehog houses for the garden helps keep these iconic creatures warm and safe from predators. The key concerns when choosing a hedgehog house is knowing whether hedgehogs will actually use it, whether it is safe for hibernation, and how it looks in the garden. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best hedgehog shelters that don’t compromise on functionality or style.
Hedgehog Houses for Winter or Hibernation
If you are looking for a hedgehog house for winter hibernation, features such as an insulated design and predator protection are much more important then style alone. The hedgehog houses below include some that are hibernation ready, as well as ones that are great feeding stations.
1. Wildlife World Hogilow
BEST FOR: Predator proof hedgehog house
If your garden hedgehogs prefer a contemporary style of home, perhaps something in keeping with suburban-chic surroundings, then the Wildlife World Hogilow provides a safe shelter and modern curves.
Featured by Autumn Watch, and the preferred choice for the Hedgehog Preservation society, this is a safe and well-made home for the discerning hedgehog.
It is environmentally friendly too. The base is made from FSC timber and recycled plastic, and the lid and sided from recycled agricultural waste.
The entrance is a ‘maze’ style, keeping hedgehogs safe from inquisitive pets or predators. The lid pivots open to reveal the hibernation area, allowing it to be cleaned out every summer, ready for the next guests!
2. Feel Good UK Hedgehog House
BEST FOR: Solid construction
The Feel Good UK hedgehog house is built to last as it is constructed using 18mm solid wooden panels and is complete with a felt roof for excellent rain protection. Think of it as miniature upmarket shed for your hedgehogs!
The perfect hedgehog sized entrance allows them to enter and exit freely, while keeping predators out.
Treated with animal friendly preservatives and rubber feet, this shelter will look good in the garden for many years. It also has a removable roof for easy cleaning when needed.
With two color options to choose from, you can find the perfect style for your garden. Check availability.
3. Riverside Woodcraft Hedgehog House
BEST FOR: Providing a clean environment
As well as looking good in any part of the garden, the Riverside Woodcraft Hedgehog House boasts solid wood construction, recycled slate covered entrance and resin bonded floor. It is painted with an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial coating to both protect the wood and help to keep things clean for the hedgehogs.
This weatherproof hedgehog house provides a safe place for hedgehogs to hibernate, as well as a stylish one. The cube design would suit any hedgehog with a preference for modern design!
The roof is of solid composite and hinged so you can peek inside. Handmade in the UK. Check availability.
4. Tom Chambers Rustic Hedgehog House
BEST FOR: Offering hedgehogs a place to hide in your garden
The Tom Chambers Rustic Hedgehog House is a sturdy design and will look lovely nestled into any sheltered part of your garden.
This humble abode is for the no-nonsense hedgehog. While it may not have the added features of other hedgehog houses on this page, it does offer a cosy place to hide, especially when placed on a dry surface.
Roomy enough to place a bowl of food, well-constructed, and with great style, this hedgehog house will meet the needs of any hedgehog and quickly become a favourite place to hide and take shelter. Check availability.
5. Selections Wooden Barkwood Hogitat Hedgehog House
BEST FOR: Sheltered feeding stations
For hedgehogs who prefer to stay incognito, this charming Selections Barkwood Hogitat Hedgehog House is perfect. Tucked into a sheltered corner, this house is extremely well camouflaged and blends in with any wild patch of the garden.
Natural bark-wood creates the roof with added moss to create a natural looking hiding place for hedgehogs.
This shelter makes a great feeding station. To encourage hibernation, a little extra insulation is required, such as adding a dry wooden floor and placing some extra rain cover on top.
But for its quiet style inspired by nature, this makes our hedgehog home list! Check availability.
6. The Hutch Company Hedgehog House
BEST FOR: Giving hedgehogs plenty of interior space
With a separate sleeping area out of view of predators, the Hutch Company Hedgehog House is a residence that will attract residents through the years.
This fabulous hedgehog house is everything a hedgehog family needs to settle down in a friendly back garden, offering plenty of space inside.
Timber construction and felt roof means this house if built to last and is waterproof. It protects hedgehogs from both cold winters and the heat of the summer sun.
The timber is treated with an anti-bacterial coating to help prevent illnesses, and the roof also lifts off for easy cleaning each year. Check availability.
7. The Hutch Company Deluxe Hedgehog House
BEST FOR: Healthy air flow and ventilation
This sturdy Hutch Company Deluxe Hedgehog House comes fully assembled and features a long entranceway that deters predators and promotes healthy airflow in the shelter.
We all love a grand entrance, and this hedgehog home is no exception. Not only does the long box tunnel help keep hedgehogs safer during hibernation, but when used as a feeding station it also stops other animals from entering and stealing the food!
Well-built from sustainable timber, this sturdy design last in the garden for years. Check the latest price.
8. Ruddings Wood Hedgehog House
BEST FOR: Budget-friendly shelter
This Ruddings Wood Hedgehog House features a slate roof, enabling rain to run off easily, as well as being a cool design feature.
Strongly built with heavy-duty timber, this hedgehog house has a long-lasting design and makes an attractive addition to any garden.
Ideal as a feeding station and giving hedgehogs shelter from the elements. To make it perfect for hibernation, it does required being put of a dry surface and would benefit from some added insulation. However, for the price is offers a great robust home as a starting point. Check availability.
Will Hedgehogs actually use a House?
Absolutely, as long as the house is designed well. Things such as the right sized entrance holes, and it being placed in a quiet, sheltered position will encourage these inquisitive creatures to investigate. Many houses can be used as feeding stations or to offer basic shelter from the elements. The more insulated and sheltered the house, the more likely it will be used for hibernation. Read more about hedgehog homes for winter at The British Hedgehog Preservation Society.
Where to put Hedgehog Houses for the Garden
The best place to put a hedgehog house is in a quiet area of the garden that you don’t go near with garden tools like mowers or strimmers. If possible, keeping a wild patch in you garden is beneficial and will not only attract hedgehogs but lots of natural food and other wildlife.
Place your hedgehog house out of the wind, and face the entrance to the south if possible. This will protect hedgehogs from the colder north winds.
Keep hedgehog houses well away from areas where dogs are allowed. Lighter hedgehog houses may need weighing down to stop cats or predators from tipping them up. Read more on helping hedgehogs in your garden.
What Bedding to put in Hedgehog House
It is likely that a hedgehog will find its own nesting materials, such as dried leaves and moss. But, a little help may make your hedgehog house more appealing.
A few handfuls of straw provides good insulation, and a hedgehog will use it as a base and add some materials of its own. Hay and shredded paper works too, but is not as insulating as straw.
A hedgehog house for winter doesn’t have to be an elaborate design to do a good job, but if you are having one in your garden, then you might want something pleasing to look at. The efforts we make to feed hedgehogs the right food, creating a hedgehog friendly garden, as well as providing a safe and cosy place to hibernate means that we can help more hedgehogs survive.
Which hedgehog house is your favourite? Please comment below!
