Details

The original Hedgehog House is constructed from durable timber/oak/larch/birch with double layered roof for waterproofing and insulation and oak floor. The entrance tunnel provides protection from domestic cats and dogs, foxes and badgers. There is a hinged inspection door at the back for annual cleaning and inspection of sick or rescued hedgehogs. The house comes complete with vent pipe and instructions.

Dimensions: 195 x 385 x 430 - 5.38KG

The Hedgehog House is made from F.S.C Wood and a water-based stain – Wildlife World are members of an FSC Chain Of Custody Group and have been responsible for encouraging several sawmills and suppliers to become Certified to meet our demand for well managed timber. They have now almost achieved a 100% FSC supply for all our components other than waste wood. Chain of Custody Cert No. SGS-COC 1654 O. This information has been supplied by Wildlife World Ltd.

FACTS

What is FSC?

The Forest Stewardship Council enables you to buy forest products of all kinds with confidence that you are not contributing to global forest destruction. FSC certified forests are managed to ensure long term timber supplies while protecting the environment and the lives of forest-dependent peoples. FSC certification can also cover non-timber forest products such as latex and foods. A system of Chain of Custody certification traces forest products through the supply chain to the end-consumer. Whenever you buy timber or timber products always look for the FSC logo.

FIVE FACTS about Hibernating Hedgehogs

• Hibernation - What is it?

Hibernation is a complicated and often perilous energy conservation strategy. It is not just 'going to sleep.' In sleep all bodily functions remain nearly normal but in hibernation the metabolism is almost at a standstill

• Hibernation - Why?

Like all other animals, hedgehogs need energy in order to maintain normal body activities, to grow and to move about. This energy comes from their food (slugs, beetles, caterpillars, snails etc). As the weather gets colder such food becomes more difficult to find and so they decide to slow down their use of energy

• Hibernation - How?

They become immobile, their bodies cool and their normal physiological activities are slowed down e.g. their heart rate decreases from approximately 190 per minute to a faint 20 per minute, the body temperature, which is normally 35ºC drops to 10°C or less and respiration almost stops (they will breath about once every few minutes)

• Hibernation - When?

This is very dependent on the prevailing weather conditions and starts when the temperature in the immediate surroundings becomes and remains relatively low, which in Britain is usually November, December or even January. There also appears to be an internal readiness that brings about certain physiological changes

• Hibernation - How long?

Usually, hibernation ends about mid-March to early April but this may vary from one area to another and in years with exceptional weather conditions.

For more information visit http://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk