Transform your garden into a cozy sanctuary for our spiky friends with a DIY hedgehog house made from bricks. Bricks not only provide excellent insulation but also offer a sturdy, long-lasting home for hedgehogs. Let's dive into this step-by-step guide to create an inviting brick haven for these fascinating creatures.
Before we begin, it's essential to understand that hedgehogs prefer homes that mimic their natural environment. They like to have a main entrance, a nesting chamber, and a small tunnel leading to an escape hatch. With this in mind, let's start building.
Gathering Materials and Tools
To construct your brick hedgehog house, you'll need the following materials and tools:
- Bricks (around 50-60 standard bricks)
- Cement or mortar
- Trowel
- Spirit level
- Tape measure
- String line and pegs
- Hedgehog house plans (you can find various designs online)
Preparing the Site
Choose a suitable location for your hedgehog house, ideally with some nearby vegetation for foraging and cover. Ensure the site is dry and well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which hedgehogs dislike.
Mark out the dimensions of your hedgehog house using the tape measure and string line. Make sure the base is level using the spirit level to ensure stability.
Laying the Foundation
Start by laying a layer of cement or mortar on the base to create a solid foundation. Ensure the layer is even and level using the spirit level.
Place your first layer of bricks on top of the cement, following your chosen design. Use the trowel to apply a thin layer of cement or mortar between each brick for better adhesion. Ensure each brick is level and aligned with the one next to it.
Building the Walls
Continue laying bricks in courses, working your way up to the desired height (around 20-25cm is suitable for hedgehogs). Remember to leave an opening for the main entrance, typically around 13x13cm.
As you build, ensure the walls are plumb (vertical) and the courses are level. Use the spirit level and trowel to maintain accuracy. You can also use a small piece of wood or a brick as a spacer to maintain consistent joints.
Creating the Nesting Chamber
Once you've reached the desired height, start building the nesting chamber. This should be a smaller, enclosed space within the main structure, accessible through a small tunnel from the main entrance.
Leave an opening at the top of the nesting chamber for ventilation and to allow hedgehogs to enter and exit. This should be around 5x5cm. You can also create an escape hatch on the side of the nesting chamber, around 10cm off the ground, for hedgehogs to use in case of predators.
Finishing Touches
Once you've completed the structure, apply a final layer of cement or mortar to the top to create a flat surface. This will help prevent water from entering the house and provide a stable base for any plants or vegetation you might want to place on top.
Allow the cement or mortar to cure for at least 48 hours before placing your hedgehog house in its final location. This will ensure the structure is strong and durable.
Encouraging Hedgehogs to Move In
Now that your brick hedgehog house is complete, it's time to make it inviting for our spiky friends. Here are some tips to encourage hedgehogs to move in:
- Place the house in a quiet, secluded area with nearby vegetation for foraging and cover.
- Create a small pile of dry leaves or straw near the house to attract hedgehogs.
- Provide a shallow dish of fresh water daily, especially during dry periods.
- Offer a small amount of cat or dog food, or specialized hedgehog food, as a supplement to their natural diet.
Patience is key when attracting hedgehogs. It may take some time for them to discover and move into your brick hedgehog house. Keep an eye out for signs of occupancy, such as disturbed leaves or droppings, and enjoy the satisfaction of providing a safe haven for these wonderful creatures.
Happy hedgehog housing! With a little effort and the right materials, you've created a durable, inviting home that will benefit hedgehogs for years to come. Who knows, you might even spot your new prickly neighbors enjoying their new digs.