When the hedgehogs have regained their strength after being nursed up, it is time to release them into the wild. In order to make it easier for the animal to go outside, a few aspects should be taken into account. This includes choosing the right time and the feed setting.
How to properly release a hedgehog into the wild?
To successfully release a hedgehog into the wild, choose the right time, get the animal used to the outside temperatures and stop feeding. Free-range accommodation enables the hedgehog to return to freedom independently.
Rewilding
If the foundling has spent the cold season in the apartment, use a cardboard box or the sleeping house to release it into the wild. For the first two weeks, place his home in a cool and protected place in the basement, garage or garden shed. This allows the body to get used to the temperatures outdoors. Place the shelter in the garden and offer cat food for the first 14 days. Remove the house after your charge escapes.
Get the timing right:
- release overwintered animals in spring
- Release of strong and strengthened animals possible before the onset of winter
- Release takes place in the late evening hours
For outdoor accommodation
If the hedgehog was placed in an outdoor enclosure, open it. This means the animal can decide for itself when it wants to find its way back to freedom. Offer him food for another two weeks so that he can rely on emergency food. To prevent a habituation effect, you should no longer provide food afterwards.
Adjust feeding correctly
Hedgehogs should not be used to people. Therefore, they have to experience that the food source is not constantly available. Even if it is not easy, an abrupt withdrawal of food is better for the animal. Provided it has recovered sufficiently and is strong enough.
Total withdrawal
An even reduction in food, especially shortly before the onset of winter, would mean that the spiny predators keep appearing in the garden and do not go into hibernation. If you confront him with total withdrawal instead, he will suddenly have to adapt to the conditions in nature and follow the natural rhythm.
Use this measure in accordance with the outside temperatures, as these play an important role for the mammals. As soon as the thermometer suddenly drops into the single digits, stop feeding.
