Hedgehog Shelter

Hedgehog Shelter – Econex

• ✅ Designed to provide a safe refuge for hedgehogs
• ✅ Made from weather-resistant pine wood
• ✅ Elevated from the ground to prevent moisture
• ✅ Hinged roof with a secure locking system
• ✅ Available as a single unit or in a pack of 2

Description

The Hedgehog Shelter – Econex is an ideal solution to provide a safe refuge for hedgehogs in gardens, parks, and rural areas. This shelter helps protect these small mammals from predators and harsh weather conditions, allowing them to rest, hibernate, or breed in a secure environment.

It is built from 20 mm thick tongue-and-groove pine wood, treated with a protective stain to ensure weather resistance. The structure is reinforced at the inner corners, and the roof is covered with a bitumen shingle layer, providing insulation and additional protection. Additionally, the roof is hinged and can be fully opened for easy cleaning and maintenance. The shelter is secured with a locking hook to ensure stability.

To prevent contact with ground moisture, the shelter is elevated 3 cm from the ground using three wooden slats nailed to the base. It also features an internal protective partition near the entrance to prevent predator attacks from animals like foxes.

Available Options

The Econex HEDGEHOG SHELTER is available in two formats to meet different conservation needs:

📦 Purchase Options:

• Single unit – Ideal for private gardens, parks, and small conservation areas.
• Pack of 2 units – Perfect for reintroduction programs, nature reserves, and environmental education projects.

Technical Specifications

• ✔️ Material: 20 mm tongue-and-groove pine wood, treated for weather resistance.
• ✔️ Dimensions:
  • Width: 60 cm.
  • Height: 37 cm.
  • Depth: 40 cm.
• ✔️ Entrance hole: 12 x 11.5 cm.
• ✔️ Weight: 9.65 kg.
• ✔️ Optimized design: Reinforced structure with screws and internal protection against predators.
• ✔️ Hinged roof: Fully openable with a locking hook for secure closure.
• ✔️ Elevated from the ground: Raised 3 cm above the ground level to prevent moisture buildup.
• ✔️ Easy installation: Can be placed against a wall, tree, or protected area.
• ✔️ Guaranteed durability: Weather-resistant and structurally stable.

Placement of the Shelter

To ensure the safety and comfort of hedgehogs, follow these recommendations:

📍 Recommended Location:

• Place the shelter next to a wall or tree in a wind-protected area.
• Avoid installing it in areas with frequent human or predator traffic.
• The entrance should be oriented away from wind currents and protected from rain.
• In winter, place it in a sunny area to provide extra warmth.
• In summer, move it to a shaded area to prevent overheating.

⚠️ Installation Recommendations:

• Place it on firm, well-drained ground.
• Do not disturb the shelter during hibernation or the breeding season.

Purpose and Use

Hedgehogs play a vital role in ecosystems by contributing to the biological control of pests. Their diet includes insects, larvae, millipedes, snails, and slugs, making them natural allies in gardens and crops.

This shelter provides hedgehogs with a safe place to sleep during the day (as they are nocturnal animals), hibernate in winter, and give birth in spring and summer. It is also valuable for environmental education projects, promoting hedgehog conservation in urban and rural settings.

Maintenance

• It is recommended to clean the shelter at least once a year.
• Remove all accumulated bedding material left by hedgehogs.
• Disinfect with hot water and allow it to dry completely before repositioning.
• Avoid any handling while hedgehogs are using the shelter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the benefits of the Hedgehog Shelter?

It provides a safe refuge for hedgehogs, helping them stay protected from predators and adverse weather conditions. Additionally, hedgehogs contribute to the natural pest control in gardens and crops.

What is this shelter used for?

Hedgehogs can use it for sleeping during the day, hibernating in winter, or giving birth in spring and summer.

Where should the shelter be placed?

It should be positioned next to a wall or tree in a wind-protected area, with proper orientation based on the season:

• In winter: sunny location to provide extra warmth.
• In summer: shaded area to prevent overheating.

What is the difference between the single unit and the pack of 2?

The single unit is ideal for gardens and small conservation areas, while the pack of 2 is designed for nature reserves and hedgehog reintroduction projects.

How should the shelter be installed?

It should be placed on firm, dry ground, avoiding areas prone to water accumulation. Its 3 cm elevation prevents contact with moisture.

What maintenance does the shelter require?

It is recommended to clean the shelter once a year, removing accumulated bedding material and disinfecting it with hot water.

Why should hedgehogs not be disturbed?

During hibernation, waking them up suddenly can be harmful to their survival. In the breeding season, any disturbance could cause the mother to abandon her young.