NestGuest Good Hedgehog House Siting Instructions
- August 26, 2024
- NestGuest
Table of Contents
NestGuest Good Hedgehog House Siting
Product Information
The NestGuestTM is an environmentally friendly wildlife shelter made from 100% recycled and recyclable polyethylene. It is UV resistant, highly durable, and easy to clean. Designed in consultation with wildlife experts, it offers a spacious nesting area, ample ventilation, and an integrated tunnel to deter predators.
This product helps repurpose discarded plastic into functional wildlife shelters that benefit both the inhabitants and the environment. It is not intended for use as a hedgehog feeding station to avoid attracting predators.
Specifications:
- Material: 100% recycled and 100% recyclable polyethylene
- Features: UV resistant, highly durable, easy to clean
- Lifespan: Many years
- Design: Spacious nesting area, plentiful ventilation, integrated tunnel
Product Usage Instructions
Siting and Preparing:
- Find a quiet, shady area to place the NestGuestTM.
- Level the ground where you intend to install the shelter.
- Ensure the shelter blends in with its surroundings for better camouflage.
- Provide a clear access corridor of at least 30 cm directly in front of the entrance for easy entry and exit.
- Keep ventilation apertures and the entrance unobstructed to maintain proper airflow.
Cleaning and Maintenance:
Regularly clean the NestGuestTM to ensure a hygienic environment for wildlife.
Use mild soap and water to clean the interior and exterior surfaces. Avoid
using harsh chemicals that may harm the animals or the environment. Inspect
the shelter periodically for any damage and make repairs as needed.
FAQ:
- Q: Can I use the NestGuestTM as a hedgehog feeding station?
A: No, it is not recommended to add food to the NestGuestTM as it could attract predators. This product is designed as a wildlife shelter and should not be used for feeding purposes.
About the NestGuest™
The NestGuestTM is made from 100% recycled and 100% recyclable polyethylene which UV resistant, highly durable and easy to clean.. Polyethylene has a lifespan of many, many years. We are taking discarded plastic out of the recycling system to create wildlife shelters that have a positive, long-term and functional value for both their inhabitants and the environment. The NestGuestTM was designed in consultation with wildlife experts so the final product provides a spacious nesting area, plentiful ventilation and an integrated tunnel that will deter potential predators.
Please note – this product must not be used as a hedgehog feeding station. Adding food to the NestGuestTM could encourage predators.
Siting and preparing
Find a quiet, shady area
- Hedgehogs need undisturbed peace and quiet to thrive so first, choose a secluded ‘low traffic’ part of your garden or property.
- Next, find a small area that can accommodate the NestGuestTM hedgehog house that offers shade (never place in direct sunlight) and where undergrowth or planting provide cover. Ideally, the house should be placed against a wall or fence but this isn’t essential.
Level the ground
- If needed, level the ground with a spade or shovel to match the ‘footprint’ of the hedgehog house. This is important because the NestGuestTM hedgehog house has been designed with a sloping roof that takes rainwater away from the entrance.
Make it blend in
- Position the base section of the house on your levelled ground. Place just a handful of dry leaves and hay (not straw) in the nesting area.
- Don’t fill the nesting area as hedgehogs like to gather their own nesting material. Scatter a handful of leaves along the internal entrance corridor.
- Ensure the entrance doesn’t face north (to avoid cold northerly winds). Facing south or south west is preferable. Also ensure there is a clear access corridor (30 cms or so) directly in front of the entrance.
- Then place the roof section onto the base.
- Finally, to help assimilate your hedgehog house into its environment – and to make it more appealing to your hedgehogs – place some logs, branches and leaves around the house. Put some lighter branches and twigs on the roof.
Ensure that neither the ventilation apertures nor the entrance are obstructed.
Cleaning and maintenance
- Please clean your NestGuestTM hedgehog house when hedgehogs are not hibernating or nesting. The best times are April, before a family is established, or in October, before hibernation and after the hoglets have been weaned.
- Placing one or two light plant stems across the entrance overnight will indicate whether your hedgehog is still in residence. If they are not at home, the NestGuestTM hedgehog house is easy to clean.
- Remove all the old nesting material – and any accompanying ticks and fleas! – and simply wipe the interior with a damp, warm cloth.
- Then prepare the NestGuestTM as detailed above.