Disturbed nests

If you have disturbed a nest

If you have only disturbed the top layers, and immediately see that there is a nest, cover it back up immediately. 

• DO NOT TOUCH a sleeping hedgehog, do not touch any babies that are still in the nest.
• If mum runs off, cover the babies with what you have removed, then back off and watch from a distance to make sure she comes back. Do not keep uncovering the nest to check on them. If babies are distressed or hungry, they will peep loudly. If more than an hour, contact EHF or call a wildlife hospital.
• Note: if the babies are less than two weeks old (eyes still closed, not fully covered by fur), mum might kill them if she feels disturbed. Avoid any further stress to the nest. 

If the nest is largely destroyed

If a big part of the nest has been taken apart and the hoglets run out, still put back as much of the nesting materials as possible. Then pop the babies back in and cover them lightly. 

• You will need to touch the babies to put them back. Wear gloves or use a towel. Rub your gloves in soil, grass, anything natural to mask your scent.
• Watch from a distance: hopefully mum will return. 
• If the nest is uncovered and the cover can't be restored, for example because a shed was removed, put the nesting material into a safe corner near to where it was. Give the mother time to come back. 
• If this is not possible, secure the babies by following the advice on our How to rescue page. 
  
  

Don't kill these little hoglets - give them some time to grow up!

Relocating nests from a garden to a different location hardly ever works.

Attempting to do so will endanger the mum and the babies.
Give them time - they will be gone within 4-6 weeks (depending on how old the hoglets are)
Please consider postponing your building works in the garden.

If your dog has disturbed the nest, walk it on a lead in the garden for the remaining few weeks.
Or make a barrier with an improvised fence to keep the dog off the nesting area.
Make sure that the hedgehogs can get in and out through the fence and won't get stuck in it (use fence elements with large gaps or fine mesh in the areas closest to the ground). Do not use netting, as they may get entangled in it.
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Where do hedgehogs nest?

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• In long grass, under shrubs and bushes
  
• Under and inside sheds, greenhouses, garages and under decking
• Under tarps that cover BBQs or stacked chairs
• In builder’s rubbish or in plastic bags - black bin bags are very popular