Prepare for winter residents

We have a hedgehog house that has been used this spring/summer and has a big nest in it but no hedgehog now. How should I prepare the house for hibernation? Should I remove the nest and clean the box out or leave it?

Thank you

Alexandra           

Many thanks for your recent message regarding your hedgehog house. The following information should be of help;

Ensure the house is definitely not occupied then remove the previous nest and thoroughly clean the interior Place some paper or sawdust on the floor of the house and leave some hay by the entrance for the hedgehog to take inside and use as bedding Position the house in a sheltered location with the entrance facing south or south west to avoid cold winter winds from the north

Follow these three pointers and hopefully you will have a winter resident!

Many thanks for your enquiry and please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any further questions or queries.

Martin