When I first saw the hedgehog this summer I was delighted. There he was
snuffling his way along the garden path towards the seed the birds had thrown
out of the bird feeders. I love hedgehogs, despite the fleas, although I have
no idea why. I think that it may be because it’s hard not to see them as
Beatrix Potter characters, cute little bundles of needles wearing britches or
aprons, or it could be because they always look like they’re smiling. They seem such jolly little things.
We've been feeding our hedgehog ever since with mealworms, raisins, apples, and cat food; which is how I managed to get this picture. Sometimes there are two of them. Often they are joined by a feral cat or two, which the hedgehogs don't seem to mind, and once a fox joined in the fun which was a bit of a surprise to all. Of course the appearance of the fox scattered the cats and turned the hedgehogs into spiny balls quick as a flash - until I shooed the fox away.
Inside the house Luna was going crazy in the windows, even climbing the doors to get a look at her wilder cousins. It was ages until the hedgehogs unfurled. I expect that they didn't fancy becoming fox's dinner.
It'll be hibernation time for the hedgehogs soon. Perhaps I'll build them a snug little house with some pegs to hang up their aprons on and a fireplace to keep them warm.
Inside the house Luna was going crazy in the windows, even climbing the doors to get a look at her wilder cousins. It was ages until the hedgehogs unfurled. I expect that they didn't fancy becoming fox's dinner.
It'll be hibernation time for the hedgehogs soon. Perhaps I'll build them a snug little house with some pegs to hang up their aprons on and a fireplace to keep them warm.
