Day of the Hedgehog
From the perspective of Gut Aiderbichl
In a few weeks, the small, prickly friends will leave their winter quarters again. Depending on the region and the weather, this may be the case at the end of March. However, leaving the winter quarters can also extend into April or even May. The little hedgehog nose will then go in search of food, because during hibernation the hedgehog loses about 20 - 40% of its body weight.
In November, when the ground temperatures are around freezing, the hedgehog family will look for suitable winter quarters. Before they "hunker down", the otherwise nocturnal animals are active during the day and look for food to build up fat reserves. Especially the young hedgehogs born between June and August need to build up a good supply of food. If they weigh less than 500 grams in early to mid-November, they are in need of help and must be fed.
The special features of prickly friends in the garden
There are 24 different species of hedgehogs. They all have the spiky top, the dark beady eyes and the small, round nose in common. They have tiny, furry ears and even a small tail.
A hedgehog will not attack a human. On the contrary, if it senses danger from the human or animal, it curls up and what remains is a spiky ball that you'd rather leave lying around.
Hedgehogs are protected species and prefer natural gardens. They love native trees and shrubs, under whose foliage or branches they can hide. A pile of leaves under the trees in the garden is an excellent place for them to hibernate.
Hedgehogs are solitary animals and, except in winter, nocturnal. While people sleep, they consume insects under tree bark, earthworms, spiders and snails and also mice or frogs. In summer, they are happy to have a bowl of water in the garden.
Unfortunately, many of the hedgehogs' natural habitats are being destroyed. Old houses and their beautiful old gardens are being demolished. Who thinks of Master Mecki when demolishing old walls or removing an ancient hedge? Replacement concrete buildings and much too narrow green paths no longer provide a habitat for hedgehogs.
The story of the "Ferrari hedgehog"
The "Ferrari hedgehog" has become legendary for us, because it proves that many people also brake for animals. One evening, Michael Aufhauser watched a hedgehog being hurled to the side of the road by a Ferrari that was going too fast. With its short little legs, it could not escape the Ferrari. Michael Aufhauser stopped and was about to wrap the injured hedgehog in a cloth when the Ferrari driver came back and inquired about the injured hedgehog, fully embarrassed. Mr. Hedgehog was taken to the animal hospital and released into the wild after a few days at Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf.
I wish for many more Ferrari hedgehogs in the world and look forward to the next tour with you.
Sincerely, your Gisela
