Hedgehog Out in the Day: When to Watch and When to Help
A UK hedgehog seen in daylight may need urgent help, but a healthy mother can be briefly active. Check the warning signs, know when to watch, and follow BHPS first aid.
4 min read
Nature, a little nearer
The wild begins
at your doorstep.
Discover the birds, creatures and quiet wonders of your garden.
Every garden has a story.
Latest from the journal
View all articles
Build the GroundFeeders Hedgehog House: Measured Wooden Plan
Build our wooden hedgehog house from a measured cut list and illustrated plan. Download the free six-page PDF, then fit the internal passage and removable roof.
5 min read
Seasonal wildlife guide
UK · September–November
Feeding wild birds this autumn
Pause seeds and peanuts through October. From November, food choices widen. Keep feeders clean and follow the seasonal guidance.
Read the autumn bird-feeding guide Browse all seasonal guides →
Seasonal wildlife guide
UK · Autumn
Make room for hedgehogs this Bonfire Night
Build on the day. Move stored materials to a clear spot just before burning. Check carefully for wildlife before lighting.
Read the hedgehog safety guide Browse all seasonal guides →
Seasonal wildlife guide
UK · Autumn and winter
Build a hedgehog house for winter
Give hedgehogs another possible winter nest site. Put a house in a quiet, sheltered spot, leave dry leaves nearby and avoid disturbing it if occupied.
Read the hedgehog-house guide Browse all seasonal guides →
Seasonal wildlife guide
UK · Spring and summer
Feeding birds in spring and summer
In UK gardens, pause seeds and peanuts from May through October. Offer suitable food in small amounts, keep water fresh and follow local guidance.
Read the spring and summer feeding guide Browse all seasonal guides →
Guide 1 of 4
Is This Hedgehog Poo? Droppings, Tracks and Garden Signs
Hedgehog droppings are usually dark, firm and 15–50 mm long, often with insect fragments. Compare verified photos, then check footprints or use a camera or tracking tunnel to confirm a UK garden visit.
4 min read
How Long Does a Pet Hedgehog Live? African Pygmy Lifespan
African pygmy hedgehogs live around 3–6 years on average across veterinary guides. Learn what the figures mean and how to plan for their care.
3 min read
Are Canaries Loud? What to Expect in Your Home
Canaries make audible calls and, especially in males, sustained song. Hear the individual bird before choosing one, plan for a spacious, safe home, and treat a sudden drop in song alongside illness signs as a reason to call an avian vet.
3 min read
How to Build a Hedgehog House: Two UK Garden Options
Make a hedgehog house from a ventilated box or untreated wood. Follow the key entrance, placement and cleaning checks for a UK garden.
5 min read
How Long Can a Baby Squirrel Go Without Food? What to Do
There is no safe starvation countdown for a found baby squirrel. Learn how to give its mother a chance to return, when to call a vet, and why UK grey squirrel rules matter.
3 min read
Can Pet Hedgehogs Eat Tomatoes? Safe Portions and Preparation
A pet African pygmy hedgehog can have a little plain ripe tomato as part of its mixed fruit and vegetables. Learn how to offer it, what to avoid, and why wild UK hedgehogs need different advice.
3 min read
Can Ducks See in the Dark? Mallard Night Vision and Colour
Mallards can detect some natural light at night, but not total darkness. They are not colourblind: studies found four cone types in their retinas. Learn what that does and does not tell us about ducks after dusk.
4 min read
What Time Do Ducks Wake Up? When to Watch Wild Mallards
Wild mallards have no fixed waking time. Studies in Europe show activity peaks around dawn and dusk, while some birds feed at night. Here is when and where to watch without mistaking a dawn flight for a wake-up.
4 min read
Can Skunks Climb Brick Walls? Species, Surfaces and Safer Exclusion
Eastern spotted skunks are agile climbers, while striped skunks more often dig. A brick wall has no reliable skunk-proof height: check the species, wall surface and routes around or beneath it.
4 min read
Why Does My Parrot Bite My Feet? Triggers and What to Do
A parrot may bite a foot for several reasons. Use the moments before the bite to find a pattern, keep walking feet separate from the bird, and reward a safer place to perch.
4 min read
Can Parrots Swim? Water Risks and Safer Bathing
Do not expect a pet parrot to swim to safety in deep water. Learn how to offer a shallow bath or gentle mist, and when a wet bird needs an avian vet.
3 min read
Can Ducks Eat Cilantro? Leaves, Seeds and Safe Serving
Adult pet ducks can have a little plain, clean cilantro as a leafy extra. Keep complete duck feed central, and do not assume dried coriander seeds or health claims have the same evidence.
3 min read
Are Moose More Active in the Rain? What a Field Study Found
Moose can feed and travel in rain. A Minnesota study found more activity during precipitation in spring and summer, but rain alone cannot predict a sighting.
3 min read
Can Parrots Eat Lima Beans? Safe Preparation and Serving
Yes, pet parrots can have a little plain, fully cooked lima bean occasionally. Learn how to prepare dried, frozen and canned beans, and what to do if a bird eats them raw.
3 min read
Do Turtles Need a Heat Lamp? Indoor Terrapin Setup
Indoor pond terrapins need a warm, dry basking area, UVB light and correctly heated water. Learn how to position the lamp and check the temperatures safely.
4 min read
Do Robins Recognise Humans? What a UK Garden Visit Means
A robin may grow used to a gardener, but following a spade does not prove face recognition. Learn what the research tested and what to watch for.
3 min read
African Grey Parrot Care: Housing, Diet and Daily Routine
Set up safe flight space, plan a balanced diet and build a daily routine for a companion African grey. Know which changes call for an avian vet.
5 min read
Finches as Pets: Pros, Cons and Care Commitments
Finches are lively birds to watch, but they need companions, flight space and daily care. Weigh the benefits and commitments before bringing them home.
4 min read
African Grey Body Language: How to Read Common Signals
Read an African grey’s eyes, feathers, beak and posture together. Learn when to give your bird space and which changes call for an avian vet.
4 min read
What Time Do Squirrels Wake Up? A UK Guide to When to Watch
UK red and grey squirrels are active by day, but there is no fixed wake-up hour. Learn when to watch each species and why you may see fewer in winter.
4 min read
Can Squirrels Eat Bread? What to Do Instead
Squirrels may eat bread they find, but do not put it out for them. Learn what to do about a dropped crust, how UK red and grey squirrel advice differs, and what to do if you find a baby.
3 min read
Do Squirrels Eat Fruit? What UK Garden Visitors Eat
Yes, red and grey squirrels eat fruit, but seeds and nuts are central to their diets. See five fruiting plants for UK gardens and when supplementary feeding needs care.
3 min read
How to Make Tap Water Safe for Turtles
Treat replacement tap water with a suitable dechlorinator before adding it to a freshwater turtle tank. Match the temperature and keep testing the tank water.
3 min read
Cloudy Turtle Tank Water: What to Check and How to Fix It
Cloudy water does not show whether your turtle’s tank is safe. Test ammonia and nitrite first, then remove waste, check the filter and make suitable partial water changes.
4 min read
How Do Budgies Sleep? Positions, Routine and Warning Signs
Budgies usually rest on a perch, sometimes on one foot with their head tucked into their feathers. Learn which changes to watch for and how to give a pet budgie a quiet night.
3 min read
Can Tortoises See in the Dark? Vision and Night-Time Care
Tortoises cannot see in complete darkness, and claims of exceptional night vision are unsupported. Learn what dim light means, whether a pet needs a night light and which eye changes need a vet.
3 min read
Can Turtles Drown? Risks, Prevention and What to Do
Yes. Turtles breathe air and can drown if they cannot reach the surface. Learn how to keep a pet aquatic turtle safe and what to do if it is unresponsive.
3 min read
Do Turtles Have Feelings? What Their Behaviour Can Tell You
Turtles can experience pain and stress, but a turtle approaching you does not prove affection. Learn what behaviour can and cannot tell you, and when to seek help.
4 min read
How Long Do Red-Eared Sliders Sleep? What Is Normal
Red-eared sliders usually rest at night, but there is no reliable single hour target for a pet turtle. Learn where they rest, how to set a day–night routine and which changes need a reptile vet.
3 min read
Do Tortoises Like Water? Drinking, Soaking and Swimming Safety
Tortoises need fresh water to drink and may use a shallow dish to bathe. Learn what is safe, why deep water is dangerous for many pet tortoises, and when to ask a reptile vet.
3 min read
Why Does My Tortoise Bite Me? Causes and What to Do
A pet tortoise may nip near food or during handling. Learn how to spot the trigger, reduce bites and care for a wound if its beak breaks your skin.
4 min read
Can Birds Eat Porridge Oats? A UK Guide to Feeding Them Safely
UK garden birds can eat plain, dry, uncooked oats. Learn which oats to use, when to put them out and why cooked porridge is best avoided.
3 min read
Red vs Grey Squirrels: How to Tell Them Apart in the UK
In the UK, red and grey squirrels differ in tail fringe, size and winter ear tufts. Use several clues together: coat colour alone can mislead.
3 min read
Do Tortoises Get Lonely? Should Your Pet Have a Companion?
A tortoise kept alone is not automatically lonely. Learn when company may cause problems, what behaviour can tell you and when to seek veterinary advice.
3 min read
Red-Eared Slider Water Temperature: Hatchlings, Adults and Basking
For red-eared sliders, the water setting differs by age and from the warmer basking area. Learn the RSPCA guidance and how to check both temperatures.
3 min read
Early Signs of Shell Pyramiding in Tortoises: What to Check
Raised shell scutes can be a sign of abnormal growth. Learn which changes need a reptile-vet assessment and which additional symptoms need prompt care.
3 min read
Do Pet Hedgehogs Die Easily? Warning Signs and What to Do
A weak or listless pet hedgehog is not necessarily dying. Learn which changes call for an exotic-pet vet, when to seek emergency help, and what details to report.
3 min read
Should I Put Anything in My Bird Box?
For a normal UK garden bird box, leave the inside clean and unlined. Learn what birds collect themselves, how to help nearby, and when an old box needs cleaning.
3 min read
Do Blackbirds Return to the Same Garden? How to Tell
Blackbirds can use the same garden territory across seasons and years, but a familiar visitor may be a different bird. Learn what you can observe and why winter sightings can mislead.
3 min read
Can a Domestic Parrot Survive in the Wild?
A pet parrot may survive outdoors for a time, but it may struggle to live independently. Learn why release is unsafe, why Britain’s wild parakeets are different and what to do if your bird escapes.
3 min read
Why Do Raccoons Fight in Trees? Causes and What to Do
A female protecting young or males competing during mating season may fight in a tree. Learn what a brief sighting can reveal and how to respond safely in the US.
2 min read
What Is the Best Food for Wild Squirrels? A UK Guide
If red squirrels visit a UK garden without greys, a few in-shell tree nuts can supplement their natural diet. Learn when to feed, what else to offer and how to keep feeders safe.
3 min read
Why Do Blackbirds Fledge on the Ground? What to Do
Young blackbirds often spend time on the ground before they can fly. Learn how to spot a fledgling, when to leave it alone and when to seek help.
3 min read
My Cockatiel Flew Away: Will It Come Back? What to Do Now
Your cockatiel may return or be found nearby. Search promptly, call with familiar sounds, put its cage in view and alert local vets and lost-pet groups.
4 min read
Do Parrots Like Car Rides? Safe Travel Tips for Pet Birds
Some parrots cope well with car journeys; others find them stressful or become sick. Learn how to prepare a carrier, travel safely and recognise when your bird needs a different plan.
3 min read
Can You Feed Blackbirds Without Feeding Pigeons?
No method guarantees that only blackbirds will get the food. A short mealworm offering, a carefully tested guard and a clean feeding routine can give them a better chance in a UK garden.
3 min read
How Many Fish Can You Keep in a Freshwater Aquarium?
There is no safe fish-per-litre formula for every tank. Learn how to plan freshwater aquarium stocking around adult fish size, swimming space, a mature filter and water tests.
4 min read
How to Care for a North American Box Turtle
North American box turtles need a spacious land enclosure, suitable heat and humidity, UVB light, varied food and shallow water. Learn the essentials and a simple daily routine.
5 min read
What Is “Spoiled Pig Syndrome”? Pet Pig Behaviour Explained
“Spoiled pig syndrome” is an informal label, not a diagnosis. People may use it for a pet pig that persistently demands food, pushes or bites. Learn possible reasons and safer responses.
4 min read
What Does It Mean When a Pig Nudges You?
A pig’s nudge can be exploration, a request for food or interaction, or part of a concerning push. Learn how to read the context and respond safely.
4 min read
What Do Kunekune Pigs Eat? A Practical UK Feeding Guide
Kunekune pigs graze, but their diet must match pasture quality and their stage of life. Learn when to add pig feed, what produce is allowed and why kitchen scraps are off limits.
4 min read
Can Squirrels Eat Salted Peanuts? What to Offer Instead
Do not put out salted peanuts for wild squirrels. Find out when plain peanuts are suitable, what to offer instead and what to do if a squirrel has already eaten one.
3 min read
Do Squirrels Come Back to the Same Nest? A UK Drey Guide
Squirrels may reuse a drey, but they also use several shelters. Learn why they move, how to check for activity and what to do before tree or loft work.
4 min read
How Many Times Do Bluebirds Lay Eggs? Clutches and Broods
Eastern Bluebirds may raise one to three broods a season, usually with four or five eggs per clutch. Compare Western and Mountain Bluebirds and learn how to observe nests safely.
3 min read
Should You Soak Dried Mealworms for Wild Birds? A UK Guide
Soak a small portion of dried mealworms in warm water for a few minutes, offer it fresh and clear leftovers by dusk. UK guidance on safe garden feeding.
4 min read
How to Stop a Mini Pig from Squealing: Causes and Calm Responses
Reduce squealing by checking for pain, understanding the trigger and meeting your pig’s needs, with calm handling and reward-based training where appropriate.
5 min read
How Often Do Mini Pigs Poop? Toileting and Warning Signs
Understand your mini pig’s usual toileting pattern, the changes that need a vet, and how to manage toilet training and daily cleaning.
5 min read
How Long Can You Leave a Mini Pig Alone?
Plan time away around your mini pigs’ companionship, daily care and safe housing, with reliable cover for workdays and holidays.
6 min read
Dollar Turtles: Which Pet Turtles Stay Small?
Small turtles still need serious care. Compare adult sizes, understand the “dollar turtle” label and check housing, health and local rules before choosing one.
6 min read
What Time of Day Do Bluebirds Fledge?
Bluebirds do not follow a fixed fledging hour. Learn what the evidence shows, how to estimate the window and how to watch without disturbing them.
4 min read
Can Goats and Pigs Live Together? Housing and Feeding
Goats and pigs can share a property, but shared pens need careful planning. Learn about companions, separate feeding, fencing and shelter.
4 min read
Do Ducks Have Teeth? How Their Bills Work
Ducks have no teeth. Learn how lamellae, specialised bills and a muscular gizzard help them collect and break down food.
4 min read
How Long Do Wild Birds Live? Lifespans and Records
Some wild birds live only a few years; exceptional individuals survive for decades. Compare typical lifespans with ringing records and learn what those figures mean.
5 min read
How Do Wild Birds Keep Cool in Summer?
Birds use shade, bathing and evaporative cooling to cope with summer heat. Learn how to offer shelter and water safely in a UK garden.
5 min read
What Does a Hedgehog Nest Look Like? UK Guide
A hedgehog nest often resembles a compact mound of dry leaves and grass beneath dense cover. Learn how summer, breeding and hibernation nests differ.
6 min read
Where Do Birds Go at Night? A UK Garden Guide
Most garden birds roost in dense cover, cavities, nest boxes or communal sites after dark. Learn where UK birds sleep and how to provide safer shelter.
6 min read
Will Rats Live in a Hedgehog House? What to Do
Rats can investigate or shelter in a hedgehog house, especially when food is nearby. Learn how to separate shelter from feeding, monitor safely and reduce attractants.
6 min read
When Do Hedgehogs Have Babies? A UK Guide
UK hedgehogs usually give birth in June and July, although hoglets may arrive from spring into autumn. Learn the breeding timeline and when a young hedgehog needs help.
6 min read
How to feed hedgehogs without encouraging rats
You cannot make hedgehog food rat-proof, but small portions, prompt clearing and fewer food sources can reduce the risk. Here is what to do if rats start visiting.
6 min read
What do wild hedgehogs eat? Natural diet and safe feeding
Discover what wild European hedgehogs eat, which foods to offer garden visitors, what to avoid and how to keep feeding areas clean.
5 min read
When do hedgehogs hibernate? Timing and winter care
UK hedgehogs usually hibernate between autumn and spring, but the dates vary. Learn what winter activity means, how to protect nests and when to seek help.
6 min read
How to attract hedgehogs to your garden safely
Give visiting hedgehogs a safe way in, natural food and shelter, and clean water. Here is where to start, what to avoid and how to spot a hedgehog that needs help.
7 min read
Bird feeders for small birds only: what actually works?
Compare cages, short perches and weight-sensitive feeders, with practical checks for access, cleaning and seasonal feeding.
7 min read
Feeding birds in spring and summer: a practical guide
Choose suitable food and a manageable summer routine, with UK seasonal feeding guidance clearly distinguished from advice for the United States and Canada.
6 min read
Feeding birds in autumn and winter: a practical guide
Choose food, quantities and a cleaning routine for the colder months, with UK and North American feeding advice clearly distinguished.
8 min read
How to attract birds to your garden: five practical tips
Help birds feel at home with natural food, clean water and useful cover. Five practical steps for UK gardens, with current feeding guidance and a simple checklist.
7 min read
How to Attract Birds to a Ground Feeder Safely
Food, water and shelter for visiting birds — with updated UK feeding advice and practical answers.
6 min read
What are ground feeders? A guide for UK gardens
Ground feeders are low trays for offering food, but current UK advice favours other ways to support birds. Understand the designs, the risks and the alternatives.
8 min read
Which Birds Eat Cicadas? North American Examples and When to Watch
Blue jays, American robins and red-winged blackbirds have all been recorded eating cicadas. Find out which other birds take them, when to look during an emergence, and what one sighting can tell you.
3 min read
Hedgehog Safety Guide
Protect hedgehogs around Bonfire Night: how to check a wood pile, what to do if you find a hedgehog, and when to call for help.
5 min read
Showing 34–44 of 82 articles