Thanks Mark...apparently cats don't like going into dark holes, but the cats round my way are brazen so will probably check it out, if all else fails ( and thanks for the tip ) the company that made it sell some tunnels that bolt onto the openings, which in theory should without doubt stop any cats entering.
Also, I'll be ordering a Hedgehog House in a few weeks, then maybe I can persuade Hoggie to over-winter in the garden where he / she will be safe whilst hibernating.
For the first time since we moved here 4 years ago last night I witnessed a hedgehog in our garden! Took Dudley the rescue out for his last pee before bedtime and he shot straight over to an area of gravel near the conservatory and as I went over to see what the fuss was about the PIR light came on and there he / she was. Dudley didn't try and get near him but I picked the dog straight up and put him back in the house. On going back out the hedgehog had already made his 'escape'.
I'd long given up on having these amazing creatures visit as our garden is surrounded on all four sides by fencing including an electric wooden gate that leaves no gaps and therefore entry or exit paths although the gate is open during the day and till late evening so they can pass to an extent. However a few weeks ago I noticed that something, which I assumed to be a rat (we have had occasional rats in the past) had created an opening under one of the gravel boards. This is in an area of the garden where I had put two log piles of which Dudley has been showing some interest of late. I had actually put rat traps down (in a tunnel created with bricks so no other animals could reach the trap) but these haven't been touched. So now I'm thinking this gap under the gravel boards could have been created by the hedgehogs and that they are spending time in the log pile.
At this time of year I imagine they have plentiful supplies of food so I don't plan on doing anything other than hope I see them again, oh and try and ensure Dudley is not over-interested or harasses them.
It's difficult with a dog, especially if they are escape artists like my Border Terrier, although he won't get near & will bark from a distance. What breed is Dudley? We have a routine now, for which I'll turn the outdoor lights on 30 seconds before I let Barney out & as a result the hogs have learnt that this is a warning, they usually head for the undergrowth. If you've got a large dog, a hedgehog sized gap of 5" is all that's necessary, under a gate or fence. The hog was more than likely after beetles hiding amongst the logs.
My two collies "signal" just by looking at the hogs but don't actually go too close. I try to check the garden before the dogs go out last thing, and also put outside lights on. If they are busy scoffing food (inside clear containers), they sometimes just stay put until we retreat back inside!
If you don't already have hedgehogs in your area, it would suggest that there are not sufficient habitats to support them; it is also unlikely that a rescue centre would release any to you. Read up as much as you can about how to attract them - leave a wild area, make sure they can move from area to area easily through walls or fences, don't use any chemicals and just generally be aware of what the creatures need. If you rake up leaves, leave them in heaps under hedges for instance.They will visit if it is a suitable habitat for them.
BHPS has lots of info, as do all the other rescue centres. Good luck
Cats are generally not a threat to adult hogs, only new borns. The spikes put them off straight away, dogs are more of an issue. I echo Clathy's sentiments, rescues are reluctant to release to areas where hogs are not present. There's usually a lack of food source or other reasons for this
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Thanks Mark...apparently cats don't like going into dark holes, but the cats round my way are brazen so will probably check it out, if all else fails ( and thanks for the tip ) the company that made it sell some tunnels that bolt onto the openings, which in theory should without doubt stop any cats entering.
Also, I'll be ordering a Hedgehog House in a few weeks, then maybe I can persuade Hoggie to over-winter in the garden where he / she will be safe whilst hibernating.
For the first time since we moved here 4 years ago last night I witnessed a hedgehog in our garden! Took Dudley the rescue out for his last pee before bedtime and he shot straight over to an area of gravel near the conservatory and as I went over to see what the fuss was about the PIR light came on and there he / she was. Dudley didn't try and get near him but I picked the dog straight up and put him back in the house. On going back out the hedgehog had already made his 'escape'.
I'd long given up on having these amazing creatures visit as our garden is surrounded on all four sides by fencing including an electric wooden gate that leaves no gaps and therefore entry or exit paths although the gate is open during the day and till late evening so they can pass to an extent. However a few weeks ago I noticed that something, which I assumed to be a rat (we have had occasional rats in the past) had created an opening under one of the gravel boards. This is in an area of the garden where I had put two log piles of which Dudley has been showing some interest of late. I had actually put rat traps down (in a tunnel created with bricks so no other animals could reach the trap) but these haven't been touched. So now I'm thinking this gap under the gravel boards could have been created by the hedgehogs and that they are spending time in the log pile.
At this time of year I imagine they have plentiful supplies of food so I don't plan on doing anything other than hope I see them again, oh and try and ensure Dudley is not over-interested or harasses them.
Any pointers very welcome.
It's difficult with a dog, especially if they are escape artists like my Border Terrier, although he won't get near & will bark from a distance. What breed is Dudley? We have a routine now, for which I'll turn the outdoor lights on 30 seconds before I let Barney out & as a result the hogs have learnt that this is a warning, they usually head for the undergrowth. If you've got a large dog, a hedgehog sized gap of 5" is all that's necessary, under a gate or fence. The hog was more than likely after beetles hiding amongst the logs.
He's a small fella Mark, a Maltese Terrier (most likely crossed with a Bijon). You can find him here:
http://www.gardenersworld.com/forum/the-potting-shed/pet-companions/980453-57.html/
My two collies "signal" just by looking at the hogs but don't actually go too close. I try to check the garden before the dogs go out last thing, and also put outside lights on. If they are busy scoffing food (inside clear containers), they sometimes just stay put until we retreat back inside!
Bobby, you might google "hedgehog rescue" for your area. I know folk who've had them from rescue centres.
Glad " the cats have gone" and so will the rest of the garden wildlife.
Last edited: 01 August 2017 09:59:14
Good idea.
So good hedgehogs do not live with us. We do not feed
Good luck
Hi Bobby
If you don't already have hedgehogs in your area, it would suggest that there are not sufficient habitats to support them; it is also unlikely that a rescue centre would release any to you. Read up as much as you can about how to attract them - leave a wild area, make sure they can move from area to area easily through walls or fences, don't use any chemicals and just generally be aware of what the creatures need. If you rake up leaves, leave them in heaps under hedges for instance.They will visit if it is a suitable habitat for them.
BHPS has lots of info, as do all the other rescue centres. Good luck
Cats are generally not a threat to adult hogs, only new borns. The spikes put them off straight away, dogs are more of an issue. I echo Clathy's sentiments, rescues are reluctant to release to areas where hogs are not present. There's usually a lack of food source or other reasons for this
Last edited: 01 August 2017 12:44:52