Thanks for the tip of feeding station Mark, I'm also going to have a word with the fella next door and see if he minds me removing a brick from our connecting wall so they can roam.
Recently on my early morning walk with my dog i've seen a few hedgehogs near my front garden (which is great as i've tried to make a wildlife friendly garden). Next i'd like to add a hedgehog house. Does anyone have any recommendations?
I too would be worried about a hog out in daylight Tom - may need investigating. We have them arrive before dark for food because I think they've sussed that the early hog catches most food! I have 3 feeders out every night now and they are absolutely empty come morning. A cheap feeding station is a clear plastic box with lid, large enough to accomodate a couple of hogs and a food bowl with an opening of 12cms cut in the end and well taped over the sharp edges. I like these because if you are using a camera trap you van see what's happening inside. I buy online from Ark Wildlife, who supply houses, food etc and work with various hedgehog rescues.
The hedgehog looked alert, seemed to be eating bits that had fallen from bird feeders above. I ran home after seeing it and brought back a small plate with water and left it with it. The hog seemed to be moving around fine.... i hope it's ok!
Tom most hogs out in the day are highly likely to have underline issues & need help at a rescue, predominant causes stem from lungworm. This is obviously not the case, if the hog seems to have a clear path and be busy on the move, as it's typically due to a disturbed nest and moving sites. Early evening is fine, middle of the morning when the sun rises at 5am is alarming.
I had always thought seeing hedgehogs in daylight was bad news for them but having seen an adult hog take the same route regularly in broad daylight (for quite a few consecutive days) across our garden and into an adjoining field and it appeared to be completely healthy and active, has made me rethink this saying.
If in doubt always put a shallow dish or saucer of water for the hog and if it is either slow or looking unwell and has flies or ticks on it, then the nearest vet or rescue centre would be the best people to help.
It's possible that they are tending to young or making a new nest in haste, sometimes you'll see them carrying material. I've seen this happen before after a torrential downpour. The key is to see whether they have a 'direct path' if that makes sense & aren't wandering aimlessly. It's a hard call to make but if unsure rescues are very helpful. The only trouble is when they are completely collapsed it is sometimes too late
It did seem to be moving fine. But then I'm no expert! I've been putting out fresh water all summer but have now gone the whole 'hog' and ordered a house/food bowl/food to be delivered tomorrow.
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Thanks for the tip of feeding station Mark, I'm also going to have a word with the fella next door and see if he minds me removing a brick from our connecting wall so they can roam.
Recently on my early morning walk with my dog i've seen a few hedgehogs near my front garden (which is great as i've tried to make a wildlife friendly garden). Next i'd like to add a hedgehog house. Does anyone have any recommendations?
Found a few doors up the road this morning
Last edited: 23 August 2017 09:42:53
I'd be a little worried about a Hoggie if I saw one out in the daytime, are they supposed to be tucked up in bed before it gets light?
As for the Hoggie house, mine came from Riverside Woodcraft, both are very well made and will last for many years.
and the Feeding Station below
Sheps...
I too would be worried about a hog out in daylight Tom - may need investigating. We have them arrive before dark for food because I think they've sussed that the early hog catches most food! I have 3 feeders out every night now and they are absolutely empty come morning. A cheap feeding station is a clear plastic box with lid, large enough to accomodate a couple of hogs and a food bowl with an opening of 12cms cut in the end and well taped over the sharp edges. I like these because if you are using a camera trap you van see what's happening inside. I buy online from Ark Wildlife, who supply houses, food etc and work with various hedgehog rescues.
The hedgehog looked alert, seemed to be eating bits that had fallen from bird feeders above. I ran home after seeing it and brought back a small plate with water and left it with it. The hog seemed to be moving around fine.... i hope it's ok!
Tom most hogs out in the day are highly likely to have underline issues & need help at a rescue, predominant causes stem from lungworm. This is obviously not the case, if the hog seems to have a clear path and be busy on the move, as it's typically due to a disturbed nest and moving sites. Early evening is fine, middle of the morning when the sun rises at 5am is alarming.
I had always thought seeing hedgehogs in daylight was bad news for them but having seen an adult hog take the same route regularly in broad daylight (for quite a few consecutive days) across our garden and into an adjoining field and it appeared to be completely healthy and active, has made me rethink this saying.
If in doubt always put a shallow dish or saucer of water for the hog and if it is either slow or looking unwell and has flies or ticks on it, then the nearest vet or rescue centre would be the best people to help.
It's possible that they are tending to young or making a new nest in haste, sometimes you'll see them carrying material. I've seen this happen before after a torrential downpour. The key is to see whether they have a 'direct path' if that makes sense & aren't wandering aimlessly. It's a hard call to make but if unsure rescues are very helpful. The only trouble is when they are completely collapsed it is sometimes too late
It did seem to be moving fine. But then I'm no expert! I've been putting out fresh water all summer but have now gone the whole 'hog' and ordered a house/food bowl/food to be delivered tomorrow.
Good for you!