My advice was only meat based things as they don't process veg fibers or fruit sugars . I did wonder if they were eating my windfalls, but I think it was just the blackbirds last year. Could have sworn I'd seen hogs eating brambles somewhere.🤔
Yes, it was my animal rescue service that suggested apple and carrot were suitable for hogs (in moderation). I have fed the hogs with apple for the past year or two and they always pick the apple first before eating the specific hog propriety food. I was disappointed at the small amount of food and time spent at the feeding bowl last evening, so I am hoping that the addition of chopped apple might appeal. I also give chopped apple and grapes to the birds along with their usual feast of seeds and fat. I would like to think your hogs were eating the windfall apples @purplerallim although I know the blackbirds love them too.
I have wanted to put veg or fruit out for the hogs in the past but was put off by the advice I was given. This year I may add the odd bit of them to the feed.😁
That is one of my concerns @Logan4 , which is why I only put the food out whilst we are sitting in the room that looks out (glass double doors)onto their food bowl and I bring it in before going to bed. The hogs know the routine and normally come between 7 - 11 p.m. I don't have a camera so can't check the bowl throughout the night (next morning).
Latest post from my local rescue - apparently there are more hedgehogs around than usual at this time of year and she has been getting quite a few phone calls.
"We are currently receiving an increased level of calls through the night from people regarding hedgehogs they have seen, so here is a guide on when to help and when to leave them for the current time.
When does a hedgehog need to be rescued ?
A hedgehog out in the day at this time of the year will most likely need help, secure the hedgehog in a tall sided box with a towel and contact your local rescue
A hedgehog out at night with injuries - dragging leg, signs of blood etc, secure the hedgehog in a tall sided box with a towel and contact a local rescue
When does a hedgehog need to be left alone ?
A hedgehog out at night with no signs of an injury can be left, if you want to feed it you can with a meaty cat food and or cat biscuits and a shallow dish of fresh water.
If the hedgehog is not moving in the garden this is normal. If it knows you are looking at it, or you are close by, by not moving it will think you can’t see it and if left totally alone it will move on when it feels safe.
At the moment during the night hedgehogs can be found on drives, in gardens, on pavements, crossing roads and even sitting on doorsteps. As long as they are not injured they can be left to do what hedgehogs do !"
Opened the door a minute ago - there is a hedgehog sitting right next to it. Didn’t roll into a ball, eyes open, nose wet, breathing. Is that normal or does he need help? Really no experience with hogs, any advice please?
He is happily eating dry cat food (chicken), that’s a good sign, right?
update: ok, I might have panicked too soon - the friendly visitor staffed his face with the cat food and walked away. Seemed ok. But isn’ it too early in the year for them to wake up? It was heavily raining all day today, maybe he got too wet.
Posts
"We are currently receiving an increased level of calls through the night from people regarding hedgehogs they have seen, so here is a guide on when to help and when to leave them for the current time.
When does a hedgehog need to be rescued ?
A hedgehog out in the day at this time of the year will most likely need help, secure the hedgehog in a tall sided box with a towel and contact your local rescue
A hedgehog out at night with injuries - dragging leg, signs of blood etc, secure the hedgehog in a tall sided box with a towel and contact a local rescue
When does a hedgehog need to be left alone ?
A hedgehog out at night with no signs of an injury can be left, if you want to feed it you can with a meaty cat food and or cat biscuits and a shallow dish of fresh water.
If the hedgehog is not moving in the garden this is normal. If it knows you are looking at it, or you are close by, by not moving it will think you can’t see it and if left totally alone it will move on when it feels safe.
At the moment during the night hedgehogs can be found on drives, in gardens, on pavements, crossing roads and even sitting on doorsteps. As long as they are not injured they can be left to do what hedgehogs do !"
He is happily eating dry cat food (chicken), that’s a good sign, right?
update: ok, I might have panicked too soon - the friendly visitor staffed his face with the cat food and walked away. Seemed ok.
But isn’ it too early in the year for them to wake up? It was heavily raining all day today, maybe he got too wet.