Hi Kissy
I usually feed the hogs here out in the open, unless it is raining when I put a child’s plastic table over the food bowls to keep them dry. Like you, I like to see the hogs, but find that even the table gets in the way of that a bit. I only feed whilst I am up to watch – it is only supposed to be supplementary feeding after all – so am able to scare any cats away quite easily. Also, most cats aren’t interested in the hog food I use, so that might be an alternative idea for you. There are various types about, such as Ark Wildlife Hedgehog Mix or I Love Hedgehogs, which I use.
Re. the respective merits of the two boxes. It seems to me it is mostly personal choice about appearance. You could have 10 years worth of plastic boxes for the same amount of money as the wooden one would cost and how much longer than 10 years is it going to last. And, as you say, you wouldn’t be able to see the hogs. Also, is the wooden one sufficiently cat proof anyway. Penny posted a picture of a brilliant cat proof feeding station box she made
https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/forums/topic/mutant-rampaging-hedgehogs/page/3/
Section 3 and you will need to scroll down a bit.
It has two entrances/exits, so a handy escape route if a grumpy hog goes in when there is another one already there and it has a partition just inside the entrance to deter the cats.
