Didn't hibernate
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We found out we had hogs because there was one large one that I had to open the gate for so he could go through. Since then we’ve made a hole to go through which they use regularly and another in the back garden so they can get through to nextdoor.
This was back in October and we bought 2 hedgehog houses, one occupied after one day the other still empty. Our hogs didn’t hibernate but carried on feeding throughout the Winter, fairly mild here in Lincolnshire. We know this as we also have 2 trail cams. We have at least 4 hogs.
Should we keep feeding them throughout the year? Also, they are showing signs of breeding behaviour, any thing you can tell me would be a great help. I really want to get things right.Hi lita28mya,
I wish I had as much luck with my hog houses, they have something to eat and have a snooze then bugger off again!
I put food out all year round as you never know what will happen. Even though they say we will be overrun with slugs this year, the hogs prefer to eat other things (can’t say I blame them either) if they can. Fingers crossed you get some hoglets! I’m not 100% on the breeding, I just know that I’ve had hoglets rampaging round the garden over the past couple of years, I still have 4 autumn juveniles with the carer (hoping to get them back in the next week, once carer is happy).Yes keep feeding them! A dish of water is also a godsend each night. As for them getting up to naughtiness, just leave them to it.
If one of them manages to produce sprogs your may see an adult around at odd times of day if she’s got ankle-biters in the nest. Do not worry, it’s perfectly normal! Shortly afterwards the kids will be running around, just be aware that their mouths are tiny so it helps if their food is in small, chewy bits. I use Spikes Semi-Moist hedgehog food when hoglets are about.
Any quessies, bung them up here. We all want to help!
Thanks for the helpful hints. We are complete novices and don’t want to do the wrong thing. I worked for a vet for 10 years so some hogs were brought in but not many and that was some time ago.
Feeding hedgehog biccies, sunflower hearts, chopped peanuts and the dried mealworms they love. They seem to drink quite a lot too, only filtered water though, lol. Spoilt little critters.
Thanks again, LitaI was a novice to the wonders of feeding the hogs until last year – this forum really helped me get the right food etc – I started with the one hog that the cat brought home and ended up with four all now back this year – looking forward to baby hogs this year too all thanks to this site and its tireless folks with their advice and views
I’m new to the forum, and wd just like to ask for some basic info from other members’ knowledge.
Two hogs in my garden in Surrey, spotted very regularly since last Autumn.
Did not appear to hibernate, assuming it’s the same two.
Is that unusual?
Do urban hogs have a different lifestyle to rural?
This pair now feed every night on dried mealworms in two sittings!
Mostly have come alone, but recently dined tete a tete!
Early feed taken fairly soon after dark.
Late session from 3am onward.
1. It’s costing more to feed these two than my cat! What’s the best cheap food pls?
Cannot be something foxes like as vixen calls in day and night!
2. If the bowl is empty and I add m’worms, the hog[s] often arrive within minutes…are they loitering with intent?
3. When might I expect them to expect! any special tips for food for littl’uns?Hi Hettie
Welcome to the Forum!
Glad to hear you have hogs there.
They don’t always hibernate if there is food available. It probably is quite unusual, but there are always some who don’t hibernate and it isn’t a problem if they can get food and water and shelter.
I don’t imagine urban hogs are very much different from rural ones, although there are always hogs who have their own different habits and it may be warmer in urban areas.
Re. Feeding. Mealworms only is not a good idea. They love them and tend to become addicted to them and eat them in preference to other things, but they are not very nutritious for them. It is best to get one of the many hedgehog foods which are now available, either in pet shops or by mail order, or cat or dog food, meat varieties – not fish – either wet food or kitten biscuits. Mealworms are ok in small amounts, but should be treated as more of a snack, or a garnish. You may find the hogs there might not be keen to eat anything else if they have been feeding off mainly mealworms, but it would be a good idea to introduce some hog/cat food gradually. Water is very important, especially if you are feeding dry food. Hedgehogs do tend to drink quite a lot. You might need to experiment to find out what food foxes don’t eat. I imagine they would eat cat/dog food.
The gestation period in hedgehogs is about 4.5 weeks, but can be variable. Most hoglets are probably not born until June or July, but if it is a male and female visiting there, they may produce youngsters earlier – you never know! You don’t need to worry about getting anything different for the hoglets if/when they arrive. Mum will feed and look after them until they are able to eat normal hog food.
The cheapest food, is probably to try to improve the habitat in your garden and try to encourage other people in the area to do likewise – so that the hogs can find their own natural food. And, of course, link the gardens. There are lots of tips on this site.
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