Feeding and sleeping

[mrsdodson]

Hello
I have acquired a hedgehog in my garden, so I am going to make him a new house from a big plastic box and tunnel. However in order to feed it I will need to lift the box everyday which might disturb its hibernation. So should I feed him in a separate box next to it? Or does it need to where it sleeps? Thank You Mrs Dodson

[Nic]

Hi mrsdodson

Yes, you will need a separate feeding place/box, ideally a bit of a distance away from the sleeping/hibernating hog house (otherwise it could attract predators to the nest box). A hibernating hog should not be disturbed. But whilst plastic is fine for feeding, wood is really better for a hog nesting box.

But if a hog is hibernating it won’t be eating. During hibernaton their metabolism slows right down and they survive from their fat reserves.

Some people leave a bit of food out all winter in case a hog is either not hibernating or comes out of hibernation. It’s very important, though that you leave a water source available all day every day, including winter.

If there is a hog still around this late, it’s possible that you have a hog who has decided not to hibernate. If so just keep offering food and water. It isn’t a problem as long as they can get enough food. But if one isn’t hibernating, it might welcome a nice place to sleep as well.

[William]

Still have the one hedgehog coming in for food, a nice size adult. Gradually getting later though.

[Author]

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