Hedgehog homes

[AnnJazz]

I am interested to know that if a hog moves into a hedgehog house, do they use it every night or is it a case of “First come first served”

[Nic]

Hi AnnJazz

It’s very variable. Sometimes hogs don’t move in until a box has become ‘part of the furniture’ and other times one will move in quite quickly. But some might just stay for a few nights before moving on elsewhere and others might stay longer. Some might only use a hog house for naps between snacks and have a day nest elsewhere, but a female might move in and produce her young there.

I would be inclined to put a small amount of bedding into the house, to give them the idea, but leave a nice supply of potential bedding nearby. Many hogs like to do their own interior decorations and some have even been known to remove all the materials a person has kindly put in boxes for them!

Good luck. I hope you get a tenant soon (assuming you already have a hog house). Happy hog watching.

[AnnJazz]

Thanks. My hog house arrived today so I’ve been gathering some dry leaves for it and will put a bit of food and water in as well. My garden is very busy with hedgehogs so I’m hoping to get a resident, although I do wonder if they will find it as I’ve tucked it away off the main thoroughfare.

[Nic]

Hi AnnJazz

Great news that your hog house has arrived. If you want it to be used as a residence, it’s best not to use it for food, etc. as well. It’s best to keep feeding and nesting areas a bit away from each other, so as not to attract unwanted visitors if, for instance, a Mother decided to use the box intended for residence for her young to be born in.

It’s probably best to locate it somewhere fairly quiet, so where you said sounds ideal. I expect the hogs will find it. Good luck.

[Author]

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