Nesting Hedgehogs

[NiamhsNan]

Hello
I’ve recently (one week ago) purchased and put out my new hedgehog home. I read all the useful tips about where to place it etc. I placed straw inside and hoped I’d get a new garden resident.
Well last night I was woken to lots of noise and shuffling outside.
This morning the hog house has been used. More leaves have been taken in and when I gently lifted the hog house lid the straw has been pulled into a tight circle with the tiniest of holes in the centre. I didn’t disturb it and gently replaced the lid.
Do you think I have a hedgehog or could it be another garden visitor – last year I had mice in the garden shed?

[Nic]

Hi NiamhsNan

Sounds promising, but it depends what you mean by the tiniest of holes! Is it big enough to fit a hog in, possibly curled up? When they make their hibernation nests, it does sound a bit as you describe with a hog sized circular ‘chamber’ in the centre. It’s a bit early for hibernation nests, but the weather has been so strange that the hogs could probably be forgiven if they got confused! But, probably best not to lift the lid, just in case it’s a prospective mum.

[NiamhsNan]

Hi Nic,
Thanks for your response. As you recommend I haven’t opened the house again but I can see there has been more activity with more leaves and woody bits taken into the entry area.
Again last night there was lots of scratching and shuffling noises – maybe too big for a mouse?
The house is in a snug corner place near the edge of the bungalow with lots of protection from the elements so if it is a new mummy she and the babies will be safe from disturbance.
Very exciting.
The food I’ve been putting out (a good distance away from the hog house) and its always eaten. So all hopeful signs….

[Nic]

Hi NiamhsNan

It is exciting! Whatever it’s eventually used for, I always think it’s an honour that the hogs choose to use one of our hog houses. But probably most exciting if some hoglets materialise! Fingers crossed.

[Author]

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