To feed or not to feed, that is the question

[priddles]

This is the first winter that we have had hogs lodging in the hadmade houses we put out and I’m not sure exactly what happens

I found the first one in April and have been putting food/water out ever since
The second one moved into the house about 2 months ago and has been fed since

The hog in the front garden seems to be sleeping a lot although I have a feeling it may be under weight – should I disturb it and weigh it?

The hog in the back garden seems to be a bit of a pig and just eats everything put out – If I stop putting food out, will it finally go to bed?!

Very confused

[Leon Roskilly]

When they are ready to hibernate they will, regardless of food availability.

They often wake up and go looking for a snack though, especially if the weather is mild (though they are sometimes out in the snow).

Once they have stopped visiting the feeding stations regularly, I stop leaving out wet cat food, but leave a dish of dried food.

This can be left for a couple of weeks without deteriorating or freezing.

It’s also important that wildlife has safe access to unfrozen drinking water throughout the winter.

[Author]

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