Hedgehog

[Yorks]

Hello from a new member!

For about a week my dog has been obsessed that there is something under my deck, I thought I saw something move quite slowly but after days of seeing nothing, no droppings etc I dismissed it as being just my dog with another obsession.

However last night my husband let my dog out who started barking, when he went to see what was wrong he found a hedgehog. My dog wouldn't hurt him ( he runs away from my rabbit) I think it was more of a curious and "see I told you there was something there" bark.

Is he okay under the deck (there's leaf litter under there and straw from my rabbit)? I think my garden is safe for him, it's small with a gap under the gate (I assume this is how it got in). I'm very excited at the prospect of being an adoptive hedgehog Mum and would like to take the very best care if him. What do I need to do, I assume food and water each evening, what's the best thing to put out for him/her? I'd post a picture of our visitor but I'm not sure how to.

[vole-woman]

Try unsalted peanuts, such as the sort you'd fill a bird feeder with, and yes, a dish of water. Make sure your drains are covered because hogs can fall in and get stuck. Also if you have a steep-sided pond or similar, put a ramp in it then any animal that falls in can climb out. And obviously be super-careful mowing long grass, burning any bonfires, disposing of your litter eg plastic pots that can get stuck over a hedgehog's face.

Enjoy!

[~T~]

Yep crushed peanuts are a great food (whole ones can cause problems getting stuck in the roof of their mouth apparently) and dried fruit like raisins an sultanas.

Have a look at my thread for info.

What were the hogs up to?

[Yorks]

Thanks for that. There are no ponds or drains etc in the garden. My daughters are excited about going to get some food for the hedgehog, re the peanuts would blitzing them in a food processor work? I hope my dog barking at him hasn't scared him off.

[vole-woman]

We have neighbour's cats hassling ours but he's stood his ground and brought along some mates.

I didn't know about whole peanuts causing problems!

[Bob Fleming]

Hello Yorks, and welcome to WAB

Lots of advice on Hedgehogs here:

Epping Forest Hedgehog Rescue - Home Page

Including feeding:

Epping Forest Hedgehog Rescue - Feeding Hedgehogs

And making a dog/cat proof feeding station:

Epping Forest Hedgehog Rescue - Stop Cats or Foxes stealing the hedgehog’s food

[Yorks]

S/he's more than welcome to bring some friends. Hoggy has some peanuts and meal worms, no idea if it's gone back under the deck but hopefully it'll be back tonight and find its food.

[Bob Fleming]

Originally Posted by Yorks

S/he's more than welcome to bring some friends. Hoggy has some peanuts and meal worms, no idea if it's gone back under the deck but hopefully it'll be back tonight and find its food.

Super. Keep us informed

[~T~]

Originally Posted by Yorks

My daughters are excited about going to get some food for the hedgehog, re the peanuts would blitzing them in a food processor work?

Yup that's what I do then fling in some raisins and dried mealworms.

[Yorks]

I'm clearly far too excited about this hedgehog as its dinner is in a bowl ready to go out tonight, chopped peanuts and mealworms (will get raisins if I find its eating there). I've also told the neighbour to be careful when mowing their lawn and she confirmed the thought about something living under our decking and said there's a hole under her fence to our deck (would a hedgehog have done that or has it taken advantage of someone elses work........ - no indication of rats anywhere)
So we'll see in the morning if anything h.as been eaten!