Tracks id - Hope it is hedgehog?

[Cowgirl]

I'm trying to attract hedgehogs to my garden so I've been putting out food with some wet clay, so far only mice! However saw this, this morning, is it a hedgehog or has the neighbours cat got in. (don't tell the dogs ) Sorry for poor quality only have a phone camera. Thanks in advance.

[Dogghound]

Its a Cat im afraid.

[Cowgirl]

Ok since no-one seems to want to break the bad news to me. My neighbour has just lent me a tracks book & it definately is not a hedgehog ! Most probably a cat. Ah well keep trying.

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by dogghound

its a cat im afraid.

I have broke the sad news

[Cowgirl]

Thanks Dogghound, I'm really embarrased now ......Shambles off head hung low.....

[Dogghound]

What else are you doing to attract the hogs? do you know if you have them locally?

[Cowgirl]

I've seen them in my garden, one time running at great speed when the dogs were let out. This was last autumn. I have piles of leaves/branches areas around my garden for hopeful hibernation spots, never checked though in case I disturb, not thatI think they will with two great yobbos for dogs always snuffling about. I've just started recently putting out a few dried dog food bits with the clay tray underneath in my bird feeder area (which is fenced off from the yobs!) to see what visits, hoping not to get rats! Unfortunately all I'm getting is mice. Still, I don't mind them! I would love to have hoggies as regular visitors.

[Dogghound]

Yes the vegetation is great, trying to promote areas of dense vegetation and plenty of logs, hibernaculum (maybe hog boxes etc) also try to attract slugs and you will get more. Compost heaps are good too as they attract lots of insects.

The dogs are unlikely to put them off unless they start attacking them regularly. Plenty of cover and they feel confident.

[Malx]

One thought, Cowgirl.
My neighbours' cats try hard to nick the Hedgies' food (and sometimes succeed...grrrr...) but it's only the chicken/meat they're after.
Try offering a vegetarian option. Most hedgies enjoy it - some, in fact, almost exclusively eat it - and the cats will have almost no interest.

Today in the vegetarian bowl my hogs can choose from: walnuts, halved peanuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, cashews, brazil nuts, sweetcorn (niblets), diced mild cheddar, fresh banana, sultanas, *chopped mushroom. For dessert there's popcorn and a dollop of crunchy peanut butter.
All food is chopped about the size of an almond or less, and there's no added salt involved. Most of the above will not go off for several days, too. (Pecans/walnuts and the cheddar are the top posh nosh for my lot!)

Admittedly you'll get the odd field mouse who dines chez vous as well, but they eat so little it's not a worry, and NO, they won't move into your house just because they love your cuisine!

* Tried yesterday, but I'll be taking it off the menu, unless I get more orders for it.


P.S. Just to clarify, in case we're getting confused here - no, hedgehogs do NOT eat wet clay!

[Cowgirl]

Thanks Malx, will try your suggestion, though not the macadamia nuts, they'll never make it out the back door . (My favourites!)