Hedgies!!

[lilylove]

Hi All, (new to the site)

I was woken up at 3am by my son (big brave boy) to say that he could hear scratching under his bed!! I got up and sent one of the cats in to investigate .... she promptly ran out so I then knew something was amiss!! Crawled under the bed myself to find a HUGE hedgehog ..... yes okay the back door was open due to the warm weather but, it had climbed up the stairs into his room!! I've let it out into the 'wildlife' part of my garden. What should I feed it to encourage it back?? Some people say dog food, others say cat food????? Could you let me know please. x x x x

[artdemole]

Slugs, snails big fat juicy worms are best.

[lilylove]

I had wondered why I had a distinct shortage of slugs and snails - though all my gardening friends are moaning that there are loads!! Now I have my answer ..... happy hog was asleep in the cat's bowl last night, It woke up after about 10 mins, ate some more biscuits then went for a wander around the garden. Hopefully it'll move into the Hog House my Dad made for me.

[Rob_D]

Thanks for sharing that. That's one brave hedgehog too, to climb the stairs!

There's loads of advice on the forum about hog diets. Slugs & Snails don't make up a large percentage of their diet. Cat food, mealworms (ideally live) or special hedgehog food can work for attracting them. Best of all to have a dish of water for them each night.

They can be very fussy with their diets, so you might want to try a few different things.

[tameblackbirds]

I have had a hedgehog visiting and checked out a rescue site for hedgehogs. they advice cat/dog food that they prefer chicken flavour. I put out a couple of tablespoons laced with dried meal worms. Lapped the food up and coming at virtually same time each night. Does say if you do start feeding then you should continue. Even during winter as they do emerge throughout hibernation to take food.

Trying to load some grainy images I have but not loading at the moment. Will post when I can.

[digannio]

Here's what I've found is hedgehog heaven for my nightly visitor. When we have chicken (usually once a week), I carefully cut up all the sloppy waste bits (including some of the good bits if my wife's not looking), make up seven small portions, freeze them and then bring them out each day and leave it in a small, shallow bowl next to a dish of clean water. Our hedgie (female I think) absolutely loves it, turns up every night at the same time, scrans the lot, drinks lots of water and then moves on to the next garden. There's not a scrap left. I tried some good quality, chicken-based dog food and she turned her nose up at it as she does with sultanas and unsalted crushed peanuts. She will also take some Wilkinson suet with added insect (the yellow one). But some fresh chicken (cut up small including the skin) is my top tip. I think there may be some young uns on the way too.... so looks like a summer of chicken meals for us Best to put it out just before dark when all the flies have gone and the hedgies are about to get active. Our offering disappears within the hour... no cat would get a look in!

[lilylove]

Thanks for the replies ... bought dog food for it (which the cats promptly ate!!) and chicken (which my son ate)!! However, after a couple of nights, the cats returned to their own food and are leaving the dog food alone. Happy hog has been back every night for the last week now .... garden is clear of slugs and snails and I'm very pleased