advice on hedgehog house
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Hello,
About 3 years ago I built a hedgehog house based on plans I found on the RSPB site.
My house is adjacent to a small park, so I placed the hedgehog house just next to the fence, entrance facing south.
See photo: https://photos.app.goo.gl/owMucKPnNobGUmFZ6I placed a good amount of straw (the kind sold for rabbits at pet stores) inside the box and installed a camera for monitoring.
Hedgehogs have entered the house at times and even stayed for a few days, but eventually left.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/rEYF8XVM15mozVnX9
(Cats have also managed to enter the house at times…)Can you please share any advice on how to increase the odds of hedgehogs entering and nesting in the house?
thanks,
AndreasHello Andreas,
I don’t put anything in the “house” if it is meant as a hibernacula. They bring in their own bedding if they “choose it” for nesting in. I have one that overnights in a feeding station sometimes- usually across the feeding bowl!.
I have put something heavy on all 3 feeders and all 3 hibernacula and something like bricks or similar 5″/13cm away from the entrance in each case. This deters cats (as well as the weighted roof) but the hedgehogs just turn the corner past the obstruction and make their way to the entrance.
Reckon that my winter boxes have been out for 3,4 and 5 years respectively; they are sometimes all used later in the year sometimes on odd occasions only over the colder months. They all usually move at least once over winter- don’t take it personally and give it (more) time. If they are around regularly and the box is hidden away they will use it at some time. I do leave a few leaves about though and some short dried grass in case of need during the later months.Sorry, would also advise to check on Hedgehog Street/BHPS to see if the RSPB recommendations are in line with the “experts”.
Hi Andreas
One of the best ways to encourage hogs to use boxes is to only put in a handful of nesting material, but to leave a good supply nearby which they can take in themselves. Many prefer to do their own interior decorations. Medium sized leaves are best – especially for hibernacula. The hogs can ingeniously ’tile’ them together and a well built nest can be water-tight as well as insulated. But available suitable nesting material can be as important as suitable nest building locations like hog houses, but also hedge bases.
Good luck. Hope you get a longer term tenant soon.
Hi Andreas,I’m a newbie to the site,only a few weeks ago. Made my own hog houses,and both are occupied regularly.I know the experts,do not recommend putting materials in the hog houses,but I did,I put meadow hay,and small dried leaves in,and for 1 night only,placed a meagre trail of hog pellets leading into the hog house,that brought the required result,one time had 2 hogs in the same house,and 1 hog in an upturned planter,with hay in it as well.I also place bricks etc on top as well.I do the same with my 2 plastic Storage box feeding stations,which have alternating baffle walls inside,and a heavy block about 5 inches away,in front of the entrance,that has stopped the local cats entering it,nd the hogs can feed safely. Cheers,Shada.👍🏻
Hi Andreas,I’m a newbie to the site,only a few weeks ago. Made my own hog houses,and both are occupied regularly.I know the experts,do not recommend putting materials in the hog houses,but I did,I put meadow hay,and small dried leaves in,and for 1 night only,placed a meagre trail of hog pellets leading into the hog house,that brought the required result,one time had 2 hogs in the same house,and 1 hog in an upturned planter,with hay in it as well.I also place bricks etc on top as well.I do the same with my 2 plastic Storage box feeding stations,which have alternating baffle walls inside,and a heavy block about 5 inches away,in front of the entrance,that has stopped the local cats entering it,nd the hogs can feed safely. Cheers,Shada.👍🏻
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