Hi Icklewag
I was really sad to hear about the poor hog. It must have been a horrible shock for you.
It is difficult to answer your question. I can’t really picture what it’s like. You say there is no garden, but there is enough space for a water dish for the birds. Is the place where you have the feeding station in a public place and how near the road, etc.? Is there a grassed or ‘garden’ area or is it hard standing. From the little information you have given, it doesn’t sound a particularly good place to encourage hogs, but as I’ve said it’s difficult to say – I might be picturing it completely wrong. Presumably the bird water is on the ground, so hogs could still access it, if they are around, which might be helpful for them. That alone might encourage the hogs there. It may also be that there is little in the way of suitable habitat for them in the vicinity. Normally, with this weather, I would suggest putting food out, but, as you suggest, are you putting them in harm’s way in that particular location.
I think, in the end, it is one of those things where you need to make a decision yourself, as you are the only one who understands the layout and all the pros and cons of the place. Sorry not to be much help. Sounds like you have a difficult decision to make. Good luck.
