Hi hollydog86
I use ordinary hog boxes to put food in. Last autumn a hog decided to make a nest in one of them (on top of the food!). He didn’t hibernate, but used the nest for short stays. This year two hogs seem to be taking it in turns to sleep, overday, in another box I have been using for feeding. So it doesn’t seem to make much difference. But it is really personal choice.
Normally, I would suggest if you want a hog to use a box as a nest box that you locate it in a more secluded part of your garden. Some hogs may be put off using it if it’s too close to the feeding area, if there are lots of hogs coming and going. Also if a hog has babies, food nearby may attract unwanted visitors.
You might be interested in the results of a recent hog house survey:
https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/the-hedgehog-housing-census-results-are-in/
