Hi Simbo65
The purpose built house sounds a good idea. But, it is possible that she would move into it if she did have young ones, to give herself a break from them, or even to see if she thought it suitable to move them into. In the summer, females sometimes have a sleep outside during the day for a break from the young ones.
At the same time, I can understand your worry about the parasites. It seems unlikely from what you’ve said that she would have young ones already, but just be really careful, in case. Personally, I wouldn’t take her out and put her in another box, even if she doesn’t have young. It could make her just leave completely. Let’s hope she moves into the new purpose made house – that would be the ideal situation.
I agree, I wouldn’t want to put too many feeding stations down on top of potential foraging areas, but I think the problem about natural nesting places, is that they are few and far between, so that a box for potential nesting in is probably very useful. I have come to the conclusion that the set up I have at the moment for feeding is the ideal one (perspex type stuff balanced on earth filled flower pots, with something to weigh it down on top). It means any foraging area is not being taken up, the hogs still feel as if they are eating out of doors (for those that prefer that) and the cats don’t seem to bother with it, as it’s too low. It keeps the food dry and it can be easily removed for day time.
Good luck. Send thought messages to Cyclops about how lovely the new hog house is. Fingers crossed she moves in!
