Hi gtaylor
Well done putting in hedgehog highways. That is very important for hogs as they need several gardens. The next best thing is probably to make your garden as wildlife friendly as possible – by encouraging insects – beetles, etc. which they like to eat. So wood piles, long grass areas, etc. Also by encouraging others to do likewise. Feeding is helpful to them, especially at this time of year in the run up to hibernation but is only supplementary. It’s important for them to be able to find ‘wild’ food as well.
You say you offer water, which is good. Ideally water should be left available all day every day as you never know when a very thirsty hog may come along even in the daytime or in the winter.
It’s great that you have made hog boxes. The more the merrier, if you have the space, as they do change nest sites. It isn’t so easy for them to find natural nesting sites these days, so a box is a good alternative for somewhere they can build a nest. It’s great that you have a tenant already!
I know the feeling – not getting much sleep! It can become a bit addictive watching them. Many people have night cameras, but with those a lot of activity gets missed – happens just out of frame! Nothing beats watching them in real time. Preferably from inside so they there activity isn’t effected by our presence.
Keep up the good work, good luck and happy hog watching!
