Hi Dizzydog
You might find the following extract from Pat Morris’s ‘Hedgehogs’ book interesting:
‘ … hedgehogs do not always return to the same nest, especially in summer. They may stay somewhere else for several days, then return to a previously used nest.
Several of our studies have shown that males change their nests more frequently than females, with males using a fresh one almost every day and females staying in the same nest for a week or more. At different times, the same nest may be occupied by a series of different hedgehogs, so it is difficult to say whose nest it was originally. This is how hedgehogs pick up fleas and other parasites left behind by previous visitors. ….. ‘
I didn’t mention in the post above that whilst some of the ‘regulars’ are missing their visits here, some of the less regular male visitors are calling in from time to time, which might be what is happening there. Although, having said that, I sometimes think hogs like to keep us guessing. One of the females who usually turns up like clockwork soon after 9, didn’t arrive until after midnight the other night.
I am guessing you haven’t seen all the information regarding mealworms – they don’t have a good ratio of Calcium to Phosphorous which can cause leaching of calcium from the bones leading to Metabolic Bone Disease. This is particularly dangerous for hoglets and whilst all hogs love mealworms, hoglets in particular can become addicted to them and refuse to eat anything else, so it is particularly worrying at this time of year when they are around. Some of the hedgehog rescues are now advising not to feed mealworms at all. It may be a good idea to reduce them gradually.
This link will take you to a video about Metabolic Bone Disease. You may find the beginning of the video distressing, but it is worth watching so that you can understand what it is all about. Please pass the message on to other hedehogs lovers who may not know about it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ7Y3a4vgqU
also
https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/forums/topic/what-can-i-feed-visiting-wild-hedgehogs-that-is-good-for-them/
