Do hedgehogs nest where they feed?
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We set up a wooden hedgehog box in our garden a few weeks ago and last week a hedgehog started coming to feed there. A few nights ago he bought a friend with him too (we have a camera). Two days ago I opened up the box to put more food in and found the hedgehog asleep inside. Yesterday he had gone but today he was back fast asleep. I’m worried that I’m going to scare him away by changing the food when he’s inside, but I want to keep feeding him. I didn’t think he would sleep with his food but I’m new to this so have no idea! Any advice gratefully received! Thanks
Hi Helen784
Yes, they do sometimes sleep in feeding boxes. I always think of it being like they realised they were out a bit late so just rolled up in the best place to hand – i.e. the feed box! I have had one in one of my feed boxes for a couple of nights a few nights ago, but managed to squeeze the bowl out without disturbing him. He didn’t seem to mind and was back sleeping there again the next night. I suspect it’s the same hog who started building a hibernation nest in another feeding box nearby last night.
If you get the chance, if he vacates again, I would clean the box out, with boiling water (assuming it’s wooden) – they sometimes shed ticks which may produce eggs in the box – even when they have only made short stays.
But, if he starts building a substantial nest in there, I would leave him be and maybe try to leave some food elsewhere.
Thank you so much – that’s really helpful. I am so excited to have a hedgehog in the garden and was hoping I hadn’t done the wrong thing but that all sounds good! 😊
That’s great news Helen784! Clearly they love what you’ve made for them. Maybe you could look into making some houses they can use to sleep in? They clearly like your garden so I’m sure they would get used.
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