Hedgehog Insomnia
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Has anyone had one in most nights this winter, We have had one coming in all winter even on Christmas night, looks healthy, reasonable size, it has just not had big sleeps, is this normal or have we got a hedgehog with insomnia!
Yeah, I’ve got at least one doing the same thing. Seems happy and healthy enough but has been active throughout. I am on South Coast though so it’s probably slightly warmer than rest of UK. I think there’s several visiting though, judging by the way the food disappears some nights. I think at least a couple are nesting in the hog houses, so they wouldn’t have to go far or be out long if they want some food.
Hi Helen
Don’t worry. Some hogs decide not to hibernate. Often they are i.e. last year’s hoglets, although some of the early hoglets may look like adults – there seem more mentions on ‘the Street’ of larger hogs as well. Some may be adults including possibly ones which have emerged from hibernatiion, and may go back into hibernation. (Hogs are known to sometimes emerge during hibernation and even change nests).
It is not essential for hogs to hibernate if they can access sufficient food. Putting it simply, hibernation is really a slowing down of their metabolism so that they can cope without food when there is not much around. Some hogs will hibernate even if there is food available, but others choose not to.
If there are hogs out and about the best thing to do is keep offering food (cat/dog food or cat/kitten dry food) and water – there isn’t so much wild food around at this time of year. Dry food can be useful during the winter – it doesn’t go off so quickly if it isn’t all eaten (or freeze) – but it’s vital to make sure that water is available if offering dry food. Water is best left available all day every day, including during the winter whatever food is offered.
Good luck. Hope the hog continues to do well.
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