Itchy and Scratchy Hog

[Sam1404]

Hello All,
I am new to the forum and have been observing several hogs in my garden for the past few months since creating hedgehog highways.
I am just looking for some advice regarding one female regular I have named ‘Patches’. She is the only one that seems to be constantly scratching while in the garden. Literally every few steps she stops to scratch. Should I be worried? I don’t want to intervene if I don’t have to and I am aware they carry lots of parasites that are probably very itchy! No signs of ticks on cam footage.
She is eating and drinking every night, and even biffs the other hogs if they come near.
Any advice much appreciated.
Thank you.
Sam

[Dale]

Hi Sam, welcome to hogaholics forums.

I have several that scratch themselves frequently and I don’t worry about it to be honest. I also capture footage on trailcams but remember at this time of year, lots of plants are setting seed so in their foraging journeys, they will be picking up seeds and weeds of course. I put it down to that because so long as they are scampering well, [they can’t half run] then they are fine.

The only worry is if they get mites which can be a real nuisance and cause agonising pain but it is not detectable to the naked eye, so trailcams won’t be much use in determining if the hog has mites. Fly strike is the other hazzard and that’s where maggots are evident. If you see anything of that nature it needs professional help immediately.

Hope that reassures you.
Dale

[Sam1404]

Thank you Dale, that is reassuring. I hadn’t even considered plant seeds to be contributing to the itching!
I will of course keep monitoring her and if I see any clear distress or signs of fly strike I will get her to a vet.
For now she seems to be the boss of my little garden! Hoping she brings some hoglets in soon.
Sam

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