New House – how long?

[lucypuss]

We have been in our house for 5 years – have seen the first hedgehog 2 weeks ago. Since then have set up feeding box and separate hedgehog house behind the shed. It feeds every night and goes into the hedgehog house (to eat the mealies put inside for encouragement) every night. As yet hasn’t slept in there.
How long does this take?? – we are concerned that “rattie” might like an empty house.

[LolaMarley]

Hey My hedgehog did the same fed for months before it moved into the house.

So far 3 nights in a row in there

[Nic]

Hi Lucypuss

Sometimes people are lucky and a hog moves almost straight in to a hog house. But some don’t show much interest until the box has become part of the landscape. So it’s a bit of a ‘how long is a piece of string’ question!

You might encourage the hog to use the box if you put lots of suitable nest building material nearby – leaves, long grasses, etc. Hogs usually like to make their own nests inside the box, but you might like to put, just a little bit inside to give them the idea. If a male decides to use the box, they may not stay in it more than a few days at this time of year. It depends a bit on individual hogs, but moving nests is a good way to avoid a build up of parasites. You might be lucky and a female might have her young there.

I would be inclined not to try to encourage a hog in with food – rattie is just as likely to follow that too. Also, although hogs love them, mealworms are not good for them – it’s to do with the phosphorous and calcium levels which can lead to a deficiency in calcium. Also they do not have much nutritional value. So best avoided.

Good luck. Hope you get a tenant in the box soon.

[juliemack169]

Firstly congrats to your new home, plz share some pics.

[lucypuss]

A big thanks for all this really helpful information. Just to say that we have been away for a couple of days and when we returned found that “hedgie” is sleeping in is new house!! We’re delighted!!!!!
Will try to post some photos later.
Thanks to all again

[Nic]

That’s brilliant, lucypuss. You are so lucky!

Once a hog is in residence, it’s best not to disturb them. A male might just decide to move on and a female with very young ones may desert them. So, just be a bit careful around the box area, in case.

Happy hog watching!

[Author]

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