Firstly congratulations on having hedgehogs in your garden ! Please don't feed them mealworms, not even a few as they are the hoggy equivalent of crisps, and no good for them. I know the problem with cats, we have had the same with cats and foxes and it took a while to foil them. I know @Hostafan1 uses a cage to feed his hogs, and l use a clear plastic box. Usually, if they can see the food they will go for it, although it may take a while. If you put mealworms out they will go for them every time like children in a sweet shop. Are there other neighbours nearby putting food out, do you know? Please don't get disheartened, it just takes time. Edited to add attached link for info https://m.facebook.com/notes/oxton-wild-hedgehog-rehab/please-dont-feed-me-mealworms-heres-why/702970273212424/
I agree plenty of feeding station tutorials on YouTube to try I use one of those storage boxes with a small gap made and placed against a shed or wall with a tiny hog gap and a brick placed on top so cats or foxes can’t enter
We've made a feeding station from bricks with a paving slab over (we stand potted ferns on top) ... it's long and low enough for cats not to want to enter it, particularly as they would have to back out (we use a brick to block the far end where we place the dish of food) . The neighbour's cats have given up bothering with the hedgehog food, even tho' their owner comes and feeds the hedgehogs for us when we're away.
It does mean we can't see the hoggies feeding, but we can hear them crunching (it's on the terrace by the back door which we leave open on warm evenings) and then we can go out and sit on a nearby bench and watch them wandering about when they've eaten as much as they want.
We place a shallow dish of water outside the feeding station and they always have plenty from that after eating their cat biscuits.
“I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh
Both Cat and Hog family returned last night - hopefully the brick on top tonight keeps the moggie at bay. One of the babies appeared to be trying to suckle but mum totally ignored it.
I know what you mean @StillLearning, these hedgehog feeding stations are like Blue Peter projects ! Glad it seems to be working. Our hogs haven't turned up for the last couple of nights, we have had cooler weather and some rain, so l think they are getting more natural food, if you know what l mean. Feeding station still goes out at dusk though.
Posts
Edited to add attached link for info
https://m.facebook.com/notes/oxton-wild-hedgehog-rehab/please-dont-feed-me-mealworms-heres-why/702970273212424/
It does mean we can't see the hoggies feeding, but we can hear them crunching (it's on the terrace by the back door which we leave open on warm evenings) and then we can go out and sit on a nearby bench and watch them wandering about when they've eaten as much as they want.
We place a shallow dish of water outside the feeding station and they always have plenty from that after eating their cat biscuits.
Hi Annid
Both Cat and Hog family returned last night - hopefully the brick on top tonight keeps the moggie at bay. One of the babies appeared to be trying to suckle but mum totally ignored it.
'You must have some bread with it me duck!'
Glad it seems to be working. Our hogs haven't turned up for the last couple of nights, we have had cooler weather and some rain, so l think they are getting more natural food, if you know what l mean. Feeding station still goes out at dusk though.