Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
I'm afraid I don't have a photo but can anyone confirm the likely identity
of the layer of these droppings. They're jet black, about 4" long and around as thick as my little-finger (1.5cm), straight and tapering to a point at one end. Not obvious remains of seeds or insects in them that I could make out. They only seem to appear overnight. I'm assuming it's a hedgehog, am I right? (Apologies for the mixed units) Tim. |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
In article oprrxj7yavwxhha1@localhost, Tim timnothy.cohsalpleangmer@a
pk.at writes I'm afraid I don't have a photo but can anyone confirm the likely identity of the layer of these droppings. They're jet black, about 4" long and around as thick as my little-finger (1.5cm), straight and tapering to a point at one end. Not obvious remains of seeds or insects in them that I could make out. They only seem to appear overnight. I'm assuming it's a hedgehog, am I right? A bit long, but otherwise sounds about right. Your little finger is much thicker than mine! -- Kay Easton Edward's earthworm page: http://www.scarboro.demon.co.uk/edward/index.htm |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
On Mon, 7 Jul 2003 09:07:56 +0100, Kay Easton
wrote: In article oprrxj7yavwxhha1@localhost, Tim timnothy.cohsalpleangmer@a pk.at writes I'm afraid I don't have a photo but can anyone confirm the likely identity of the layer of these droppings. They're jet black, about 4" long and around as thick as my little-finger (1.5cm), straight and tapering to a point at one end. Not obvious remains of seeds or insects in them that I could make out. They only seem to appear overnight. I'm assuming it's a hedgehog, am I right? A bit long, but otherwise sounds about right. Your little finger is much thicker than mine! Ok, it might be a little thinner. Kay thanks, Maybe it's a big hedgehog. Perhaps I'd better strengthen the fence.... ;-) Tim. |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
"Tim" wrote in message
news:oprrxj7yavwxhha1@localhost... I'm afraid I don't have a photo but can anyone confirm the likely identity of the layer of these droppings. They're jet black, about 4" long and around as thick as my little-finger (1.5cm), straight and tapering to a point at one end. Not obvious remains of seeds or insects in them that I could make out. They only seem to appear overnight. I'm assuming it's a hedgehog, am I right? (Apologies for the mixed units) Tim. Yea probably hedgehog, they are black due to the number of beetles they eat, which in turn of course would have eaten slugs, slugs eggs, young snails and I have to find the remains of a slug in hedgehog poo, or actually see a hedgehog eating slugs !!! Duncan |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
On Mon, 7 Jul 2003 09:35:31 +0100, Druss wrote:
"Tim" wrote in message news:oprrxj7yavwxhha1@localhost... I'm afraid I don't have a photo but can anyone confirm the likely identity of the layer of these droppings. They're jet black, about 4" long and around as thick as my little-finger (1.5cm), straight and tapering to a point at one end. Not obvious remains of seeds or insects in them that I could make out. They only seem to appear overnight. I'm assuming it's a hedgehog, am I right? (Apologies for the mixed units) Tim. Yea probably hedgehog, they are black due to the number of beetles they eat, which in turn of course would have eaten slugs, slugs eggs, young snails I certainly hope so. Do you know if hedgehogs eat young toads - about 1" long? I have a couple of baby toads in the garden and I expect they might be in danger of being snapped-up too ? and I have to find the remains of a slug in hedgehog poo, or actually see a hedgehog eating slugs !!! Duncan I suppose it's something to do on a cold, damp night if you're REALLY bored. :-) Tim. |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
"Tim" wrote in message
news:oprrxm10cuwxhha1@localhost... On Mon, 7 Jul 2003 09:35:31 +0100, Druss wrote: "Tim" wrote in message news:oprrxj7yavwxhha1@localhost... I'm afraid I don't have a photo but can anyone confirm the likely identity of the layer of these droppings. They're jet black, about 4" long and around as thick as my little-finger (1.5cm), straight and tapering to a point at one end. Not obvious remains of seeds or insects in them that I could make out. They only seem to appear overnight. I'm assuming it's a hedgehog, am I right? (Apologies for the mixed units) Tim. Yea probably hedgehog, they are black due to the number of beetles they eat, which in turn of course would have eaten slugs, slugs eggs, young snails I certainly hope so. Do you know if hedgehogs eat young toads - about 1" long? I have a couple of baby toads in the garden and I expect they might be in danger of being snapped-up too ? I don't know, I think they tend to go for slightly smaller, slower moving things, though if they really are going to eat slugs then I guess toads wouldn't be out of the question, couldn't really taste much worse could they ? I know they like cat food, so maybe if you stick some of that out every night, they might be inclined to leave your toads alone, might be a bit of a draw for the local cat population as well though. and I have to find the remains of a slug in hedgehog poo, or actually see a hedgehog eating slugs !!! Duncan I suppose it's something to do on a cold, damp night if you're REALLY bored. :-) hmm, cold, damp nights and boredom, nah! I think i'll stick to my warm fires, big socks and telly for that problem. Duncan Tim. |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
Do you know if hedgehogs eat young toads - about 1" long? I have a
couple of baby toads in the garden and I expect they might be in danger of being snapped-up too ? I don't know, I think they tend to go for slightly smaller, slower moving things, though if they really are going to eat slugs then I guess toads wouldn't be out of the question, couldn't really taste much worse could they ? I know they like cat food, so maybe if you stick some of that out every night, they might be inclined to leave your toads alone, might be a bit of a draw for the local cat population as well though. There are quite a few local cats. Maybe I can rig up a cat-proof tunnel or similar, but they're pretty ingenious animals. Any extra wildlife in my garden is welcome. Ta. Tim. |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:54:17 +0200, Tim
wrote: There are quite a few local cats. Maybe I can rig up a cat-proof tunnel or similar, but they're pretty ingenious animals. Any extra wildlife in my garden is welcome. Ta. Apparently all you need do is place a saucer over the bowl of cat food. It appears that this will flummox the average cat, but will not deter the hedgehog. Regards, -- Stephen Howard - Woodwind repairs & period restorations www.shwoodwind.co.uk Emails to: showard{whoisat}shwoodwind{dot}co{dot}uk |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:50:09 +0100, Stephen Howard
wrote: On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:54:17 +0200, Tim wrote: There are quite a few local cats. Maybe I can rig up a cat-proof tunnel or similar, but they're pretty ingenious animals. Any extra wildlife in my garden is welcome. Ta. Apparently all you need do is place a saucer over the bowl of cat food. It appears that this will flummox the average cat, but will not deter the hedgehog. Ha, I like it ! I'll give it a try with a little bit, I don't want to stop it eating it's natural food (unless it's toads :-) ). Tim. |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
"Tim" wrote in message news:oprrxvodruwxhha1@localhost... On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:50:09 +0100, Stephen Howard wrote: On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:54:17 +0200, Tim wrote: There are quite a few local cats. Maybe I can rig up a cat-proof tunnel or similar, but they're pretty ingenious animals. Any extra wildlife in my garden is welcome. Ta. Apparently all you need do is place a saucer over the bowl of cat food. It appears that this will flummox the average cat, but will not deter the hedgehog. Ha, I like it ! I'll give it a try with a little bit, I don't want to stop it eating it's natural food (unless it's toads :-) ). Tim. You could try dog food, my cats at least wouldn't touch the stuff, but hedgehogs are not so fussy. You may also find yourself a regular stop on the rounds of the local fox! Tom |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
In article , Tom
Warner writes "Tim" wrote in message news:oprrxvodruwxhha1@localhost... On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:50:09 +0100, Stephen Howard wrote: On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:54:17 +0200, Tim wrote: There are quite a few local cats. Maybe I can rig up a cat-proof tunnel or similar, but they're pretty ingenious animals. Any extra wildlife in my garden is welcome. Ta. Apparently all you need do is place a saucer over the bowl of cat food. It appears that this will flummox the average cat, but will not deter the hedgehog. Ha, I like it ! I'll give it a try with a little bit, I don't want to stop it eating it's natural food (unless it's toads :-) ). Tim. You could try dog food, my cats at least wouldn't touch the stuff, but hedgehogs are not so fussy. ISTR dog food is not good for hedgehogs. Not high enough meat content. -- Kay Easton Edward's earthworm page: http://www.scarboro.demon.co.uk/edward/index.htm |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
In article , Druss
writes Do you know if hedgehogs eat young toads - about 1" long? I have a couple of baby toads in the garden and I expect they might be in danger of being snapped-up too ? I don't know, I think they tend to go for slightly smaller, slower moving things, though if they really are going to eat slugs then I guess toads wouldn't be out of the question, couldn't really taste much worse could they ? Quite possibly they could. I believe they excrete a foul tasting liquid purely to deter predators. -- Kay Easton Edward's earthworm page: http://www.scarboro.demon.co.uk/edward/index.htm |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
Kay Easton wrote:
In article , Tom Warner writes "Tim" wrote in message news:oprrxvodruwxhha1@localhost... On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:50:09 +0100, Stephen Howard wrote: On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:54:17 +0200, Tim wrote: There are quite a few local cats. Maybe I can rig up a cat-proof tunnel or similar, but they're pretty ingenious animals. Any extra wildlife in my garden is welcome. Ta. Apparently all you need do is place a saucer over the bowl of cat food. It appears that this will flummox the average cat, but will not deter the hedgehog. Ha, I like it ! I'll give it a try with a little bit, I don't want to stop it eating it's natural food (unless it's toads :-) ). Tim. You could try dog food, my cats at least wouldn't touch the stuff, but hedgehogs are not so fussy. ISTR dog food is not good for hedgehogs. Not high enough meat content. There is a tinned hedgehog food available, but I can't remember where I saw it. Dog food plus biscuit, well soaked, is fine. Cat food plus dog biscuit is also fine; even small quantities of bread&milk is fine. As Pat Morris used to say, the thing to remember is that all of these are junk food by hedgehog standards. Don't put out vast quantities, just enough to encourage the hhogs to visit as they trundle about eating what they should. regards sarah -- Waist deep, neck deep We'll be drowning before too long We're neck deep in the Big Muddy And the damned fools keep yelling to push on |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:50:09 +0100, Stephen Howard
wrote: On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:54:17 +0200, Tim wrote: There are quite a few local cats. Maybe I can rig up a cat-proof tunnel or similar, but they're pretty ingenious animals. Any extra wildlife in my garden is welcome. Ta. Apparently all you need do is place a saucer over the bowl of cat food. It appears that this will flummox the average cat, but will not deter the hedgehog. Regards Hmm, this would not work with Phil Collins (our cat) he would kick the saucer off of the bowl, and probably kick the hedgehog too, maybe even eat it if he could get hold of it ............... he is a BIG hungry cat !! |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
In article , Tom
Warner writes "Tim" wrote in message news:oprrxvodruwxhha1@localhost... On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:50:09 +0100, Stephen Howard wrote: On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:54:17 +0200, Tim wrote: There are quite a few local cats. Maybe I can rig up a cat-proof tunnel or similar, but they're pretty ingenious animals. Any extra wildlife in my garden is welcome. Ta. Apparently all you need do is place a saucer over the bowl of cat food. It appears that this will flummox the average cat, but will not deter the hedgehog. Ha, I like it ! I'll give it a try with a little bit, I don't want to stop it eating it's natural food (unless it's toads :-) ). Tim. You could try dog food, my cats at least wouldn't touch the stuff, but hedgehogs are not so fussy. ISTR dog food is not good for hedgehogs. Not high enough meat content. -- Kay Easton Edward's earthworm page: http://www.scarboro.demon.co.uk/edward/index.htm |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
In article , Druss
writes Do you know if hedgehogs eat young toads - about 1" long? I have a couple of baby toads in the garden and I expect they might be in danger of being snapped-up too ? I don't know, I think they tend to go for slightly smaller, slower moving things, though if they really are going to eat slugs then I guess toads wouldn't be out of the question, couldn't really taste much worse could they ? Quite possibly they could. I believe they excrete a foul tasting liquid purely to deter predators. -- Kay Easton Edward's earthworm page: http://www.scarboro.demon.co.uk/edward/index.htm |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
Kay Easton wrote:
In article , Tom Warner writes "Tim" wrote in message news:oprrxvodruwxhha1@localhost... On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:50:09 +0100, Stephen Howard wrote: On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:54:17 +0200, Tim wrote: There are quite a few local cats. Maybe I can rig up a cat-proof tunnel or similar, but they're pretty ingenious animals. Any extra wildlife in my garden is welcome. Ta. Apparently all you need do is place a saucer over the bowl of cat food. It appears that this will flummox the average cat, but will not deter the hedgehog. Ha, I like it ! I'll give it a try with a little bit, I don't want to stop it eating it's natural food (unless it's toads :-) ). Tim. You could try dog food, my cats at least wouldn't touch the stuff, but hedgehogs are not so fussy. ISTR dog food is not good for hedgehogs. Not high enough meat content. There is a tinned hedgehog food available, but I can't remember where I saw it. Dog food plus biscuit, well soaked, is fine. Cat food plus dog biscuit is also fine; even small quantities of bread&milk is fine. As Pat Morris used to say, the thing to remember is that all of these are junk food by hedgehog standards. Don't put out vast quantities, just enough to encourage the hhogs to visit as they trundle about eating what they should. regards sarah -- Waist deep, neck deep We'll be drowning before too long We're neck deep in the Big Muddy And the damned fools keep yelling to push on |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:50:09 +0100, Stephen Howard
wrote: On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:54:17 +0200, Tim wrote: There are quite a few local cats. Maybe I can rig up a cat-proof tunnel or similar, but they're pretty ingenious animals. Any extra wildlife in my garden is welcome. Ta. Apparently all you need do is place a saucer over the bowl of cat food. It appears that this will flummox the average cat, but will not deter the hedgehog. Regards Hmm, this would not work with Phil Collins (our cat) he would kick the saucer off of the bowl, and probably kick the hedgehog too, maybe even eat it if he could get hold of it ............... he is a BIG hungry cat !! |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
Kay Easton wrote:
In article , Tom Warner writes "Tim" wrote in message news:oprrxvodruwxhha1@localhost... On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:50:09 +0100, Stephen Howard wrote: On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:54:17 +0200, Tim wrote: There are quite a few local cats. Maybe I can rig up a cat-proof tunnel or similar, but they're pretty ingenious animals. Any extra wildlife in my garden is welcome. Ta. Apparently all you need do is place a saucer over the bowl of cat food. It appears that this will flummox the average cat, but will not deter the hedgehog. Ha, I like it ! I'll give it a try with a little bit, I don't want to stop it eating it's natural food (unless it's toads :-) ). Tim. You could try dog food, my cats at least wouldn't touch the stuff, but hedgehogs are not so fussy. ISTR dog food is not good for hedgehogs. Not high enough meat content. There is a tinned hedgehog food available, but I can't remember where I saw it. Dog food plus biscuit, well soaked, is fine. Cat food plus dog biscuit is also fine; even small quantities of bread&milk is fine. As Pat Morris used to say, the thing to remember is that all of these are junk food by hedgehog standards. Don't put out vast quantities, just enough to encourage the hhogs to visit as they trundle about eating what they should. regards sarah -- Waist deep, neck deep We'll be drowning before too long We're neck deep in the Big Muddy And the damned fools keep yelling to push on |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:50:09 +0100, Stephen Howard
wrote: On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:54:17 +0200, Tim wrote: There are quite a few local cats. Maybe I can rig up a cat-proof tunnel or similar, but they're pretty ingenious animals. Any extra wildlife in my garden is welcome. Ta. Apparently all you need do is place a saucer over the bowl of cat food. It appears that this will flummox the average cat, but will not deter the hedgehog. Regards Hmm, this would not work with Phil Collins (our cat) he would kick the saucer off of the bowl, and probably kick the hedgehog too, maybe even eat it if he could get hold of it ............... he is a BIG hungry cat !! |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
Kay Easton wrote:
In article , Tom Warner writes "Tim" wrote in message news:oprrxvodruwxhha1@localhost... On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:50:09 +0100, Stephen Howard wrote: On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:54:17 +0200, Tim wrote: There are quite a few local cats. Maybe I can rig up a cat-proof tunnel or similar, but they're pretty ingenious animals. Any extra wildlife in my garden is welcome. Ta. Apparently all you need do is place a saucer over the bowl of cat food. It appears that this will flummox the average cat, but will not deter the hedgehog. Ha, I like it ! I'll give it a try with a little bit, I don't want to stop it eating it's natural food (unless it's toads :-) ). Tim. You could try dog food, my cats at least wouldn't touch the stuff, but hedgehogs are not so fussy. ISTR dog food is not good for hedgehogs. Not high enough meat content. There is a tinned hedgehog food available, but I can't remember where I saw it. Dog food plus biscuit, well soaked, is fine. Cat food plus dog biscuit is also fine; even small quantities of bread&milk is fine. As Pat Morris used to say, the thing to remember is that all of these are junk food by hedgehog standards. Don't put out vast quantities, just enough to encourage the hhogs to visit as they trundle about eating what they should. regards sarah -- Waist deep, neck deep We'll be drowning before too long We're neck deep in the Big Muddy And the damned fools keep yelling to push on |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:50:09 +0100, Stephen Howard
wrote: On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:54:17 +0200, Tim wrote: There are quite a few local cats. Maybe I can rig up a cat-proof tunnel or similar, but they're pretty ingenious animals. Any extra wildlife in my garden is welcome. Ta. Apparently all you need do is place a saucer over the bowl of cat food. It appears that this will flummox the average cat, but will not deter the hedgehog. Regards Hmm, this would not work with Phil Collins (our cat) he would kick the saucer off of the bowl, and probably kick the hedgehog too, maybe even eat it if he could get hold of it ............... he is a BIG hungry cat !! |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
Kay Easton wrote:
In article , Tom Warner writes "Tim" wrote in message news:oprrxvodruwxhha1@localhost... On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:50:09 +0100, Stephen Howard wrote: On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:54:17 +0200, Tim wrote: There are quite a few local cats. Maybe I can rig up a cat-proof tunnel or similar, but they're pretty ingenious animals. Any extra wildlife in my garden is welcome. Ta. Apparently all you need do is place a saucer over the bowl of cat food. It appears that this will flummox the average cat, but will not deter the hedgehog. Ha, I like it ! I'll give it a try with a little bit, I don't want to stop it eating it's natural food (unless it's toads :-) ). Tim. You could try dog food, my cats at least wouldn't touch the stuff, but hedgehogs are not so fussy. ISTR dog food is not good for hedgehogs. Not high enough meat content. There is a tinned hedgehog food available, but I can't remember where I saw it. Dog food plus biscuit, well soaked, is fine. Cat food plus dog biscuit is also fine; even small quantities of bread&milk is fine. As Pat Morris used to say, the thing to remember is that all of these are junk food by hedgehog standards. Don't put out vast quantities, just enough to encourage the hhogs to visit as they trundle about eating what they should. regards sarah -- Waist deep, neck deep We'll be drowning before too long We're neck deep in the Big Muddy And the damned fools keep yelling to push on |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:50:09 +0100, Stephen Howard
wrote: On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:54:17 +0200, Tim wrote: There are quite a few local cats. Maybe I can rig up a cat-proof tunnel or similar, but they're pretty ingenious animals. Any extra wildlife in my garden is welcome. Ta. Apparently all you need do is place a saucer over the bowl of cat food. It appears that this will flummox the average cat, but will not deter the hedgehog. Regards Hmm, this would not work with Phil Collins (our cat) he would kick the saucer off of the bowl, and probably kick the hedgehog too, maybe even eat it if he could get hold of it ............... he is a BIG hungry cat !! |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
The message
from Kay Easton contains these words: In article oprrxj7yavwxhha1@localhost, Tim timnothy.cohsalpleangmer@a pk.at writes I'm afraid I don't have a photo but can anyone confirm the likely identity of the layer of these droppings. They're jet black, about 4" long and around as thick as my little-finger (1.5cm), straight and tapering to a point at one end. Not obvious remains of seeds or insects in them that I could make out. They only seem to appear overnight. I'm assuming it's a hedgehog, am I right? A bit long, but otherwise sounds about right. 4 " droppings would be some giant of a hedgehog; I've never seen them do droppings larger than an inch! Sounds more like fox to me; especially if the tapered point turns up. Janet |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
"Janet Baraclough" wrote in message ... The message from Kay Easton contains these words: In article oprrxj7yavwxhha1@localhost, Tim timnothy.cohsalpleangmer@a pk.at writes I'm afraid I don't have a photo but can anyone confirm the likely identity of the layer of these droppings. They're jet black, about 4" long and around as thick as my little-finger (1.5cm), straight and tapering to a point at one end. Not obvious remains of seeds or insects in them that I could make out. They only seem to appear overnight. I'm assuming it's a hedgehog, am I right? A bit long, but otherwise sounds about right. 4 " droppings would be some giant of a hedgehog; I've never seen them do droppings larger than an inch! Sounds more like fox to me; especially if the tapered point turns up. Janet Could it be a badger? IIRC the badgers that trashed our lawn last autumn left 4" droppings and dark. But I cannot remember much else about their deposits. Jay |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
On Tue, 8 Jul 2003 07:19:42 +0100, Jay wrote:
"Janet Baraclough" wrote in message ... The message from Kay Easton contains these words: In article oprrxj7yavwxhha1@localhost, Tim timnothy.cohsalpleangmer@a pk.at writes I'm afraid I don't have a photo but can anyone confirm the likely identity of the layer of these droppings. They're jet black, about 4" long and around as thick as my little-finger (1.5cm), straight and tapering to a point at one end. Not obvious remains of seeds or insects in them that I could make out. They only seem to appear overnight. I'm assuming it's a hedgehog, am I right? A bit long, but otherwise sounds about right. 4 " droppings would be some giant of a hedgehog; I've never seen them do droppings larger than an inch! Sounds more like fox to me; especially if the tapered point turns up. Janet Could it be a badger? IIRC the badgers that trashed our lawn last autumn left 4" droppings and dark. But I cannot remember much else about their deposits. Jay Definitely 4" maximum, but not much less normally, say aound 3" might be a better average. It's straight, not in a heap like I'd expect a fox to do (do they do it like that?). I'll check if the end points up next time I spot one. I'd have thought a fox would have made a much thicker stool than that though, wouldn't it? The droppings are fairly firm by the time I discover them. It could be a fox, though I've never seen or heard any anywhere near, but I'm told there are some around. I doubt it's a badger - it's mostly open farmland around with only light copses for cover, and there's been no damage or diging. (Maybe I'm lucky). Tim. |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
On Mon, 7 Jul 2003 18:20:46 +0100, sw wrote:
Kay Easton wrote: In article , Tom Warner writes "Tim" wrote in message news:oprrxvodruwxhha1@localhost... On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:50:09 +0100, Stephen Howard wrote: On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 12:54:17 +0200, Tim wrote: There are quite a few local cats. Maybe I can rig up a cat-proof tunnel or similar, but they're pretty ingenious animals. Any extra wildlife in my garden is welcome. Ta. Apparently all you need do is place a saucer over the bowl of cat food. It appears that this will flummox the average cat, but will not deter the hedgehog. Ha, I like it ! I'll give it a try with a little bit, I don't want to stop it eating it's natural food (unless it's toads :-) ). Tim. You could try dog food, my cats at least wouldn't touch the stuff, but hedgehogs are not so fussy. ISTR dog food is not good for hedgehogs. Not high enough meat content. There is a tinned hedgehog food available, but I can't remember where I saw it. Dog food plus biscuit, well soaked, is fine. Cat food plus dog biscuit is also fine; even small quantities of bread&milk is fine. As Pat Morris used to say, the thing to remember is that all of these are junk food by hedgehog standards. Don't put out vast quantities, just enough to encourage the hhogs to visit as they trundle about eating what they should. regards sarah Right, I only want to keep it interested, and pay the occasional visit. I don't want to turn it into a junk-food junkie, or be dependent on me for food. If it's full of cat food it's not going to be eating any nasties in my garden either. Tim. |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
On Mon, 7 Jul 2003 20:08:17 +0100, Janet Baraclough
wrote: The message from Kay Easton contains these words: In article oprrxj7yavwxhha1@localhost, Tim timnothy.cohsalpleangmer@a pk.at writes I'm afraid I don't have a photo but can anyone confirm the likely identity of the layer of these droppings. They're jet black, about 4" long and around as thick as my little-finger (1.5cm), straight and tapering to a point at one end. Not obvious remains of seeds or insects in them that I could make out. They only seem to appear overnight. I'm assuming it's a hedgehog, am I right? A bit long, but otherwise sounds about right. 4 " droppings would be some giant of a hedgehog; I've never seen them do droppings larger than an inch! Sounds more like fox to me; especially if the tapered point turns up. Janet Ah .... but on the other hand could it be the return of "Spiny Norman", the giant hedgehog that was known to track the gangster Dinsdale Piranha?? http://www.ironworks.com/comedy/python/piranha.htm Geoff |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
On Mon, 7 Jul 2003 20:08:17 +0100, Janet Baraclough
wrote: The message from Kay Easton contains these words: In article oprrxj7yavwxhha1@localhost, Tim timnothy.cohsalpleangmer@a pk.at writes I'm afraid I don't have a photo but can anyone confirm the likely identity of the layer of these droppings. They're jet black, about 4" long and around as thick as my little-finger (1.5cm), straight and tapering to a point at one end. Not obvious remains of seeds or insects in them that I could make out. They only seem to appear overnight. I'm assuming it's a hedgehog, am I right? A bit long, but otherwise sounds about right. 4 " droppings would be some giant of a hedgehog; I've never seen them do droppings larger than an inch! Sounds more like fox to me; especially if the tapered point turns up. Janet Ah .... but on the other hand could it be the return of "Spiny Norman", the giant hedgehog that was known to track the gangster Dinsdale Piranha?? http://www.ironworks.com/comedy/python/piranha.htm Geoff |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
The message oprrzgkjrywxhha1@localhost
from Tim contains these words: Definitely 4" maximum, but not much less normally, say aound 3" might be a better average. It's straight, not in a heap like I'd expect a fox to do (do they do it like that?). I'll check if the end points up next time I spot one. I'd have thought a fox would have made a much thicker stool than that though, wouldn't it? No, they aren't heaped; the singular deposit is like a finger, except for the characteristic upturned squiggly point at the end, and much darker than most dogs' pooh. Foxes often pooh on something raised up, like a wall or log or stone, to mark territory. Janet. |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
On Tue, 8 Jul 2003 23:09:32 +0100, Janet Baraclough wrote:
The message oprrzgkjrywxhha1@localhost from Tim contains these words: Definitely 4" maximum, but not much less normally, say aound 3" might be a better average. It's straight, not in a heap like I'd expect a fox to do (do they do it like that?). I'll check if the end points up next time I spot one. I'd have thought a fox would have made a much thicker stool than that though, wouldn't it? No, they aren't heaped; the singular deposit is like a finger, except for the characteristic upturned squiggly point at the end, and much darker than most dogs' pooh. Foxes often pooh on something raised up, like a wall or log or stone, to mark territory. Janet. Interesting, it could be. They're just deposited seemingly randomly on the lawn though. It's not to be ruled out. Are there any other things that I could look out for that might indicate a fox? I mean apart from the fox itself :-) There's been no sign of digging or scratching around. Tim. |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
Can I suggest you go to your nearest Library and borrow/request one of the many
titles that they will have on the identification of animal tracks, trails and signs. Just did an online check on our (Somerset) web library catalogue and there are at least 10 different titles available! Chris "Janet Baraclough" wrote in message ... | The message | from Kay Easton contains these words: | | In article oprrxj7yavwxhha1@localhost, Tim timnothy.cohsalpleangmer@a | pk.at writes | I'm afraid I don't have a photo but can anyone confirm the likely identity | of the layer of these droppings. | | They're jet black, about 4" long and around as thick as my little-finger | (1.5cm), straight and tapering to a point at one end. | Not obvious remains of seeds or insects in them that I could make | out. They | only seem to appear overnight. | | I'm assuming it's a hedgehog, am I right? | | A bit long, but otherwise sounds about right. | | 4 " droppings would be some giant of a hedgehog; I've never seen them | do droppings larger than an inch! Sounds more like fox to me; especially | if the tapered point turns up. | | Janet |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
Can I suggest you go to your nearest Library and borrow/request one of the many
titles that they will have on the identification of animal tracks, trails and signs. Just did an online check on our (Somerset) web library catalogue and there are at least 10 different titles available! Chris "Janet Baraclough" wrote in message ... | The message | from Kay Easton contains these words: | | In article oprrxj7yavwxhha1@localhost, Tim timnothy.cohsalpleangmer@a | pk.at writes | I'm afraid I don't have a photo but can anyone confirm the likely identity | of the layer of these droppings. | | They're jet black, about 4" long and around as thick as my little-finger | (1.5cm), straight and tapering to a point at one end. | Not obvious remains of seeds or insects in them that I could make | out. They | only seem to appear overnight. | | I'm assuming it's a hedgehog, am I right? | | A bit long, but otherwise sounds about right. | | 4 " droppings would be some giant of a hedgehog; I've never seen them | do droppings larger than an inch! Sounds more like fox to me; especially | if the tapered point turns up. | | Janet |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
Can I suggest you go to your nearest Library and borrow/request one of the many
titles that they will have on the identification of animal tracks, trails and signs. Just did an online check on our (Somerset) web library catalogue and there are at least 10 different titles available! Chris "Janet Baraclough" wrote in message ... | The message | from Kay Easton contains these words: | | In article oprrxj7yavwxhha1@localhost, Tim timnothy.cohsalpleangmer@a | pk.at writes | I'm afraid I don't have a photo but can anyone confirm the likely identity | of the layer of these droppings. | | They're jet black, about 4" long and around as thick as my little-finger | (1.5cm), straight and tapering to a point at one end. | Not obvious remains of seeds or insects in them that I could make | out. They | only seem to appear overnight. | | I'm assuming it's a hedgehog, am I right? | | A bit long, but otherwise sounds about right. | | 4 " droppings would be some giant of a hedgehog; I've never seen them | do droppings larger than an inch! Sounds more like fox to me; especially | if the tapered point turns up. | | Janet |
Animal dropping identification - hedgehog?
On Thu, 10 Jul 2003 00:00:40 +0100, CK
wrote: Can I suggest you go to your nearest Library and borrow/request one of the many titles that they will have on the identification of animal tracks, trails and signs. Just did an online check on our (Somerset) web library catalogue and there are at least 10 different titles available! Chris I would but I don't have a public library handy - I'll have to hit a bookshop instead. I've been considering such a book, now this might be the impetus I need ..... Tim. |
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