really useful
The above picture is an 18 litre Really Useful box, but any size plastic storage box can be used.
For the truly insistent, slinky, water-braving cat - add a pipe tunnel
pop up restaurant
The weight of a bucket full of water placed on top will prevent the feeder being turned over by a fox or cat.
For an instant feeding station that doesn't require tools or adaptations, a deep cat litter tray turned up side down will keep the food dry, and provides the perfect height access for a hedgehog.
A plastic cat bed will make two feeders.
Even a simple plastic stool will keep the food dry.
AND THE THIRD LITTLE PIGGY
Bricks
A simple paving stone resting on bricks always works well.
Hedgehogs like to have more than one doorway because, although related hedgehogs will feed together, they really are solitary animals.
So if another hedgehog comes in the first doorway while they are eating, they can leave through the second doorway.
Tunnel
Position
Position
Hedgehogs absolutely love tunnels, and that's just what this is, basically. It's a wooden box measuring 61cm long, 38cm wide, and 18cm high, with doorways at each end that are 12cm square. The hinged lid slightly overhangs it, to keep the wet weather out.
Position
Position
Position
Hedgehogs are creatures of habit and, as prey animals, like to move along keeping close to a boundary (where shadows are deepest), so placing the feeder directly on their route (so they either have to enter it or walk around it) works best.
Doorways
Position
Doorways
The size of the doorways is critical - a 12cm square admits all hogs (they have a very bendy bone structure that allows them access to the tightest of spaces) but deters foxes and most cats.
Baffles
Weatherproofing
Doorways
The baffles are also crucial, as they will stop cats and foxes taking the food by entering, or by stretching in a paw and hooking the dishes out. They are placed 15cm in front of the doorways, leaving a space in between for the food and water dishes.
Lining
Weatherproofing
Weatherproofing
Cut to size is a cheap rubber-backed doormat turned rubber side up, which lines and protects the floor from spills. Securing the baffles with just one long screw (instead of the usual two) allows them to be swung to one side, leaving a gap for a sheet of newspaper to be slid in. This makes morning cleaning so simple.
Weatherproofing
Weatherproofing
Weatherproofing
Some plastic cut to size and secured with staples makes it waterproof.
It's not really necessary but if you want to paint it, please ensure the product you use is water based and non-toxic. Coat just the outside only.
READY MADE
I have a lot of feeders and need to keep costs to an absolute minimum. But if you don't have to, then of course you can save a lot of work and buy a ready made feeding station. This beautiful feeder is cat and fox proof and is made by Riverside Woodcraft. Using this link to go to their site will give you a 5% discount at checkout: https://t.co/1t8blRI3It
