I've spoilt the hedgehogs.

[mrs.chappie]

Hello to all nature lovers!

As you might know, I feed my hedgehogs with mealworms.

Well, my hubby and I saw some hedgehog biscuits (called Spike's hedgehog food) at the garden centre, and thought we'd get some for our regular visitors. The little so-and-so's are so used to the mealworms, they won't eat the cheaper hedgehog bicuits!

Now I'm in a dilemma. Don't know whether to stop putting out the mealworms, so the hogs have no choice but to eat the biscuits if they are hungry, or should I just accept that I've wasted my money on the biscuits, stop putting them out, and keep buying the expensive mealworms?

[gelda]

Keep buying the meal worms, you know you would feel guilty if you didn't,I would, anyway they'll soon be hibernating and will need all the food they can get.

[mrs.chappie]

Thanks gelda.

I was thinking the same as you - I'd feel guilty about not getting them more mealworms.

So, more mealworms it is then!

:o)

[Meg]

Where do you get yor mealworms from? I sometimes get them for the birds but can only get them by mail order.

[mrs.chappie]

Hi miss meg, I sometimes get them from a local pet-food shop in Hull - Maltby's on Hessle Road (don't know whereabouts you are). They are expensive at �50 for 5 kilos, but this is cheaper than getting them in little tubs - they cost an arm and a leg that way!

I also sometimes order them off eBay, there's a seller called misscardigan (if you're on eBay, look this seller up) and hers work out at around �48 for 5 kilos, including next-day delivery.

It's a lot of mealworms, but they keep indefinitely as they are dried and vac-packed.

Nono, you bug*er! Might have expected an answer like that from you! BTW, are you recovered from your accident and fully functional now?

:o)

[Meg]

Thanks for that info mrs.chappie. I usually get them from Garden Bird Supplies but they are dearer than that. I live in Lancashire so the pet shop in Hull is out of the question!

[stonekicker]

why don't you try putting out sa mixture of the two, so the little critters get used to them? you never know, they may just be stubborn!

[dustypuss]

can i have some of your hedges please

I haven't had any in my garden for at least 6 years

we used to have loads but they just seem to die out hear ( york ) I miss them :-(

[mrs.chappie]

Stonekicker, thanks for that suggestion but I've already tried it. They eat the worms and leave the biscuits.

Hey dusty, we have what we think is a family living under our shed - some nights we have two adults and four little 'uns all crowded round the feeding dishes. It's so lovely to see. The smallest is so tiny that I'm worried he won't survive hibernation. For this reason I've decided to keep splashing out on the mealworms!

Miss meg, do you go on eBay? If so, do look up that seller. She sells smaller quantities than 5 kilos, but they work out more expensive pro rata. Mealworms are high in protein and are very good for birds as well as hedgehogs. If you love wildlife and can afford them, they are a great thing to feed.

[doglady]

Get a pet African Pygmy Hedgehog - they eat that Spikes Hedgehog food stuff. Or send it to me for my 2!!