1. Keep an Emergency Box handy, if you know you have hedgehogs. 2. Approach ill or injured Hedgehog Quietly 3. Using a Towel place it over the hedgehog, 4. Scoop up and place in box.
You can use a High sided cardboard box or a plastic recycling container, we've even had hedgehogs come in shopping bags/t-shirts and buckets!
If you wish to be prepared we'd suggest a cat box, Pair of Gloves, Towel and or blanket and a hot water bottle with a cover on.
You can use a High sided cardboard box or a plastic recycling container, we've even had hedgehogs come in shopping bags/t-shirts and buckets!
If you wish to be prepared we'd suggest a cat box, Pair of Gloves, Towel and or blanket and a hot water bottle with a cover on.
You can call the British Hedgehog Preservation Society on 01584 890801 to be put in touch with your local Hedgehog carer.
If you live within 40 miles of BN27 4RT, read below and if you have a Hedgehog emergency call us on 07970 3679473
If you live within 40 miles of BN27 4RT, read below and if you have a Hedgehog emergency call us on 07970 3679473
If you use What3words, don't forget to ask for our three worded address, it will bring you directly to our front door!
SOS HEDGEHOG CARE
HEDGHOGS are nocturnal, so if you see one out in the daytime - it probably needs help.
BEFORE catching it - sit quietly about ten feet away and observe for half an hour. Is it eating or collecting nesting materials? If the hedgehog is busy, its likely a mum and not in need of your interference. If you have disturbed a nest whilst gardening, just cover it up and walk away. Do not keep going back to check on it.
If a Hedgehog is lethargic, or appears to be sunbathing - it needs help FAST.
Hedgehogs hibernate throughout winter - November to February (depending on the weather) If you find a hedgehog in the winter it is likely to need help. It may be too small to survive hibernation- this being the case you should get it too a hedgehog rehabilitator or vet so that it can be over wintered.
BABY HEDGEHOGS - called Hoglets, are always better off with their mum - so only remove a hoglet if it has clearly been abandoned by mum. Best to contact your rescue, before removing if possible. If a Hoglet is injured, you would need a rescue to collect correctly - or you can risk mum abandoning or even eating her babies.
BEFORE catching it - sit quietly about ten feet away and observe for half an hour. Is it eating or collecting nesting materials? If the hedgehog is busy, its likely a mum and not in need of your interference. If you have disturbed a nest whilst gardening, just cover it up and walk away. Do not keep going back to check on it.
If a Hedgehog is lethargic, or appears to be sunbathing - it needs help FAST.
Hedgehogs hibernate throughout winter - November to February (depending on the weather) If you find a hedgehog in the winter it is likely to need help. It may be too small to survive hibernation- this being the case you should get it too a hedgehog rehabilitator or vet so that it can be over wintered.
BABY HEDGEHOGS - called Hoglets, are always better off with their mum - so only remove a hoglet if it has clearly been abandoned by mum. Best to contact your rescue, before removing if possible. If a Hoglet is injured, you would need a rescue to collect correctly - or you can risk mum abandoning or even eating her babies.
HOW TO CAPTURE A HEDGEHOG a detailed guide:
1. Once you've established a hedgehog needs help, find some thick gardening gloves or a towel to handle it. Hedgehogs can carry parasites or infections that can be passed onto you - So, ALWAYS wear gloves. Their spines are very sharp and a stab can quickly become infected. A box with airholes (cat carrier) or high sided cardboard box is ideal to place Mr/Mrs Prickles into.
2. Provide Warmth. Unless you see what looks like grains of rice on a hedgehog (fly eggs) always provide warmth.
If you see those fly eggs, - just pop Mr/Mrs Prickles on a towel and phone your local rescue, immediately.
For warmth - a hot water bottle wrapped in an old towel, placed at the bottom of the box, is ideal.
Hypothermia is a major cause of death in wildlife, so if your hedgehog is sluggish or not curling up, it could be because of a low body temperature.
3. EMERGENCY:
Hedgehogs will automatically curl up on your approach - which is always a good sign. However, if it doesnt curl up you may want to check its vital signs by listening to its breathing.
2. Provide Warmth. Unless you see what looks like grains of rice on a hedgehog (fly eggs) always provide warmth.
If you see those fly eggs, - just pop Mr/Mrs Prickles on a towel and phone your local rescue, immediately.
For warmth - a hot water bottle wrapped in an old towel, placed at the bottom of the box, is ideal.
Hypothermia is a major cause of death in wildlife, so if your hedgehog is sluggish or not curling up, it could be because of a low body temperature.
3. EMERGENCY:
Hedgehogs will automatically curl up on your approach - which is always a good sign. However, if it doesnt curl up you may want to check its vital signs by listening to its breathing.
- Breaths should be regular and gentle - you can see a hedgehog breathe.
- Rasping, gasping are an immediate concern - call the nearest vet.
- Coughing can be an indication of lungworm, but a hedgehog will also snort when under stress and it can sound similar.
NOW, Call your nearest Rescue.
Always provide the hedgehog with water. Do NOT give food. This is because if its a very dehydrated hedgehog feeding it could kill it. The fluids in the hedgehogs body will leave vital organs to try and help the hog digest food. That could mean the heart, liver, lungs etc are placed at risk, because food has been provided without intravenous fluids.
Hedgehogs are allergic to MILK. So, Please DO NOT give bread and milk.
Many Vets are happy to treat wildlife or provide you with some information to assist you. So, always contact a Vet or Wildlife rescue service as soon as possible. Don't be tempted to look after an injured hedgehog at home. They need specialist medication and care.
Hedgehogs are allergic to MILK. So, Please DO NOT give bread and milk.
Many Vets are happy to treat wildlife or provide you with some information to assist you. So, always contact a Vet or Wildlife rescue service as soon as possible. Don't be tempted to look after an injured hedgehog at home. They need specialist medication and care.
Your details & Why.
If you were to bring or call us (if we are in your local area) we will ask for the finders details, they will be kept and seen by us, only.
WHY? Because, we like to return all Hedgehogs back to their natural environment. Naturally, there are cases where this is not possible - but we will always try to do so, if it is safe. Plus we will also provide you with information on the ongoing care of the one you've found. Another bonus, is that if we know you are already a Hedgehog supporter - we may have to locate one near to your address, and if that's the case, you may be asked to rehome a Hedgehog too!
Thank you, for Caring.
WHY? Because, we like to return all Hedgehogs back to their natural environment. Naturally, there are cases where this is not possible - but we will always try to do so, if it is safe. Plus we will also provide you with information on the ongoing care of the one you've found. Another bonus, is that if we know you are already a Hedgehog supporter - we may have to locate one near to your address, and if that's the case, you may be asked to rehome a Hedgehog too!
Thank you, for Caring.