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. |
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.
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.
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.
Unless your rescue says otherwise, you can put in some kitten biscuits or cat/dog food. 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.
Unless your rescue says otherwise, you can put in some kitten biscuits or cat/dog food. 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.
Final note: 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.
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.
Thank you, for Caring.