WHEN TO RESCUE A HEDGEHOG
How to Rescue
How to rescue an injured hedgehog, wearing thick gardening gloves or using a thick towel, pick it up by holding it in both hands around the middle, scooping it up. Put it into a secure box lined with newspaper and give a small towel for it to hide under.
If your hedgehog is very poorly or is cold, you can also give it a hot water bottle or a drinks bottle filled with warm water and wrapped in a tea towel, to snuggle up to. Never feed a cold shutdown hedgehog.
Dog or cat food may be advised if the it has to wait for any period of time before it can be taken to a rescue centre, but only give food on advise and if hedgehog is warm. A shallow bowl, non-tip dish of fresh water can be provided.
When to rescue
Daytime
Rescue a hedgehog if it’s out during the day. Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals. They only come out during the day if there’s a problem. The Hedgehog is out during the day. However, If it seems to have a purpose and is going somewhere, or has a mouthful of leaves, it is probably fine.
Out of nest
Hedgehogs sleep and hibernate in specially built nests. If you find one lying in the middle of a garden or path, assume it is ill and call us. Hedgehogs do not sunbathe, act immediately especially if flies are buzzing near it.
Alone
Baby and juvenile hedgehogs live in family groups in nests. Tiny babies will only leave a nest if there is a problem. Young hedgehogs will make a very shrill loud, call if in distress. If you find one, please do not try to look after it yourself as babies die very quickly and need specialist feeds.
If transport is an issue, please keep the baby warm and contact us for advice until arrangements are made to collect it or meet you.
Seemingly injured orphan
Any young hedgehog that has an injury, or is out during the day, should be be checked over. Under NO circumstances try to feed them milk.
Hit by a car
Traffic casualty can suffer a variety of injuries. They must have medical assistance immediately.
Other wounds
A hedgehog with open wounds can become infected or fly blown and will not heal without assistance. Urgent attention is required as the animal will be suffering from shock. If a hedgehog is caught in netting, contact us or another hedgehog rescue. Any hedgehog that's been caught in netting will need to be monitored in case of further complications.
Hibernation
Safe hibernation weight, If a hedgehog is under 600 grams any time between early November and April. Although this is dependent of the weather, location and shape of the hedgehog. Hedgehog should be nice and round (healthy weight for the size of hog and not jellybean shape(underweight for size of hog) Hedgehogs need at least 20% body fat to survive hibernation,
Appears dead
Please do not bury a hedgehog until you are 100% sure it is dead, and not sick or hibernating. We can help you be accurate.
How to rescue an injured hedgehog, wearing thick gardening gloves or using a thick towel, pick it up by holding it in both hands around the middle, scooping it up. Put it into a secure box lined with newspaper and give a small towel for it to hide under.
If your hedgehog is very poorly or is cold, you can also give it a hot water bottle or a drinks bottle filled with warm water and wrapped in a tea towel, to snuggle up to. Never feed a cold shutdown hedgehog.
Dog or cat food may be advised if the it has to wait for any period of time before it can be taken to a rescue centre, but only give food on advise and if hedgehog is warm. A shallow bowl, non-tip dish of fresh water can be provided.
When to rescue
Daytime
Rescue a hedgehog if it’s out during the day. Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals. They only come out during the day if there’s a problem. The Hedgehog is out during the day. However, If it seems to have a purpose and is going somewhere, or has a mouthful of leaves, it is probably fine.
Out of nest
Hedgehogs sleep and hibernate in specially built nests. If you find one lying in the middle of a garden or path, assume it is ill and call us. Hedgehogs do not sunbathe, act immediately especially if flies are buzzing near it.
Alone
Baby and juvenile hedgehogs live in family groups in nests. Tiny babies will only leave a nest if there is a problem. Young hedgehogs will make a very shrill loud, call if in distress. If you find one, please do not try to look after it yourself as babies die very quickly and need specialist feeds.
If transport is an issue, please keep the baby warm and contact us for advice until arrangements are made to collect it or meet you.
Seemingly injured orphan
Any young hedgehog that has an injury, or is out during the day, should be be checked over. Under NO circumstances try to feed them milk.
Hit by a car
Traffic casualty can suffer a variety of injuries. They must have medical assistance immediately.
Other wounds
A hedgehog with open wounds can become infected or fly blown and will not heal without assistance. Urgent attention is required as the animal will be suffering from shock. If a hedgehog is caught in netting, contact us or another hedgehog rescue. Any hedgehog that's been caught in netting will need to be monitored in case of further complications.
Hibernation
Safe hibernation weight, If a hedgehog is under 600 grams any time between early November and April. Although this is dependent of the weather, location and shape of the hedgehog. Hedgehog should be nice and round (healthy weight for the size of hog and not jellybean shape(underweight for size of hog) Hedgehogs need at least 20% body fat to survive hibernation,
Appears dead
Please do not bury a hedgehog until you are 100% sure it is dead, and not sick or hibernating. We can help you be accurate.