HEDGEHOGS

Hedgehogs are nocturnal. If one is out during the day it may have been disturbed or it is close to dawn or dusk. Mother hedgehogs will sometimes forage during the day to find extra food while they are nursing.

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THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR:

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• A hedgehog that is out during the daytime

• An obvious injury such as a wound, or being hit by a car

• Limping or dragging a leg

• An attack by dogs or predators


• It appears ‘wobbly’ and / or weak

• It seems to be circling constantly

• It shows signs of large numbers of parasites, eg 15 or more ticks

• It has a persistent cough or sounds like rattley breathing

• It its likely the hedgehog has been trapped for a day or more

• If you find what appears to be an orphaned baby

• If you find a very small hedgehog out during the winter

 

WHAT TO DO IF YOU NEED TO INTERVENE FOR THE ANIMAL'S WELFARE:

 

• Use a ventilated box or pet carrier and line it with newspaper.

• Using gloves or a towel, gently lift the hedgehog from underneath and place into the box.

• Cover with a towel or some newspaper to keep it warm.

• If dealing with orphaned babies, pick up the entire nest and place in a box. Do not try to feed babies or attempt to care for them yourself – they can die very quickly and need specialist treatment.

• Take the animal to your nearest wildlife rehabilitation centre.

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WHEN TO INTERVENE WITH UNDERWEIGHT AUTUMN JUVENILES 

 

Please refer to the latest information regarding underweight autumn juveniles on the British Hedgehog Preservation Society website. Do not be tempted to keep them at home – they are less likely to survive without expert advice.