Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs should be handled with thick gloves, their spines are sharp and they may bite. Once you have established that a hedgehog is in need of assistance, pick it up and put it in a cardboard box.
The box should be lined with newspaper and an old towel, never use hay or ripped newspaper, as they can contaminate wounds, and if the hedgehog is active in the box, paper or hay can become wrapped around limbs and cause further problems.
You can also add a hot water bottle, (or any plastic bottle filled with hot water) wrapped with a towel, to the box, as direct heat will help an animal that is suffering from shock. You should then take the hedgehog to a wildlife rescue centre as soon as possible, call us for further details on 01844 292 292
Fleas:
Hedgehog fleas are host specific: they can only live on hedgehogs, they are harmless to humans and domestic pets, and cannot live in your carpet or furniture like other fleas. Never spray a hedgehog with flea spray. If they are completely infested, we feel that the only safe product to use is a pyrethrum based powder.
When to Assist
The hedgehog is out during the day:
Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, sleeping during the day and foraging for food at night. They will only come out during the day if there is a problem. Any hedgehog found out during daylight should be taken to a wildlife rescue centre.
The hedgehog is asleep away from it's nest:
Hedgehogs only 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 take it to a wildlife rescue centre as soon as possible.
Hedgehog has lost spines / fur:
Hedgehogs can suffer from a condition called mange which is caused by an infestation of microscopic mites, which burrow beneath the skin, and ringworm (a fungal infection), both of which will cause spine/fur loss, leaving the hedgehog very vulnerable, as they no longer have any protection. Both of these conditions are easily treated so take the animal to your local wildlife rescue centre.
A single orphan after surveillance:
Baby hedgehogs live in family groups in nests, their mother will often sleep away from them in a separate nest. Tiny babies will only leave a nest if there is a problem. Young hedgehogs will make a very shrill, loud, call if they are in distress.
The hedgehog is stuck in drain:
Hedgehogs often get stuck in drains, and will need assistance to get out. The only way to do this is to use two pairs of pliers, attach these to the hedgehogs spines, either side of the animal and pull hard. It does seem harsh but the hedgehog will die if it is not rescued from the drain.
N.B. Encourage friends and neighbours to cover all drain holes.
The hedgehog has been hit by a car:
Hedgehogs are often hit by cars, and can suffer a variety of injuries, they must have medical assistance immediately.
A leg appears damaged:
Fractured legs are easily treated, take the hedgehog to your local wildlife rescue centre as soon as possible.
Hedgehog is under 600 grams during severely cold winter weather:
Any hedgehog that has not reached 600 grams when the weather turns very cold will not have the fat reserves to survive hibernation, and will have to be kept indoors throughout the winter. (See our Hibernation Fact Sheet for more information).
Dragging both hind legs:
This can indicate a spinal injury, handle the hedgehog very carefully and take to a wildlife rescue centre as soon as possible.
Hedgehog has open wounds:
These can become infected and will not heal without assistance, take to your nearest wildlife rescue centre immediately.
The hedgehog is ca
ught in netting:
Do not release straight away. Take to a wildlife rescue centre immediately, complete with the net. They must be cut out, and will need to stay in hospital for at least one weeks´ observation in case of further complications.
N.B. To help Hedgehogs, always ensure nets are at least 30cm off the ground so that hedgehogs do not get caught in them.
Any apparent orphan showing an injury:
Any young hedgehog that has an injury or is out during the day, should be taken to a wildlife rescue centre.
When to leave alone
When the hedgehog is in its nest:
Hedgehogs sleep all day in their nests. Please do not disturb them.
Hedgehog is over 600 grams in weight and not injured during the winter:
Leave it alone it will hibernate when it is ready.
Apparent orphans in the nest:
Never disturb a nest of babies, the mother may abandon them if you do, and they will have to be artificially reared. They are far better off with their mothers, who can rear them more successfully than humans can.
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