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Hedgehogs

 
When to help?    

 
In general, any hedgehog out during the day is likely to be in trouble.

 
In autumn and winter you should pick up and weigh ANY hedgehog you see. If it weighs less than 600g it won't survive hibernation and will need looking after over the winter.

 
A hedgehog with an obvious wound will need antibiotics. You may also see maggots on an injured hog during the spring and summer - it is essential you seek urgent help in this instance.

 
A hedgehog with a high number of fleas may also be unwell. All wild animals have some fleas but if the hedgehog is overrun this can be a sign of illness.

 
Hedgehogs commonly suffer from skin problems. If the hedgehog is losing a lot of spines it will need treatment as it will be vulnerable to predators and secondary infections.

 
Hedgehogs often get stuck in drains or caught up in garden netting. Urgent help should be sought for trapped hogs. A hog trapped in netting will need treatment and should not be released.

 
If a hedgehog is caught by a dog it can be hard to see wounds between the spines. It is best to get the hedgehog checked over just in case.

 
A hedgehog hit by a car will need to be checked for injuries.

 
A single abandoned baby. Observe initially but avoid touching. Intervene if Mum does not return after several hours. Any baby in obvious danger should be picked up immediately.

 
An apparently abandoned nest of babies. Mother hedgehogs often sleep away from their young. Observe for a few hours and seek further advice if Mum does not return.

 
A fat, healthy hog out after dark. You may feel the hedgehog is unwelcome or out of place in an urban environment but if it's healthy it's doing ok. Trying to relocate the hog could prove fatal.

What should I do next?

If you need to pick up an adult hedgehog it is best to do so using leather gardening gloves or a thick towel. Place the hedgie in a cardboard box or pet carrier. Hedgehogs are surprisingly good climbers so you'll need a box with either high sides or a lid. The sooner you can get him to a rescue the better but if there will be a delay then you can offer him some cat food and water.

NEVER GIVE A HEDGEHOG BREAD AND MILK!!

Picking up a baby hedgie may be a less prickly affair but it is still worth using gloves. As well as protecting your hands you will avoid transferring your scent on to the baby. That way if there is any chance of reuniting him with Mum he won't smell of human! As above place the baby in a box. Time really is of the essence here - a baby hedgehog may need feeding as often as every two hours (bear in mind if you have been observing him he may not have been fed for many hours already) and may need artificial heat to keep him warm enough. Again do not offer cows milk. If the hedgehog is fully spined and furry you can offer a small amount of mashed, moistened cat food.