Hedgehogs are cute but are sharply on the decline in England for a number of reasons. This message sent out by our own hedgehog Sanctuary is a timely warning to know what to look out for. The above shows Matilda just beginning to fill out after having been brought in thin and starving. The message from our local sanctuary below underlines the role we can all play in helping these small prickly creatures.
Please talk to your friends about hedgehogs. We might know but so many people still do not. Hedgehog’s that are wobbly or shaky, sunbathing or can’t curl up are in trouble and need immediate help. One with more than a couple of ticks also needs help. Ticks target sick hedgehogs. The hedgehog we removed over 200 ticks from was close to death when she came in. She could have been released had it not been for her spines which have been damaged. As soon as they grow she will be back home. Flies lay eggs on hedgehogs if they are out in the sunshine! They need moving somewhere the flies can’t get them. Make sure no flies are still sitting on them too. I had one brought to me in a box complete with flies still laying eggs on it! Maggots Dehydration are a killer. If in doubt capture the hedgehog first before you call a rescue. British Hedgehog Preservation Society have a list of some rescues, but there are lots of carers. Check Google for your closest. Lots can collect. Do not try and care for the hedgehog yourself. Sick hogs need URGENT care. Offer water only until you have spoken to someone that can help. Please feel free to copy and paste this so you can share. Thank you. Pickering Hedgehog Rescue.
I haven't seen a hedgehog for years although they used to be regular visitors to the garden.
ReplyDeleteHi Jean, I think once you lose the immediate family of hedgehogs, then they disappear. This has happened in our village. One thing I have not written of course is never use slug pellets in the garden, and that could have been one of the reasons why they are dying out in our gardens.
DeleteI don't know whether we've got a hedgehog or not, but it's prompted me to put a shallow dish of water out in the garden thanks to your post.
ReplyDeleteArilx
You can tell by their poops ;) I bought a hedgehog house, but only a mouse has taken up temporary residence.
DeleteI haven't seen one for a couple of years but my back garden is steep and is terraced with steps up to each level which is why there are probably none around here.
ReplyDeleteOur garden is flat Pat, and we have a hole through the fence from the copse, unfortunately there is the road in front of the house and this is where you find most hedgehogs, killed by cars.
DeleteI hardly ever see any squashed hedgehogs on the roads any more but back in the sixties and seventies it was a common sight because their population was so large. The decline has been so very sad. They belong in our countryside.
ReplyDeleteIt is strange that we track the loss our fauna by the event of cars running them over but so true. Also of course insects squashed on the windscreen is also a thing of the past.
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