Baby Hedgehog

[Scarlet]

Spotted him ambling behind me. I don't think he's very well as I've never seen one out during the day. He seems to have a few ticks ;( Anyway, I've given him some crushed dog biscuits and a dish of water. Fingers crossed.

[muddled]

If you e-mail 'tiggywinkles' they might tell you how to give him the best chance of making it through to hibernation.

I've heard of a few people finding hedgehogs recently.....after years of no-one round here seeing any at all. I do hope this means nature has 'recalibrated' and is restoring some balance. When I was a kid there were so many!
I've missed snuffly hodge pigs.

[Scarlet]

I've always had loads in the garden, apparently they like a bit of mess! . I see them several times a week in the summer and have done for years. Though we only see ( or hear)them late evening But I've never seen one this small.

[Nicos]

Awww!
That's a nasty tick there...ewwww.

They're such sweet things
If you pop a blob of nail varnish/ paint on a few spikes you'll be able to tell if it's returning or there are several if them about!

[Guest]

Where I used to live we often saw lilluns, as their Mummys were forever being squished in a 30mph and not that far away 20mph area. I don't know what the RSPCA are like out your way (I find lots of inconsistency between branches) the one where I used to live would take them in or offer you help to look after them, so might be worth contacting yours.

[muddled]

According to these people, he's in trouble
http://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/found-a-hedgehog.php

copied from their page.......

Are Hedgehogs meant to be out in the daylight?

Not usually no. Hedgehogs are nocturnal, which means they shouldn’t really be seen out in daylight hours. Some of the exceptions to this are pregnant females gathering nesting materials just before she gives birth, or a new ‘Mum’ taking a break from the nest to get food and water while her young sleep. Sometimes, when the nights are short, a hungry hedgehog may forage around dusk and dawn. However, these hedgehogs would move quickly with purpose. If a hedgehog is lethargic, lay out, has flies around it, is wobbly, or gives you any other cause for concern, please call us for advice ASAP on 01584 890 801.

Okay, I'll stop meddling now

[Scarlet]

Ok! He's now in my kitchen in a basket warming up by the aga with a blanket over the basket I've called the helpline and spoken to them. I've left a message with a contact that takes in babies that lives near me.

[muddled]

Aww fantastic!

Whatever the outcome for this poor baby, at least everything that could be done will be done.

[Scarlet]

When I went back for another look he was flat out by the water dish. I think they get fly strike like rabbits he's nicked Stans place, he's proper upset

[Scarlet]

I can't stop peeking! He's now making big slurping noises eating dog biscuits mashed up in warm water

[Jay22]

Watch those ticks with Stan...Grumpy Boy Harry had a couple a few years ago, they are disgusting things!

Looking good then if he is eating, let us know how he goes!

[Scarlet]

He's still by the Aga tucked in for the night. I've spoken to the tiggywinkies girl that is the nearest to me (3hours round drive) and it looks like he's here to stay for a while. I'll take him to the vets tomorrow as she thinks he needs worming (green poo),possibly the reason he was flaked out this afternoon - I'm hoping the vets will give me the tiny amount that I need. He weighs in at 99g. He has to be 650g by the end of Oct if he's going to make it through hibernation. I hope he's ok in the morning

[Nicos]

Suggest you get them to check for lung worm too

I hand reared a brother and sister 2 years ago...and they were 65g if I recall and just made it to release weight.
Ironically it's not their actual weight that's the deciding factor...if the weight is just fat from overeating high carbs then they don't do so well...it needs to be muscle weight too, so they need to walk lots too!

You're going to have a fantastic few weeks with him/ her!

[Scarlet]

Cheers Nicos!

The lady I talked to, for some reason ruled out lungworm? I'll go and Google it.
How do you walk them and keep them safe at the same time?

[Nicos]

We used to go for walks in the garden!!!
Also round the house ( watch out for sloppy poops though! ....usually when they eat)

Round the garden is good coz Mom will have shown him/ her what to look out for.
OH used to go out digging for worms in the evening, collecting beetles, and hiding them under leaves and scrunched up paper.

It's going to be really hard but do try not to handle him/ her too much and sudden claps / banging noises, firm nudges need robe kept up so they keep their balling up instinct!

( you'll find they love having the side of their faces and forehead stroked slowly and firmly! ) I didn't tell you that right!
Oh...mine adored bananas as a treat, but they do need crunchy things to keep their teeth cleaned and stop them getting gum infections

Enjoy!