Gills hog blog number 11

Overwintering hedgehogs.

One issue for rescues is the problem of hedgehogs who are fit but not big enough to be released during winter months. The Palace becomes full of healthy individuals and there is no room for sick ones. Occasionally i welcome temporary fosterers to care for the hogs until they can be released in Spring.

Can anyone foster?  

First and foremost the person must love and respect wildlife. These are wild animals and should not be disturbed unnecessarily. They are nocturnal, so apart from cleaning them out  daily and perhaps weighing them, they will not be seen.
You must be able to provide food and water every day for up to six months.

You will need.....

• Somewhere quiet for the hog to live. No TV's ,radios, loud bangs, screaming children or unnecessary disturbance.
• To keep domestic animals away. Hedgehogs need to be frightened of cats and dogs in the wild.
• Suitable accommodation. A hutch, cage, shed or plastic box. (hedgehogs are great climbers). 
• Adequate bedding. Shredded paper (torn up newspaper is fine) dust free hay or fleeces. It is extremely important that they can bury themselves.
• Heat may be needed. A small heat pad is adequate (advice will be given).
• Suitable food which is meaty dog or cat food and biscuits. Absolutely no treats and nothing you have dug up in the garden (snails and worms carry the parasites that kill hedgehogs).
• Weighing scales to keep a check on progress.
• Rubber gloves for cleaning and handling are a must.
• Cleaning solution which is safe for hogs ( I use F10 which is available online).
• To be prepared to return the hog if you have any concerns.

I will never give out a sick hedgehog knowingly and will always be available for advice or support.

Please be aware that hedgehogs are messy and smelly and carry diseases that can be passed to humans. They are definitely NOT pets and my aim is always to return them to the wild. Children should not handle them unsupervised and it is extremely important that the hedgehog is not disturbed to show visitors or friends. This causes extreme stress which can lead to illness. 

Rescue, rehabilitate, release.

Gill Dixon runs Pricklington Palace Hedgehog rescue here in Howden. Purely voluntarily and single handily. Please visit  www.facebook.com/pricklingtonpalace/ to support her work. Donations via www.paypal.me/Dixon1829