I have found a hedgehog. What should I do?

Gills Hog Blog number 9.

I have found a hedgehog. What should I do?


Hedgehogs get into trouble, health wise for all manner of reasons, but it is fair to say that if you see a hedgehog out in the day it is in trouble (even if it looks fine). The one exception to that is a lactating female who may be out collecting fresh nest material. She will be moving with purpose. June and October are the the significant months for hedgehog births.

If you find a hedgehog who you suspect is ill or injured...

• Do place it in a high sided box or one with a lid. Hedgehogs can climb and will try to escape. 

• Do use gloves or a towel when handling the hogs. Spines are sharp and hedgehogs do carry a number of  zoonotic diseases i.e that can be transferred to humans.

• Do keep the hog warm (even when the ambient temperature seems warm they will get cold if ill) Use a  hot water bottle covered with a towel or a plastic/glass bottle filled with hot water and wrapped with a sock. Or a microwavable heat pad.

• Do offer a drink of water with a sprinkling of sugar or honey in it.

• Do put a towel, fleece or some clean shredded paper in the box. Somewhere for the hedgehog to hide really reduces stress and increases their chance of survival.

• Do put the box somewhere quiet and resist the temptation to show the little creature to everyone that enquires. It will be VERY frightened.

• Do not give cows milk or bread.

• Do not watch it for days thinking its cute or will get better. Hedgehogs go down hill rapidly.

• Do not think it is sunbathing (they don't).

• Do not put it in a cold garage and hope for the best.

• Do not dig up worms or find snails for it (they carry parasites that kill hedgehogs).

Hedgehogs are now in sharp decline and we must do what we can to help them.

Call your nearest rescue (that's me on 07756657992)  or the British Hedgehog preservation Society on 01584 890 801 

If you get no joy, take to your nearest vet. There is no charge.

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