Hedgehog Housing
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Sometimes, a hedgehog may need a little help, especially if you find one out in daylight, visibly injured, or displaying unusual behavior. Below is a quick guide for hedgehog first aid, so you know what to do (and what not to do) when minutes might matter.
Daytime Appearances:
Hedgehogs rarely venture out in bright sunlight. If you see one lethargic or wobbling around in the day, it may be unwell.
Visible Injuries:
Bleeding, missing spines, burns, or signs of flies or eggs around wounds need immediate care.
Labored Breathing or Coughing:
Could indicate infections or respiratory issues.
Ticks or Parasites:
A few ticks are common, but a heavy infestation can signal poor health.
If There is Bleeding or Maggots:
Do not provide a heat source if the hedgehog is bleeding or has fly eggs or maggots, as this can worsen bleeding.
Immediate veterinary assistance is crucial. Maggots can cause serious internal damage.
Emergency Contact:
If you suspect a hedgehog is seriously injured or sick, call a local vet, wildlife rescue, or hedgehog rescue center right away.
Websites such as helpanimals.co.uk, yorkshirehedgehogs.co.uk, and helpwildlife.co.uk (or local equivalents) can guide you to the nearest rescue service.
Warmth for the Chilly Hedgehog:
If a hedgehog appears cold and listless (even in the sun), you can place a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel at one end of a box. Give the hedgehog enough space to move away from the heat if it gets too warm.
Never place a heat source directly against open wounds, and keep your face or hands away from the hedgehog’s mouth. They can bite when stressed.
Handling With Care:
Always use thick gloves or a towel to pick up an injured or sick hedgehog. This protects both you and the hedgehog.
Gently transfer it into a high-sided cardboard box lined with newspaper or a soft towel.
Once a hedgehog is stabilised, professionals or specialised rescues can handle ongoing treatment. Meanwhile, avoid milk, bread, mealworms (which can cause metabolic bone disease), and peanuts (they can get stuck in the hedgehog’s jaw). In fact, don’t give hedgehogs anything you’d feed wild birds. Wild hedgehogs thrive best when returned to their natural habitat once recovered. By seeking prompt first aid and expert help, you’re giving them the best chance at a full, spiky recovery.
By learning how to respond quickly when a hedgehog is in distress, we can truly save a life. Simple steps such as providing careful warmth, removing immediate hazards, and seeking professional help can make all the difference. Let us each do our part to ensure that every hedgehog in trouble has the best chance for a swift and full recovery.
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Proudly registered as a Community Interest Company (CIC) in the UK, Lucky Hedgehog Rescue is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured, sick, and orphaned hedgehogs.
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