What to do if you spot a hedgehog in trouble

Author - Brittany Elce

The pickles that these lovable mammals get into can be difficult for them to get out as easy as they got into them, this is where people like you and I come in. To save the day!! (But only if we know how.)

If you are to discover a hedgehog out in the day or even at any time and they look like they are in distress or pain, then one of the first signs to look out for is any physical markings. I.e. check for any open wounds or fly eggs, these could be yellow specs or even eggs being laid in their fur. Using tweezers these can be carefully removed causing little damage to the hedgehog. Any in the mouth or eyes would need to be flushed with water to avoid damage to the current areas. Bathe open wounds with salt water to use as an antiseptic to clean them, however following this if there has been an infection in the eye, mouth, or an open wound please seek advice immediately after previous actions have been followed. This will then prevent the problems getting worse.

As a rising cause of problems between the months of September through to March is hypothermia then there are things we can do as humans if we find a stranded hedgehog. Warmth is key, a high sided box is recommended to keep the hedgehog from escaping and line it with newspaper. Inside this place a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel and wrap the hedgehog also in a towel. Place them on the hot water bottle however ensure there is enough room for the hedgehog to roll off the bottle if it gets too warm. The right temperature for a hedgehog to be kept at is 19 deg-C and 21 deg-C.

Once the hog is warmed up, try to encourage them to drink some water. Using a syringe and assisting them may also be a second option if they do not decide to voluntarily. Never try cow’s milk as this can induce severe diarrhoea and make them a whole lot more poorly than they were before.

If responding well to the treatment of the water, try a small amount of food which may help them to stop being lethargic, something meat flavoured will hopefully work, just ensure it is not fish. Dog food, cat food or cooked chicken would be good examples.

Ensure the box you decide to keep them in is in a warm, dark and quiet place so stress levels stay at a minimum due to this could worsen the problem you are faced with. Always remember to wear gloves during the handling of these creatures because they can be very frightened and may bite, as well as those sharp spikes, don’t be fooled due to their cuteness!! (Harper, 2012)

Any time you are unsure of the well being of these little animals please do not hesitate to contact professionals to advise. I have left some useful links and numbers below on when to contact these places. Hopefully this will give you some insight on what to do if you are worried about them.

Useful Links and Numbers:

Hypothermia – British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) on 01584 890 801.
Abandoned Hoglets - British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) on 01584 890 801. (Hedgehog Street, 2017)
Injured, lifeless or screaming – RSPCA or nearest local vet or rescue centre.
Mobile and uninjured – Nearest recue or British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) on 01584 890 801.
Mother and babies – Take to the nearest rescue.

Most medical situations now have a word they follow, and it is the most helpful way of remembering what to do in these situations. G.B.H.C is one for these mammals that can be easy to use.

Grab
Box
Heat
Call (for help)

Grab is the first thing to do, obviously ensure you are wearing your gloves as they can be extremely painful to pick up with bear hands. Box, as stated earlier on please place them in a box full of supplies to keep warm. Heat is the next one and this goes back to the hot water bottle and making sure they are warm. Once all these steps are covered then please call the most appropriate place to get the best help you can. (Hedgehog Bottom, 2017-2018)

References:

Harper N (2012) Wildlife Online - Caring for hedgehogs. Available from: http://www.wildlifeonline.me.uk/hedgehog_care.html [Accessed 03 Mar. 2018].

Hedgehog Bottom (2017-2018) Hedgehog Bottom Rescue - What to do if you find a hedgehog in trouble. Available from:http://www.hedgehog-rescue.org.uk/rescues.php [Accessed 03 Mar. 2018].

Hedgehog Street (2017) Found a sick or injured hedgehog? - hedgehog street. Available from: https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/sick-or-injured-hedgehog/ [Accessed 03 Mar. 2018].

Www.littleelise.com (2017) Free stock photos of hedgehog- pexels. Available from: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-near-brown-and-white-rodent-755732/ [Accessed 03 Mar. 2018].

ZHENINA A (2016) Free stock photos of gloves - pexels. Available from: https://www.pexels.com/photo/wood-clothes-background-beige-63448/ [Accessed 03 Mar. 2018].

Picture courtesy of Zehnina (2016)

Picture courtesy of littleelise.com (2017)

Useful contact details