We are now approaching a critical period when hedgehog nests get disturbed by people gardening, taking down sheds or decking etc.
Here is some information on what to do if you disturb a nest with babies in: –
🦔 If you find a nest with mum and babies grab mum first or she will do a runner and we will be left with babies needing 24 hours feeding. It is always better to have mum with the babies as they do better when fed by their mums.
🦔 If you find a nest with babies and no sign of mum, back off, watch from a distance as mum may be nearby. Give her time to come back. Call a local rescue for advice.
🦔 If the hoglets are in danger, put an overturned box over the nest to protect it and keep the hoglets safe and call a local rescue immediately for advice.
🦔 If you find a hoglet during the day they may need rescuing. Check the surrounding area to see if there are other hoglets as there are usually four or five in a litter.
Watch from a safe distance and only intervene if the hoglet is:
– In immediate danger
– Squeaking with eyes shut or huddled together with other hoglets in the open, without an adult nearby
– Next to a dead adult
– Weighing less than 300g (about the size of an apple) without an adult nearby
– Out during the day when it’s very cold, sick, injured or surrounded by flies
Feeding baby hedgehogs
Hoglets require specialist formula and food. Please do not attempt to feed a baby hedgehog on your own, you may kill it.
Hoglets are usually cold and dehydrated when found, so it is important to get them to a rescue or a vet as soon as possible as they will require warming up and special oral rehydration fluid before they can be fed.
If you are ever unsure about a nest that you come across, call your local rescue for advice.
