I was so busy fussing over the little hog I found this morning I forgot to take a photo. We had no hedgehog visits last night, probably the first time for a few months that none have come for some food. This morning I found a hoglet on our lawn. I took him inside, it weighed only 200 grams so rang the rescue centre, OH took it there straightaway - they now have 150 in their care - we will make a donation.
I felt I couldn't leave them more work without contributing something to the rescue. They give their time, money, and sleepless nights ( mine had three in intensive care, to which Apple joined them for assessment)
I don't think that people always realise the work involved @purplerallim. Not only the day to day care, but vet visits, giving medication and other treatments,shredding newspaper, admin etc. Our local rescue is run by just one lady with volunteers, but it has taken it's toll. And some of the people she's had to deal with, l've seen at least one in action. You'd think hedgehog lovers were all understanding and nice people, but it's not always the case.
Ours is an 80 year old ( very sprightly) lady, with part time help. The other nearer centre ( behind a vets practice) wanted us to take him to our local vets, who would then see who would come and pick him up, so there was no way to keep track of him so he could be returned.
The hedgehog population here and in Alderney) is thriving thanks to the care given by our branch of the RSPCA, they are marvellous with all animals from turtles, seals, oiled sea birds to hedgehogs, domestic animals and all those in between. They even search for missing pets and run a boarding kennels service. Luckily when one manager moves on for various reasons another takes over running the centre. Caring for any young animals is a 24/7 job, and they are always looking for new volunteer recruits or full time staff
We haven't seen our hedgehog in days now. Unfortunately the last video of him from the camera shows him leaving his house and not coming back. The day before he left a neighbours cat was investigating his house, which may have put him off. It's going to be an anxious winter for us!
I've not seen a hedgehog in my garden although I would think it's perfect. It's very close to a wooded area and no roads around and badgers are kept out of the garden by fences but wire allows hogs to pass easily. I've thought about putting out food but how on earth do you keep rats away? I've seen rats around and am sure they can't be far from any of us, so how do you feed hogs but not rats?
Put the food in the middle of the garden, away from walls, hedges, and preferably on a patio @Lottolearn . Possibly in a covered feeding station. Rats/Mice don't like going into the open. Also keep an eye on the food hogs leave crumbs, others don't. Hope this helps. 😁
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I'm sure your donation will be very welcome
Not only the day to day care, but vet visits, giving medication and other treatments,shredding newspaper, admin etc.
Our local rescue is run by just one lady with volunteers, but it has taken it's toll. And some of the people she's had to deal with, l've seen at least one in action. You'd think hedgehog lovers were all understanding and nice people, but it's not always the case.
https://www.facebook.com/notes/hedgehog-bottom/which-hedgehogs-need-help-in-winter/2624669350889114/