Table of Contents
Why is it important to protect hedgehogs?
Our prickly pals are called an indicator species in the conservation world. Because hedgehogs feed on soil invertebrates, a decline in hedgehogs also indicates a decline in the quality of our environment and the health of the natural world. Once a frequent garden visitor, spikey sightings are becoming rarer.
Do hedgehogs need rescuing?
You don’t need to rescue every hedgehog but please don’t ignore those that need help. Feeding a sick or injured hedgehog can cause a number of problems. Please give a shallow dish of water then call for advice. If it cannot stand do not attempt to get water in its mouth, you will drown it.
When should I help a hedgehog?
In the meantime, keep the hedgehog safe indoors as described above, but it should be seen by an experienced rehabilitator as soon as possible or if in obvious pain and in need of urgent help take it to a local vet immediately.
Is it illegal to harm hedgehogs?
Hedgehogs are listed on: The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Schedule 6 – It illegal to kill or capture hedgehogs unless they are suffering or need to be rehabilitated then released back into the wild. Wild Mammals Protection Act (1996) – It illegal to treat a hedgehog cruelly.
Do hedgehogs get used to humans?
Every hedgehog has a unique personality, but most aren’t interested in human affection. Caretakers note that it takes a lot of time and effort to get a hedgehog to tolerate being held. Like porcupines, hedgehogs have sharp, prickly quills that they use to fend off predators.
What kills thousands of hedgehogs every year?
Tens of thousands of hedgehogs are killed by road traffic each year. Climate change, which increases the likelihood of extreme weather such as heavy rainfall that can flood the homes of animals, is also considered a potential factor.
What do u feed hedgehogs?
What should I feed hedgehogs? Hedgehogs will relish any combination of meat-based wet dog or cat foods, or dry cat/kitten food, as these are high in the protein that they need. Just remember, they will be getting most of their food from insects and worms in the wild, and this food is only supplementary.
What can I do to help hedgehogs in my garden?
We know that hedgehogs love gardens and we know what they need to survive and thrive in suburbia. This is why Hedgehog Street was born. You can help hedgehogs by making your pond safe and linking your garden with others. This is an introduction to how you can help hedgehogs.
How often do hedgehogs travel in the garden?
Hedgehogs can travel around a mile every night, so they may need help to get into and out of your garden. Try cutting holes in fences, removing bricks from walls, or digging tunnels under the garden boundary. Hedgehogs can travel through gaps as small as 13x13cm, so these gaps don’t need to be large.
How big of a gap do hedgehogs need?
Hedgehogs can travel through gaps as small as 13x13cm, so these gaps don’t need to be large. Or, swapping your wall or fencing for native hedgerows provides a route in and out of your garden, as well as shelter for a range of wildlife.
What should I do if my Hedgehog has diarrhoea?
13) Leave out water for hedgehogs (not milk!) The only drink hedgehogs need is water, so leave a shallow bowl of water and ditch the milk, as this can cause sickness and diarrhoea in hedgehogs. A hedgehog can easily slip down a drain, so may sure you always cover them up.