20/11/2024
Although we are currently closed due to moving premises - We are having many people asking for help regarding hedgehogs seen out in the winter. If under 400g they are may be too small to successfully hibernate. (The minimum safe weight for hibernation being around 450g according to BHPS ) However, if they look healthy our advice first & foremost is to PLEASE support feed them so they can continue to gain weight. Unless they are very small, skinny, wobbly or out in day - theres no need to scoop them up & take them in as this would cause undue stress & further complications. Contact a rescue for advice if you are unsure at all.
NB: We do not advise anyone to attempt to look after hedgehogs themselves - unless you are under the guidance of an experienced hedgehog rehabber or reputable rescue. The reason being - All over-wintered hedgehogs need to be checked for internal parasite burdens & treated accordingly. (This requires access to a microscope & knowledge of how to identify parasite eggs/larvae) They get extremely stressed during captivity, which causes their immune system to struggle, any internal parasites then rapidly multiply causing them to go downhill very quickly. Time is of the essence as if not diagnosed & sorted early on the burden will become so high & the hedgehog will be too weak to cope with the meds used to treat them. (These are prescribed by a vet) x
