Emergencies
Hedgehogs in need of help – the warning signs
- Being attacked by birds
- Trapped – in netting, in a pond or drain
- Hoglets – out in the day on their own, calling out. They should not be out on their own without an adult nearby. Squawking is an indication it is distressed.
- Large numbers of ticks visible - more than 10 on an adult or more than 5 on a smaller hog
- Walking in circles
- Out in the day – hedgehogs are nocturnal and definitely don’t sunbathe.
- Lethargic/collapsed
- Flies buzzing around a hedgehog
- Wobbly as they walk – they are dehydrated
- Obvious injury – dragging a leg, wounds.
🚨A hedgehog out in the day, is NOT OK
A hedgehog out at night, will probably be alright.
🚨Signs to look for
The shape of a healthy hog is round, like a football. However, if they are showing any signs listed above, they will still need help. Emaciated or underweight hogs will not look round like a football, instead they will be oval or ‘rugby ball’ shaped. You may see that their shape tapers towards their rump or there is visible narrowing of their rear end. they will also feel light for their size. These hogs are in desperate need of help and you should contact your nearest rescue asap.
A Good Shape
Definately Needs Help!
Instructions for transporting a hedgehog to us:
It is always a good idea to secure the hog before contacting us as some may decide to wander off whilst you try and call us!
- $Use gardening gloves, rubber gloves or a towel to pick up the hedgehog.
- $You will need a high-sided box (cardboard or plastic is fine).
- $Line the box with several layers of newspaper and tear up some of the newspaper so they can hide under it. If you don't have newspaper, an old towel or tea-towel will be good.
- $Please do not use straw, hay, leaves or grass to line the box they can stick to wounds and spines.
- $The box needs to be wide enough to allow for space for the hedgehog to move around a little.
- $Cover the box with a towel or lid - they hate feeling exposed - but make sure there is adequate ventilation.
- $If you cannot go directly to a rescue - place the hog in a quiet place, somewhere away from flies.
- $They are great escape artists, so if you have to wait a while before transporting it to us, please make sure you keep it somewhere safe. Putting the box in the bath or a small room is good.
- $You may be able to provide some warmth for the hog but please do not do this if the hog has a wound and is bleeding or if there is any flystrike.
- $You can use a plastic drinks bottle containing warm, but not hot, water in one corner of the box. Cover the bottle with a towel or cloth (not a fluffy fabric and not one with loose fibres) but make sure the hog can move away from it if necessary.
- $Please do not give any food unless the rescue has given specific instructions. Most hogs will be dehydrated and by giving them food you can actually make things worse as it can redirect the circulation away from vital organs. If you are told to feed the hog by a rescue, please offer only a small amount. Wet or dry meat-based cat or dog food is fine.
- $Please do put a shallow dish of water in the box for them.
- $Please remove the water before transporting.
🚨 FOUND A HEDGEHOG? Do not wait.
Call a carer immediately.
Hours: between 9.30am and 9.30pm. Note: we are unable to collect hedgehogs.
Hedgehogs are wild animals and easily stressed. It is illegal to keep a wild hedgehog as a pet. You must never try and care for a hedgehog yourself. They need specialist help as soon as possible and access to veterinary support. Please always contact a rescue as soon as you find a hog in need of help.
| Carer Location | Area Covered | Carer | Telephone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leek Wootton | Leamington and Warwick | Sally Ellis | 07771 996 952 |
| Lillington | Leamington and Warwick | Ken Faisey | 07833 520 504 |
| Stratford-upon-Avon | Stratford-upon-Avon | Gemma Smith | 07840 541 063 |
| Wellesbourne | Wellesbourne | Jane Savage | 01789 841 286 or 07780 950 126 |
| Wilmcote | Wilmcote | Elizabeth Lyne | 07525 823 674 |
Note: it is the finder’s responsibility to transport the hog to a rescue. However, we understand that there may be a few exceptions and this can be discussed with you at the time.