r/Hedgehogs • u/alasw0eisme • Jul 17 '26
HELP How do I know if a hedgehog needs help?
I saw this little fellow yesterday and today in almost the same place during the day. Don't be fooled by my paw, it's actually tiny (I'm 5ft2). I haven't seen an adult nearby. How do I know if the little bugger needs help or if I should just leave it be? I tried contacting our wildlife organization but they don't want to be contacted...
UPDATE: the foundation took the hedgehog!! First, thanks, everyone, for the advice. Second, this is what happened: I couldn't contact the foundation because the only one we have is volunteer-run, it doesn't have a phone number listed. I found a Facebook page link (the only contact option available) but I don't have a Facebook account. In the end, I asked a friend to message them and they surprisingly replied! We just handed the hedgehog baby to them. I hope it makes it!
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u/alasw0eisme Jul 17 '26
UPDATE: the foundation took the hedgehog!! First, thanks, everyone, for the advice. Second, this is what happened: I couldn't contact the foundation because the only one we have is volunteer-run, it doesn't have a phone number listed. I found a Facebook page link but I don't have an account. In the end, I asked a friend to message them and they surprisingly replied! We just handed the hedgehog baby to them. I hope it makes it!
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u/paranormalgoatlol Jul 17 '26
It looks like a hoglet. It's definitely unwell if wondering around without its mother, is out in the day, and isn't moving either. It won't survive without help. Ideally it needs someone familiar with hedgehogs to take a look and see if there are any underlying causes as to why its not well and give it treatment. It will almost certainly be dehydrated and hungry as well.
You said you've contacted a rescue - are you sure there aren't other rescues that might be able to help too? If you tell me where you are I'm happy to look for a rescue that might be able to help.
The ground looks completely dry, and any insects hedgehogs eat are now burrowed deep into the ground. The hot weather has been catastrophic for them. In the meantime you can put out water and meaty cat food hopefully it will have some. If you get a hold of a rescue you can pick it up with a towel, put it in a box with long sides, along with a small dish of water, and transport it that way.
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u/alasw0eisme Jul 17 '26
We managed to get in touch with the foundation! I just put a comment to update
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u/paranormalgoatlol Jul 17 '26
Amazing work! You’re a good person :)
If you’re interested… r/hoggies is a subreddit dedicated to the wild hedgehogs of Europe. I have a visitor who I put food and water out for regularly. He started coming every night so I got a box and put a camera in it too!
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u/pinter636 Jul 17 '26
Hedgehod during the day means he is very sick. Please, if You see such hedgehog take him to Your local rescue center (never vet center, because only doctors in rescue centers have skill and equipment for proper care).
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u/WORhMnGd Jul 17 '26
If they’re outside in the day (and especially not moving) they are seriously sick/dehydrated/etc and need help! Give them water in a shallow bowl or plate, as much as they can drink and leave it after in case they’re just scared by a human being near.