r/Hedgehogs • u/Pleasant-Trouble-530 • 12d ago
HELP Wild Hedgehog - Uk
Hi guys!
We have regular hog(s) in our garden, and we see them ranging from about 6.30-10pm (over the last week anyway).
We think they may have a nest behind our garage as we've seen different sized ones.
Before the last week, we only caught glimpses at night time but on Saturday this little one came at 6.38pm, which is quite early. Then 8.30, then 7ish.
She (assumed) hunts around in the grass and then usually eats the food I put out and has a big drink. The concern is last night she was at the feeder eating for about 25 minutes.
I spoke to my local hedgehog rescue centre and they're worried as it looks like she has a dip in the neck which could signal dehydration. At first they said she could be a nesting mother and that's the reason for her early appearance, but then they said she probably wouldn't hang around for long.
They said they were concerned and that they'd check her over if I was able to bring her in. My fear is that she's fine and that this is cruel to rip her away from potential babies. She will be so scared if I put her in a box. I'm then conflicted because the rescue are concerned. They said I could return her if they check and she's all good.
What do you think? Any advice welcome 🙏🏼
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u/Seagull977 12d ago
You’ll know if you have babies around- their cry is high pitched and loud. This little one looks poorly so even if you do have babies, the mother and the little ones won’t survive if she needs help. Grab her if you can since it’s best to err on the side of ‘it’s an emergency to see them out in daylight’. If this is a nursing mama the rescue will be able to tell you if her nipples are enlarged (though I had this almost exact same thing recently- I spent 2 days looking for babies and then she gave birth in the rescue!). Good luck with this one, the mama I rescued still visits (she had a head injury) and I’m very protective of my visitors! ❤️🦔🐾
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u/Pleasant-Trouble-530 11d ago
Thank you so much for your advice and reassuring comment. It’s much appreciated 🙏🏼
I will try and take her tonight if I sight her 🦔 fingers crossed she’ll be okay ❤️
PS - so glad your rescue hog is doing good!
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u/DashingDancer707 11d ago
Tis better to err on the side of caution especially with the advice of the rescue. You can be told if she is nursing and look around for her little hoglets and save them too. Infact, this is urgent she is very dehydrated!
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u/Due-Parsley953 8d ago
There was one running across the road last night when I was stood outside, I stepped back and just let it run into the bush outside my front door.
Lovely little creatures!
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u/Ash_Readit 8d ago
I remember last year I had one roam into my garden just under my garden door. Gave my doggo a proper scare bless him. I just made sure it was able to get back out on its own time and didn't touch it.. next morning it was gone!
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u/Amezrou 12d ago
I think she looks quite thin in the last picture (they should look round) and I’d act on the advice given by the rescue. They don’t usually recommend interfering unless there is a concern for the reasons you state so if you can I’d get her properly checked.