The European Hedgehog

Sick/Injured Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs Found Should Be:

Handled carefully with a pair of think gloves. This is because their sharp spines may hurt, and Hedgehogs in distress may bite.
Put the Hedgehog in a Cardboard Box, making sure that the bottom of the Box has Newspaper and a old Towel at the Bottom.
You can add a Hot water bottle if you wish to give warmth, this can be also made out of any plastic container with warm water in. But please make sure that the water in not boiling, and is not in direct contact with the Hedgehogs skin.
Make sure that the Hedgehog cannot escape, as they may try to do so.
Please make sure that you get the Hedgehog help as soon as possible, either from a Vet, a Wildlife Rescue or a Hedgehog Rescue.

When You Should Help A Hedgehog!

If you find a Hedgehog with any of the things below, then something is wrong! You should take them to a Vet, Wildlife, or Hedgehog Rescue as soon as possible! But please make sure you do all of the above, and do so with care!

Out During The Day:

If you find a Hedgehog out during the Day then something is wrong. Hedgehogs are nocturnal.

A Hedgehog out in the Day could be sick, injured, dehydrated, starving, poisoned, blind, have broken bone(s) or bleeding.

Hedgehogs out during the Day will need urgent help!

Photo- A Hedgehog out during the Day.

A Baby Away From The Nest:

If you find a single, baby Hedgehog away from the nest, then something is wrong; especially if the Hedgehog still has pink skin and white spines. A predator may have removed it from the nest, or it may have wondered out on its own. A young Hedgehog in distress will make a loud, shrill call.

Photo- A baby Hedgehog. Anything out in the open and on its own like this will need help straight the way if it is to stand any chance!

A Hedgehog Asleep & Away from Its Nest:

Hedgehogs sleep in Nests which they build themselves, so if you see on out in the open, like on your lawn, then something is wrong!

Photo- A young Hedgehog away from its nest.

A Hedgehog under 600g in Winter:

A Hedgehog should be at least 600g if it is to survive the Winter. Any Hedgehogs below this weight should be taken in doors, in the warm, where they should remain for the whole of Winter.

Photo- A 90g underweight Hedgehog.

Hedgehog With Loss of spines:

The Hedgehog spines are its only protection against predators such as Foxes and Badgers. Hedgehog cannot run very fast, so without their spines, Hedgehogs would die out very quickly. If you see a Hedgehog like the one opposite, with spines missing, then it needs help!

Photo- A Hedgehog being treated for Mites & Ringworm.

A Hedgehog With Damaged Legs:

If you find a Hedgehog with any leg problems, such as a limp or any dragging of the leg, then the Hedgehog will be in need of help. Take to a Vet or Wildlife/Hedgehog Rescue as soon as possible.

Photo- A Hedgehog being treated, it only has 3 legs. The bottom right one is missing.

A Hedgehog With An Open Wound(s):

A Hedgehog with open wounds is in danger of getting them infected. This could lead the Hedgehog dying. Please take it to a Vet or Wildlife/Hedgehog Rescue as soon as possible.

Photo- This Hedgehog was bitten by a Dog, but was fortunately treated.

A Blind Hedgehog:

Hedgehogs that are blind will also need help. Although Hedgehogs done have the best eye site, they certainly need it.

Photo- A blind Hedgehog having a walk in an enclosed Garden.

Blonde Hedgehogs:

If you find a blonde Hedgehog, then you must take it in. Hedgehogs that are blonde will not live for long in the wild. They will suffer from the cold and have hibernation problems.

Photo- A blonde Hedgehog. Rescued by 'Dink' a member of the Hedgehog forums.

When You Should Not Help A Hedgehog!

If you find a Hedgehog in any of the situations below, then please leave it alone!

A Hedgehog Is In Its Nest:

Hedgehog sleep all Day in their nests. If you disturb a Hedgehog nest, then you never know if you are disturbing not one, but a mother with Hoglets. If this happens, the mother may leave the nest, and her Hoglets. In these cases, more than one life may be lost. So don't disturb them!