22.11.08
For the second November running, the RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre in Norfolk has seen an increase in the numbers of small hedgehogs being admitted, with 112 in care this week.
The cold spell has led to a dramatic increase in the number of hedgehogs being admitted to the centre.
Hedgehogs born at the end of the breeding season may be too small to survive the winter, with 500g being the minimum weight to survive hibernation.
Young hogs need your help
The young hogs need to gain as much weight as possible before hibernating so small hedgehogs seen out during the day at this time of year may be struggling to find food, and could be in need of your help. Cold weather and ground frosts make finding food even more difficult.
Usually these small hedgehogs are cold and dehydrated when they get to the centre. They are gently warmed up, using a combination of heat pads, towels and flannels.
A plea for towels
East Winch Wildlife Centre relies on supplies of donated towels, but unfortunately, stocks are now running low and they desperately need more towels and flannels to continue caring for hogs and other wild animals.
The most collapsed and dehydrated hedgehogs are given warm fluids until they are strong enough to feed and drink for themselves. They are offered a diet of meaty cat and dog food (they don't like fish!) and water. Hedgehogs are not given milk, as, although they may enjoy it, milk will give them diarrhoea.
Once stabilised the hogs need to gain weight until they are 500g, but then it's a question of waiting for the weather conditions to improve before they can be released.
What you can do to help
- You can feed hedgehogs in the garden with things like minced meat, scrambled eggs, meaty dog or cat food, or even hedgehog food, and fresh water.
- Make a hedgehog-friendly area of the garden with heaps of leaves and brushwood for them to hibernate in.
- If you have to light a bonfire, always make sure there are no animals sheltering in the middle of the pile.
- Call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 if you find a sick or injured hedgehog, or take it in to a wildlife centre. Put it into a large box with plenty of clean, fresh hay, newspapers or dry leaves until the hedgehog can be picked up, and keep human contact to minimum.
Sponsor a hedgehog
You can help hedgehogs at the RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre by sponsoring them.
An ideal Christmas gift for hedgehog fans
Sponsors receive a memento, photo, certificate, car sticker and two newsletters a year.
Leaflets are available from East Winch Wildlife Centre, or by emailing eastwinch@rspca.org.uk, quoting Sponsorship Scheme.
Hedgehog food
CJ Wildlife offers a range of specially designed products to help these popular garden visitors prepare for the coming winter. To buy online visit www.birdfood.co.uk.
By purchasing products from CJ Wildlife, not only are you helping wildlife in your area, but the RSPCA also receives a minimum of £100,000 annually from the sale of CJ Wildlife products.
photo © Andrew Forsyth/ RSPCA
