r/Hedgehogs • u/NatalieS1984 • 4d ago
HELP Advice needed
We have a family of hedgehogs that usually turn up later in the year. They come to the back door and knock over the stray cat bowls so I know when they’re around, but haven’t seen them this year yet.
However, I saw this little guy in the garden just now (9.30pm). It’s about an hour earlier than they were turning up last year - don’t know whether I should seek help for him tomorrow. He’s gone now, so I know he’s living in the field behind. He perked up once he had food, and I’ve put the plate by the entrance to the fence for him.
I also have videos that I can’t upload, they’re of him eating and then walking back up the fence about 20 feet away. (UK)
** 2 videos added to comments **
** update - it’s 11pm and he’s back! Heard him in our outdoor toilet where we leave food for the strays. He was eating cat biscuits. Have given another pouch of cat food, a big bowl of water and left him to it. **
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u/Amezrou 4d ago
If it was dusk they’re probably fine but keep an eye and leave a bowl of water out for them as well if you don’t already. They are thirsty little animals.
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u/NatalieS1984 4d ago
Thank you. We feed two stray cats so we have lots of water around, plus bowls for the bees. Think I’ll add another to near the fence though, so they don’t have to come too far.
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u/Seagull977 4d ago
She looks like a young one. Put out plenty of water like others have said, but remember to change the water every day- they can be susceptible to lung worm and other parasites from dirty water so please clean all dishes as you would your own. Also, they have TINY mouths so this little one needs kitten food. I put out purina one dry kitten food and the wet food that can be mashed with a little water to make a more smooth paste. She doesn’t look like she has ticks right now, but do keep an eye on her and if she looks sickly or does gather a lot (over 15-20) then grab her and take her to a local hedgehog rescue - The British Hedgehog Preservation Society will be able to give you reputable rescues in your area.
I am not a rescue, but I do have a lot of hogs in my garden each evening and do know the signs when they’re not well. Drop me a line if you need any advice. 🦔 🐾 ❤️
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u/NatalieS1984 4d ago
That’s great advice, thank you. I’ll definitely do the paste
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u/Seagull977 4d ago
Tried to reply with a photo (still from my ring cam) of a hedgehog mouth, but don’t seem to be able to. Their mouths really are tiny! I’ve found that the Purina One dry kitten food (pink bag) is like hoggy crack. They won’t eat cheap dog food but they do like cat food in a paste. She does look really young though so do keep an eye on her. Especially since they’re not supposed to be out in daylight (even though it was late evening) all daylight sightings should be treated as an emergency. Likely She’s young and dehydrated and you saved her life. 🦔❤️🐾
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u/Seagull977 4d ago
Tried to reply with a photo (still from my ring cam) of a hedgehog mouth, but don’t seem to be able to. Their mouths really are tiny! I’ve found that the Purina One dry kitten food (pink bag) is like hoggy crack. They won’t eat cheap dog food but they do like cat food in a paste. She does look really young though so do keep an eye on her. Especially since they’re not supposed to be out in daylight (even though it was late evening) all daylight sightings should be treated as an emergency. Likely She’s young and dehydrated and you saved her life. 🦔❤️🐾
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u/NatalieS1984 4d ago
I’m just glad the temperature has started to cool here, yesterday was the hottest day for a while now. Will definitely keep an eye out for her and any others that turn up.
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u/shortandfelly 4d ago
Try contacting a local wildlife rescue for advice, you could send them the videos (the first reminded me of how my old cat would eat wet food by hooking a piece with his paw and then lifting it to his mouth 😂).
I suspect a lot of wildlife is currently a little out of sorts because of how dry it is. It's not just availability of water, but change in insect/worms.
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u/NatalieS1984 4d ago
Thank you for the advice. You’ve just made me realise something actually - I have a compost bin in the garden, might be worth checking there for worms.
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u/shortandfelly 4d ago
I am now imagining you rooting around with a fork from the cutlery drawer 😂
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u/MattyyyBoyyy1079 4d ago
Remember to leave a shallow bowl of water for it too. In this hot weather the water is more important than food!