Sick or injured hedgehog

If you find a sick or injured hedgehog place it in the rescue box and secure the box so it cannot escape. Place the box in a quiet place (e.g., the bath) and do not disturb. Call Hedgehog Welfare for help as soon as possible on 07940 714830.

If you cannot bring it to us straight away give the hedgehog a small bowl of water and a little food – cat or dog food dry or wet. Break up any big pieces. Never feed a hedgehog bread and
milk.

Whatever the weather, fill a glass or plastic bottle with hot water, wrap some kitchen roll round the bottle, and place inside the box next to the hedgehog. NEVER USE A HOT WATER BOTTLE.

The sooner we have the hedgehog the more chance we have of saving its life or getting it to the vets for help.

• Hedgehogs do not sunbathe, so, if you see one out in the sun, please pick it up as per instructions.
• A “sunbathing” hedgehog is a poorly hedgehog. If you leave it out in the sun it will become fly blown, adding to its health problems.
• A hedgehog that is dehydrated, and/or is hungry and poorly, walks “drunkenly” – wobbling and unsteady on its feet.
• If a hedgehog is making a sound when breathing it is an obvious problem. It can be as simple as the internal parasite (lungworm) to pneumonia.
• If a hedgehog is limping or dragging a leg, it has some sort of injury.

Please do not try to do first aid on the hedgehog or take it to a vet, unless we instruct you to do so. It is easier for us to use our vet as he has more knowledge than most vets who do not see many hedgehogs.