Over the last week I have admitted six hedgehogs, all are ok and responding to treatment, four from finders and two from Sore Paws. I now have 22 here.
Firstly, I would like to thank Jackie and John for rolling out the red carpet for two of my overwintered males last Saturday. John kindly made some lovely houses for Chandler and Joe, these hogs were too small to be able to hibernate and wake up in spring. The garden they came from was deemed unsafe because a dog had killed three hedgehogs last year, as a rehabber I decided to release them where I knew they would be safe, job done! The other released hedgehogs went out of the area, to Sunderland and Crook – support fed gardens too, they will also live a long and healthy life without any problems.
Thanks also go to Christine and Pam, these ladies brought me a female each, Hazel, as she has been named, has sustained a head injury, she is responding to medication but it’s going to take time. Pam’s little female has some breaks in the skin, one behind her ear and another one by her tail. Because these ladies brought these lovely hogs in quickly they are doing well, they have both been very kind too and given me a donation towards their care, they have settled well and are enjoying their comfy beds and nice food.
Sore Paws also called me on Monday night, another female, bless her, she is missing spines and fur so she will be kept safe and comfortable but, she will take a long time to put right. If the finder wants to get in touch BHPS number below have my number.
When we bring hedgehogs in to rescue the majority of problems they endure take a long time to put right, it takes weeks to get them well and their weight up to an acceptable level before they get that second chance out there.
This doesn’t come cheap either, medicine cupboard has to be kept full and the food bill gets very pricey too, all of this so far has cost £1,500 (ish) this year but, thanks go to everyone who has supported these lovely mammals that I care for. It’s hard work as it is without the stress of money worries. All of the time and hard work does pay off, especially if they go happy and safe.
Don’t forget hedgehog awareness week is from the 6th May.
The British Hedgehog Preservation Society number is 01584 890801. My Facebook page is Prickly Haven Hedgehog Hotel, my email is pricklyhaven@yahoo.com