PROBLEMS WITH HEDGEHOGS

It is illegal to keep and look after hedgehogs unless you are trained.

They carry many diseases and skin problems. Always use gloves.

As it is a wild animal they can get:

• Ticks, Fleas, Mites Maggots, Mange, Ringworm

• Salmonella, Protozoa gut infections

• Roundworm, Lung worm, Fluke, Tapeworm, Thorny-headed worm. All these will need treatment.

A hedgehog will hide what’s wrong, to not show its weak /sick to predators.

They are very difficult to examine as their first response is to curl into a tight ball with all spines erect and sharp.

If there is a wound or a fracture on a limb, head, abdomen, they keep it protected to avoid being attacked by a predator.

If it was fit and healthy you would not have seen it or found it.

Any sign of blood, a limb sticking out, an injury, maggots please contact your nearest vet. You will not be charged and when treated they will call us to collect.

When we receive a hedgehog;

We check for dehydration and give sub-cut fluids. We test a faecal (poo) sample under the microscope to see what internal parasites are there and treat accordingly. Check all areas of the hedgehog, veterinary guidance where necessary.

Please do not try to look after hedgehogs yourself.

Thank you