We work closely with our local vets and surrounding practices. Those unable to be released live in our disabled gardens within our grounds. ~ WAKING HEDGEHOGS ADVICE ~
Around now fat reserves are running very low and our little prickly friends start coming out of hibernation. A hedgehog generally will have lost around one third of its body weight during this time! With such a drastic weight loss they initially wake very disorientated and weak, they can appear drunk being very wobbly on their feet. Their first priority is water not food so it is very important to ensure that there is ice free water in your garden all year round. Extreme low temperatures can cause a hedgehog to wake in the middle of winter. This first couple of days are a dangerous time for them. This is the time when we start to get ready for emergencies where hedgehogs have had their nests destroyed from people tidying up their gardens as the sun has decided to shine. We will admit many hedgehogs with soft tissue injuries from strimmers and garden forks along with fractured bones from spades and forks. The injuries are often horrific with operations needed and long periods of rehabilitation, some live with us as they are unable to be released. A number of our casualties will be put to sleep straight away due to the extent of the injuries. It is so sad when you think that they manage to survive winter lowering their metabolism to near death in order to survive only to be seriously injured by us. Always check before trimming or cutting down shrubs or bushes. Always check your compost heap before digging over with a fork. If you are removing a shed/ summer house please check underneath them. They love to nest under under garden sheds and patio decking. Long grass? Check before trimming or mowing. If spraying your fence please buy brands that are non toxic
Slug pellets…… invite hedgehogs in to help instead :)
Use non toxic alternatives to weed killer
Please make the time to make your garden more hedgehog and wildlife friendly. We are happy to offer advice and google is amazing for ideas. Your garden could be a home for lots of prickly friends that will eat your slugs to help your garden and they are a pleasure to watch! Hedgehogs are in serious decline in the UK anyway but putting further obstacles in their way when they wake from the dangers of hibernation is easily avoided with a little knowledge and caring.
