Hedgehogs

Doing your best is ALL you can do Linz..,,,.your in touch with the Hedgehog Sanctuary folk and your keeping them fed, warm, safe and dry - and the fact that in spite of the weight loss they are still tucking in - they're giving it their best shot bless um ....so you hang in there medearie there's no doubt in anyone's mind that had it not been for your intervention their fate would be a very different outcome
It's just such a shame that there's no one to take them both on at this moment but that can change at any time - as you may well find out soon enough
My only advice would be is dont hang about for anyone if you can get hold of the other sanctuary number WOWLS and tell them the situation they may be able to help even sooner ...as long as you tell the other sanctuary (Gower) that WOWLS have them - then Gower can contact WOWLS and liaise with them - the most important factor as your well aware - frankly I don't need to say to you bless you as your already emotionally attached, is the long-term welfare of those dear souls.
HUGZzzz to you .....and thanks for all the updates and pics busy lady ...think you defo deserve one of these this evening

 

Housing question? We have a hog (or two) visiting every night and I thought a house would be beneficial for one in the winter so I bought a Hedgehog igloo. Questions are, does it need covering with leaves and brushwood for insulation?

Any bedding inside, leaves?

Can it be placed on the ground as it is, or should it have bottom insulation i e plywood base (even polystyrene under the wood)?
It may never be used (may not be any good) but I thought I would try and help at least one of them.

 

Linz, I have PM'd you yesterday. If you take them to another vet I am happy for you to give them my phone number. My vet rings me for advice sometime. A lot of vets are not wildlife savvy.

Shame you are not nearer as I could take them. Did you try the dehydration test?

As I mentioned to you if can get them to an experienced carer or rescue it would be prudent to do so. Hedgehogs can go downhill fast. If they both have good appetite that is encouraging. A strong curl reflex is good also, very weak hogs cannot curl.

 

@strongylodon
Eco Friendly Hedgehog House

I use these. They are very sturdy and can be left out without any extra weather proofing.

Do you mean you have bought a Hogitat ?
Hogitat Hedgehog House

 

@luciusmaximus I have the hogitat. It may be that it isn't really suitable for hibernation, mainly shelter.

 

Reading the brief, it may be utilised for hibernation if you cover it with small twigs/branches and put some small pieces grass/leaves inside for nesting.
As with any boxes/shelters we put in our gardens it is down to the luck of the draw whether they get used or not. Fact is, if we don't at least try, we have less chance of succeeding.

Wishing you luck with yours!

 

They are not the best houses admittedly but are popular due to the price. I have never had a hog use one but mine have a choice. Fussy hogs . I have heard of hogs using them for hibernation but it does depend on how much weather proofing you can provide. The Hogitat only has waterproofing on the middle bit, the tunnel and back of the house are not. There is also the issue of damp permeating up from the ground. The best success I had at keeping it dry was to place it on a patio slab with a rubber mat ( the type that had holes ). I added hay and leaves to the inside. The outside I covered with roof felt, totally covering the house and just leaving a small gap over the entrance. I have a large butler sink so we overturned it and set it on bricks so it covered the Hogitat. I placed more bricks around the outside just leaving the entrance end clear. There were still a few drips got in and the hogs gave it the thumbs down. The rats liked it though . You could use a large plastic box instead of a sink or you can pile compost and leaves on top of the roof felt. I wouldn't use polystyrene or cardboard/paper as they will get wet. You can but try . And don't forget to leave a box of extra nesting materials close buy so they can help themselves

Where are you planing on siting it @strongylodon ?

 

I have two new additions tonight, weighing 247g and 268g. Currently tucked up enjoying a meal. Mum Teigan ( who was a late baby herself ) does this every year..

 

I have replied @luciusmaximus

Both are still with me, took them to the other vets this morning both were checked over all seems fine and the wound is healing. Both have gained weight again, the sick one especially! Now standing at 373g and 276g. Vet advised to release, but again, my gut is telling me not to. I have also text the hedgehog helpline this info and they have said keep them to overwinter.

Oh sorry but forgot to say Lucius, poos are looking (and smelling) dandy, no green!

My.... I thought the stench was bad when I was fostering kittens...

 

@Linz I love checking in on this thread -and reading the good news updates ...
LOLI can see them in the future ......having a FABulous life living on your Lotty ...just think your very own personal slug patrol team
Keep up the good work luvverly lady

 

Good link here for all us hedger's and future hedger's
Hedgehog Housing Census! - The British Hedgehog Preservation Society

 

@luciusmaximus LUVing yr new avatar piccy
And lovely to read of your new arrivals...bless um

 

Thanks Bee I think that's where I'm going to put them when the time comes, luckily the allotment really isnt that far from where I found them (or some decent fields/my house). Have to take poo samples later on and send them off to someone the lady has given an address for.

 

Ooo the joys of being a new Mam again Linz

 

@luciusmaximus I'll be placing it in a sheltered spot in the garden by the garage out of the wind.
Thanks for your advice. Perhaps a proper house would have been a better choice but i'll see what happens this winter.