Advice

What to do if you find a hedgehog that may need help.

I Found A Hedgehog That May Need Help!

Hedgehogs are nocturnal and are not normally seen during the day. If they are, they may be sick, injured or orphaned (a hoglet).

Step 1

Assess The Situation

Warning signs include laying in the open, flies buzzing around, wobbling, visible injuries, or being caught in netting, drains or ponds.

Step 2

Contain Safely

Use gloves or an old towel, place in a high-sided box with paper, keep warm and quiet, provide water only, and keep away from flies.

Step 3

Call for Help

Call us for further advice. If a healthy mum is nesting, monitor from a distance and provide water. If a nest is disturbed: stop work and call us.

Do

  • Keep a continuous supply of water in shallow saucers.
  • Provide escape routes from ponds using ramps, steps or wire.
  • Check sheds, garages, greenhouses and garden equipment before use.
  • Cover drains and raise or roll up low netting.
  • Contact us if you are unsure what to do.

Do Not

  • Do not give cow's milk or bread.
  • Do not use slug pellets.
  • Do not move healthy hedgehogs unnecessarily.
  • Do not remove netting from an entangled hedgehog yourself.
  • Do not attempt to care for an injured hog without specialist advice.