This week’s blog focuses on thanking everyone who helps this rescue out with donations of goods, crafts, food and monetary assistance and you will all see regular people being mentioned Sonia, June, Pat and her husband, also Sheila. We are going to tell all our Newtonians why our fundraising is important.
All over the United Kingdom there are just under 1000 rescue centres, that are being ran from our homes. We are not only responsible for feeding, cleaning, diagnosing and treating these very vulnerable mammals we are also self funded which is why we do car boot sales when we can. Every hog that comes in gets assessed, weighed and cared for as appropriate to their medical needs. Indoors, not outside in a shed, where they can be watched and they need warmth too. Hoglets need either a vivarium or an incubator, feeding around the clock and specialist foods.
Also the greatest reason we take these beautiful cute mammals into our homes is really because they we are very fond of them, just because they are classed as wild animals it doesn’t mean they don’t feel pain, cold or sadness. Us rehabbers see all of this which is why we want the species to survive, they are a protected species which are also endangered. They don’t have fleas and if they do the fleas are Hedgehog specific, rescue centres can sort fly strike, maggots, fleas and ticks, there are many things we are called upon to do to save their precious lives.
We need finders to recognise that they are also nocturnal so if one is seen out in daytime looking lethargic or at risk from cars or predators they need to be picked up, placed in a high sided box with a heat source, maybe a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel, and a rescue centre informed or a vet, vets don’t charge finders because they have a relationship with rescue centres and can pass a hoggie to a rescue centre to follow up treatment, rehab and release.
A lovely lady called Margaret of Bewick Crescent was in that situation on Monday night, poorly hog on her back doorstep, within half an hour we brought him in, warmed him through, doing really nicely and seems to appreciate getting the help he needs, Oscar is his name after her new baby grandson, she saved him, she names him, lovely isn’t it.
Tip of the week: Either ring British Hedgehog Preservation Society on 01584 890801 or get in touch with a local vet and I hope you all know which one we use or visit our Facebook page Prickly Haven Hedgehog Hotel.
