Some of you may find mums and babies in gardens. Wherever possible leave them alone, cover back up, back off and watch from a distance. If mum runs off, stay well away and watch for her to come back. If she doesn't call for advice immediately.
Occasionally they are in a place where they can't stay for whatever reason and will need to be moved. Always think carefully whether they can be left for the 3 weeks it'll take for them to become mobile but if that is impossible then they must go to a qualified rescue ASAP but there is a procedure to follow so she doesn't kill the little ones.
First grab mum and get her in a deep box or cat basket.
Next lift the entire nest, try not to touch the babies. Put nest plus babies in a separate box and cover it up.
Transport to the rescue immediately so the babies don't chill. If possible put a hot water bottle or drinks bottle with hot but not boiling water under the nest.
Once they reach the rescue they can be reunited but it has to be done in a particular way. If for some reason you can't get them there immediately then I can talk you through the process of putting the babes back with mum so please ring, but unless you can provide everything that is needed please don't try hang onto them yourself, Mum may well kill the babes if you get it wrong.
Mum feeds during the day and her body stops the littles from getting chilled so it needs to be sorted out urgently.
Sat Mar 30, 2013 5:44 pm