Health

Do not use any preparations from pet shops on your hedgehog, they are not made specifically for hedgehogs as many problems will require treatment from a vet.

Do not allow them to get too fat. The maximum desirable weight for a female hedgehog is 1.361 kg (3lb) and 1.588kg (3½lb) for a male. The minimum weight for hibernation is 450gms (16oz). Try to ensure that the hedgehog is over this. If your hedgehog appears poorly check ears for septic infection and/or maggot infestation. Go to the vet at once they will remove maggots and eggs and treat any infection.

Eyes - sometimes white, fatty tissue appears from under eyelids when hedgehog opens eyes wide. This is fat deposit and will go if the hedgehog is dieted for 1-2 weeks, i.e. cut food by up to ½ for 1-2 weeks. These fat deposits can obscure vision so must be got rid of by dieting.

Skin problems i.e. loss of prickles, dusty appearance around the ears, sores on the face or skirt are all indications can be mites or ringworm. See your vet. Little mites looking like red spider mite can be treated as you would fleas, see below.

Worming - Hedgehogs will pick up worms from slugs and snails so they must be wormed regularly. Worm during March/April and again in September/October). You can treat them using PANACUR which should be available from your vet.

Pneumonia – can be a respiratory infection, lungworms or mouth infection (perhaps bad teeth). See vet.

Wounds - Most infections and wounds respond to antibiotics (again available from a vet).

Traces of blood in faeces – see vet.

Bone infections -(eg torn out claws) – bath in salt water; if the foot swells or the hedgehog is limping see vet

Fleas - can be controlled by sprinkling the hedgehog’s back with a powder used on birds to control lice and mites. Hedgehogs do not need their fleas. Hedgehog fleas are special to the hedgehog and do not normally live on any other animal.

*Never spray a hedgehog with dog or cat flea sprays as these maybe toxic to the hedgie.

Remember - Hedgehogs are nocturnal; they are active at dusk and through the night. They are not pets, but can become quite unafraid and very grateful for the care you give.

Lifespan - In the wild with no human help their lifespan is much shorter than when kept in enclosed garden and well cared for.

The minimum weight for hibernation has increased now because 450 was just not heavy enough for survival. If found in October it is 650 if November 750.

That's a good bit of Information Gem .x

good info xx