Most of our winters follow a similar pattern of alternating periods of cold and mild conditions, plus the occasional really cold spell. Consequently, hedgehogs follow a pattern of hibernation techniques that have not changed for centuries. Basically, at any time from late November onwards, with the majority after Christmas, fit mature hedgehogs will construct a hibernaculum, (a hibernation nest) where they will more or less stay until March. Nobody can decide what prompts a hedgehog to hibernate, but it may be a combination of day length, cold weather and shortage of food.
If the nest is badly constructed the hedgehog may change sites in very cold weather and build a fresh nest elsewhere. This will also happen if the nest is flooded. The hedgehog will also make the occasional nightly foray to feed. So don’t worry if you see one out occasionally in the evening.
Any hedgehog found in a definite nest should be left well alone, no matter what the prevailing weather conditions. To wake a hedgehog up uses much of its fat reserves which may prevent it being able to wake after a further period of hibernation.
If a hedgehog is found sleeping out in the open, away from the nest, it is not hibernating and is probably suffering from hypothermia and in need of attention. Take it indoors - an outbuilding is not warm enough - place it on a towel-wrapped warm hot water bottle and wait for it to stir. If it doesn’t it may have died, but it’s worth checking. Medical assistance can be given by a local wildlife rescue centre, with the direction of a sympathetic vet. Hartmanns fluids, warmed, can be given under the skin and dexamethasone injected to improve circulation, along with covering antibiotics.
When the hedgehog shows movement it should be offered Lectade (Pfizer) to drink or Dioralyte.This is available from vets. No solid food should be given for 12 hours, after which a liquid food, like Ensure or Complan, can be offered. Tinned dog food can be given after 24 hours. Never give bread or milk.
They should be fed on one third of a normal sized tin of dog or cat food each day, with a small sprinkle of dried cat food added for crunchiness. They should also have a constant supply of water.
Release should be in a garden, with access to at least nine other gardens and with a hedgehog box as a base. Make sure there are no known badger setts or main roads in the immediate area as these are the main threats to hedgehogs.
Tue Mar 13, 2012 10:00 am
