Safety First- Hedgehog Hazards

Before you bring your hoggie home, check for possible hazards as an inquisitive hedgehog could encounter if he were to accidentally escape. Your home can be a dangerous place for a hedgehog on the loose.

Here are a few examples of potential accidents:-

Sticky Traps, Snap Traps, Rodent and Insect Poisons and Baits

Remove all traps, baits and poisons that are in your house or garage. They are as deadly for your hedgehog as they are for vermin.


Household Chemicals

Hedgehogs can climb into and hide in cabinets where they are household products such as cleaning agents, bug sprays, paintsx, fertilizers and other poisonous chemicals. These substances are extremely dangerous and potentially deadly for your pet if they come into contact with them.


Appliances

Before you do the laundry, check any piles of clothing lying on the floor and double check the pockets. Sadly small pets have been found too late inside washers and dryers.


Other Pets

Keep your hedgehog separated from other pets - they can frighten and harm them - supervision will be required if you introduce them at any point.


Outside Doors

Make sure all doors to the outside or the garage are closed. If your hedgehog escapes to the garage, he will be exposed to hazards and poisons, such as antifreeze (ethylene glycol) on the garage floor. Antifreeze has a sweet taste but is a deadly poison that causes rapid kidney failure.

If your hedgehog escapes outside, he will be almost impossible to find and he will certainly not survive the dangers of automobiles, neighbourhood animals, and harsh weather conditions.


Poisonous Plants and Insects

While your little friend is on the loose, he will forage and might sample some greenery. Unfortunately, many household and garden plants are poisonous, so be sure to remove any poisonous plants and fertilizers that could make your runaway sick. Your hedgehog may also eat insects that have been poisoned (e.g. snails and slugs that have been exposed to snail bait). Remove all pesticides from the area until you locate your hedgehog.

Note: Cocoa mulch used in gardens is toxic for many animals. It contains a methylxanthine substance similar to caffeine.


Crushing Injuries

If your hedgehog has escaped, be very careful where you step or sit down. Check underneath furniture and pillows, especially under rocking and gliding chairs and lounge chairs were your hedgehog could be caught in the mechanism and crushed.

i am always shouting at dave telling him inca is out and about so to be careful...

very good advice here helen xxx

Liners with loose threads too .. check everytime you change one .x