SAVE A HEDGEHOG

In this article I will tell you how to help a hedgehog.


Hedgehogs are the only British mammal with spines. When threatened they will roll into a tight ball, with the spines providing sharp protection from predators. Young hedgehogs are born with soft spines under the skin to protect mum, with a second set of spines emerging within days. One peculiarity to all hedgehogs is the way they cover their spines in foamy saliva, the reason why they do this remains a mystery although it has been suggested it might be a sexual attractant, or be used to reduce parasites, or as additional protection.


Hedgehogs aren't fussy when it comes to food: worms, slugs, frogs and even bird eggs can be taken during a two kilometre nightly forage, a resistance to adder venom can also put this snake on the menu.
But, there are a few things that you should know before you help them.
Here is a list of things that you should know.


1. If a hedgehog is out and about take care of it as soon as you can ( they shouldn't be out in the day ).
2. Dont feed them bread or milk ( this could upset their stomach or even kill them ).
3. Hedgehogs can swim but if they swim in deep water they could drown.
4. Hedgehogs have fleas but humans and pets cant catch them ( they are a different type of flea ).


Now that you know a few things about them, I will now tell you how to help one in need. Follow these simple instructions to save a hedgehog.


1. If you see a hedgehog, approach it slowly and put your hand under its stomach and pick it up.
2. Take it in your house and lay out 2 or 3 towels to put it on ( hedgehogs get very cold and need the warm ) even put 1 towel over the hedgehog.
3. If you have cat food then put that in a bowl so it can have something to eat ( never give them fish flavoured cat food ) and also get a seperate bowl to put some water in it for it to drink.
4. If the hedgehog is injured then you should call a vet so that the hedgehog can be looked at.


For further help on were your nearest hedgehog carer is please visit the British Hedgehog Preservation Society website [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

I hope that this information has helped you save a hedgehog.