We are pleased to be supporting Suffolk Prickles Hedgehog Rescue in their care and rehabilitation of hedgehogs from the local area. After a period of quiet, we have recently taken in 4 large Hedgehogs for their final step before release.
Bob arrived at Suffolk Prickles from a local vets last year as a baby. Unfortunately, he didn’t put on enough weight to be released before the winter, so has spent all winter enjoying the warmth and care from Prickles. He is now over 1kg in weight and ready for release.
Trinny was found wandering locally and taken to Prickles. She was very small and like Bob, was unable to be released before the cold weather arrived. She has now gained sufficient weight and will be released soon.
Trinny is still under 1kg in weight, but is gaining weight every day!
Ticklety Boo was named because he was covered in ticks when he was found last year. These blood-sucking parasites can spread disease amongst animals and humans alike, but wild animals like Hedgehogs cannot be treated with the same chemicals as we put on our dogs and cats, as this contaminates the natural environment. Ticklety Boo had the ticks carefully removed over a period of a few days and then was given time to recover.
Petal was a very late baby found wandering in October. She was far too small to survive hibernation over the winter, so was taken into Prickles for them to look after them.
Over wintering hedgehogs in rescue facilities enables them to continue feeding and gaining weight, which gives them an advantage in the Spring. Hedgehogs hibernate because of a lack of natural food (insects) over the colder months, but can sometimes wake up if they are disturbed or get very hungry. It is therefore important to continue to put some food out for hedgehogs if you know they are in your garden, just to see them through the winter.
As all of these Hedgehogs have been in care for a period of time, our Hedgehog Hotel, which is sponsored by SOS patrons, is giving them a chance to experience life outside in a safe environment before they are released. Our facilities here include indoor areas with warm and cosy nest boxes, and 24/7 access to an outdoor run, where the Hedgehogs can snuffle in the grass and dried leaves for insects and build some fitness in a larger space.
Keeper Jennie says “It’s great to have guests back in our Hedgehog Hotel, but we don’t expect these 4 to be with us long, as they are already a decent weight and should be released very soon.”
Keeper Jennie gives each Hedgehog a quick check every morning before weighing