What Do I Do With A Baby Hedgehog?
If you’ve found a baby hedgehog, your immediate action is critical for its survival. The most important thing is to determine if it needs rescue, then provide warmth, hydration, and appropriate food, or contact a local wildlife rescue organization immediately.
Introduction: A Spiky Situation
Finding a baby hedgehog can be a worrying experience. These adorable creatures, also known as hoglets, are particularly vulnerable in their early stages of life. Knowing what to do is essential, not only for the hedgehog’s well-being but also to ensure you are acting responsibly and legally. This article provides a comprehensive guide on what to do if you encounter a baby hedgehog in need.
Determining if a Baby Hedgehog Needs Rescue
Before intervening, it’s crucial to determine if the hedgehog truly needs rescue. A seemingly abandoned hoglet may simply be waiting for its mother to return.
- Observe from a Distance: Watch the hedgehog from a safe distance for at least a few hours. If the mother is around, she will likely return to care for it. Avoid approaching too closely, as this can scare her away.
- Signs of Distress: Look for signs that the hedgehog requires immediate assistance:
- Visible injuries (bleeding, broken limbs).
- Weakness or lethargy (unable to move properly).
- Infestation of flies or maggots.
- Being found in an exposed or dangerous location (road, open field in daylight).
- Cold to the touch.
- Excessively thin or dehydrated.
Providing Immediate Care
If the hoglet is clearly in distress or if the mother hasn’t returned after a reasonable period, it’s time to intervene.
- Warmth: The most critical step is to provide warmth. Baby hedgehogs can quickly become hypothermic.
- Place the hoglet in a small box lined with soft towels or fleece.
- Use a heating pad set on low underneath half of the box, allowing the hoglet to move away if it gets too warm. Alternatively, use a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Ensure the heat source is not in direct contact with the hedgehog.
- Hydration: Dehydration is another significant threat.
- Offer unflavored Pedialyte (available at most pharmacies) using a syringe or eyedropper. Avoid cow’s milk, which can cause digestive problems.
- Administer small amounts slowly and carefully to prevent aspiration. A few drops every 15-30 minutes is sufficient.
- Feeding: If the hoglet is old enough to eat solid food (usually around 3-4 weeks old), offer a high-quality kitten food mixed with a small amount of water to make it easier to eat. Never give cow’s milk.
Understanding Hedgehog Development Stages
Knowing the developmental stage of the hoglet can help determine its needs.
| Stage | Characteristics | Approximate Age |
|---|---|---|
| ————— | ————————————————— | —————– |
| Newborn | Pink skin, eyes closed, spines soft and white. | 0-2 weeks |
| Young Hoglet | Eyes open, spines hardening. | 2-4 weeks |
| Juvenile | Fully developed spines, starting to forage. | 4-8 weeks |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overhandling: Excessive handling can stress the hoglet.
- Improper Diet: Never give cow’s milk or bread. These can cause serious digestive issues.
- Ignoring Signs of Illness: Be vigilant for signs of illness and seek professional help promptly.
- Releasing Prematurely: Releasing a hedgehog that is not fully independent is a death sentence.
Contacting a Wildlife Rescue
- Locate a Reputable Organization: Search online for “wildlife rescue near me” or contact your local animal shelter for referrals.
- Provide Detailed Information: Be prepared to provide information about the hedgehog’s condition, location, and your observations.
- Follow Their Instructions: The rescue organization will provide specific instructions on what to do next. They may ask you to bring the hedgehog to them or offer guidance on providing temporary care.
Long-Term Care Considerations
If you are temporarily caring for the hoglet, consider the following:
- Hygiene: Maintain a clean environment to prevent infection. Regularly clean the hedgehog’s enclosure.
- Enrichment: Provide enrichment activities to stimulate the hedgehog’s mind and body. This could include offering toys, tunnels, and foraging opportunities.
- Quarantine: If you have other pets, keep the hedgehog separated to prevent the spread of disease.
Legal Considerations
- Check Local Laws: In many regions, it is illegal to keep wild animals without a permit. Contact your local wildlife agency for information on regulations in your area.
- Prioritize Release: The goal should always be to release the hedgehog back into the wild once it is healthy and independent.
Release Guidelines
- Ensure Health and Independence: The hedgehog must be healthy, able to forage for food, and capable of defending itself.
- Choose a Suitable Habitat: Release the hedgehog in an area with plenty of natural cover, such as woodlands or hedgerows.
- Provide Supplemental Food: For the first few days after release, provide supplemental food, such as kitten food, to help the hedgehog adjust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I feed a baby hedgehog?
The best food for a baby hedgehog is a high-quality kitten food, soaked in water to soften it. You can also offer unflavored Pedialyte to help with hydration. Avoid cow’s milk and bread at all costs, as these can cause serious digestive problems. If you’re unsure, always consult with a wildlife rehabilitator.
How do I keep a baby hedgehog warm?
Use a heating pad set on low under half of a box lined with soft towels or fleece. This allows the hedgehog to move to a cooler area if it gets too warm. Regularly check the hedgehog’s temperature to ensure it’s not too hot or too cold. A hot water bottle wrapped in a towel also works.
What if I can’t find a wildlife rescue organization?
Contact your local animal shelter, veterinarian, or humane society. They may be able to provide assistance or refer you to a qualified wildlife rehabilitator. Search online for “wildlife rehabilitation directory” to find a comprehensive list of organizations.
How can I tell if a baby hedgehog is dehydrated?
Signs of dehydration include lethargy, sunken eyes, and dry gums. You can also perform a skin turgor test by gently pinching the skin on the back of the neck. If the skin doesn’t snap back quickly, the hedgehog is likely dehydrated. Offer unflavored Pedialyte in small amounts.
Is it safe to handle a baby hedgehog?
While handling should be minimized, it’s generally safe to handle a baby hedgehog briefly. Always wear gloves to protect yourself from potential diseases. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling. The hedgehog will be stressed so be as quick and gentle as possible.
What do I do with a baby hedgehog? if it has fleas or ticks?
Do not use flea or tick treatments designed for cats or dogs, as these can be toxic to hedgehogs. Instead, consult with a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian for safe and effective treatment options. They may recommend gently removing the parasites by hand or using a diluted, safe insecticide.
How often should I feed a baby hedgehog?
Newborn hedgehogs need to be fed every 2-3 hours. As they get older, you can gradually increase the time between feedings. Always offer fresh food and water. The amount to feed will depend on the size and age of the hoglet; consult a wildlife expert for precise amounts.
Can I keep a baby hedgehog as a pet?
In most regions, it is illegal to keep wild hedgehogs as pets without a permit. Even if it’s legal, wild hedgehogs are not well-suited to captivity and are best left in the wild. Your goal should always be to rehabilitate and release the animal.
What should I do if I accidentally injure a baby hedgehog?
Seek immediate veterinary attention. Even seemingly minor injuries can be serious for a small animal. A veterinarian can provide proper diagnosis and treatment to improve the hedgehog’s chances of survival.
How do I prepare a baby hedgehog for release back into the wild?
Gradually acclimate the hedgehog to the outdoors by placing its enclosure outside for increasing periods each day. Provide opportunities for it to forage for food and practice its natural behaviors. Ensure it is fully independent before releasing it in a suitable habitat.
What is the best habitat for releasing a baby hedgehog?
Choose an area with plenty of natural cover, such as woodlands, hedgerows, or gardens with dense vegetation. Avoid releasing it in areas with heavy traffic or known predators. Provide a sheltered area with food and water for the first few days after release.
What are the signs that a baby hedgehog needs to see a vet?
Signs that a baby hedgehog needs immediate veterinary attention include:
- Visible injuries (bleeding, broken limbs).
- Difficulty breathing.
- Lethargy or weakness.
- Seizures.
- Refusal to eat or drink.