Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are a cherished species in Ireland, known for controlling pests like slugs and insects. They hibernate in winter, building nests from leaves, but face threats from habitat loss, road traffic, and garden machinery. Creating hedgehog-friendly spaces and avoiding harmful chemicals can help protect them.

General Information

• Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals and play a crucial role in pest control in gardens. Avoid using pesticides or slug pellets that could harm them indirectly.
• Hedgehogs hibernate during winter in nests of dry leaves. If uncovered, cover them back up gently and leave them undisturbed.
• Never feed milk or bread. Offer wet cat food, dry kibble, and shallow dishes of clean water instead. Feeding wildlife should be minimal to prevent dependency.

Common Injuries in Hedgehogs

• Strimmers and fires (e.g., bonfire piles) often cause severe injuries. Always check areas thoroughly before strimming or lighting fires.
• Dog bites is another common injury. Keep dogs on leads, especially at night, to avoid incidents with hedgehogs.
• Slug pellets and toxic sprays can poison hedgehogs directly or indirectly via contaminated prey. Use natural alternatives.
• Hedgehogs with open wounds attract flies that lay eggs. This is called flystrike. The maggots can cause severe damage. Prompt action is essential.
• Hedgehogs may get stuck in cattle grids, drains, netting, or fencing. Do not release them yourself; they may have constriction injuries requiring veterinary care.

Handling Injured Hedgehogs

Signs of Needing Help: Hedgehogs lying out in the open, sunbathing, surrounded by flies, or unable to curl up may need intervention. Any hedgehog under 650g in November/December will struggle to survive hibernation.

How to Handle Safely:

• Use a towel or gardening gloves to pick them up gently.
• Place the hedgehog in a secure container, such as a cat carrier or high-sided box, lined with a towel and covered with fleece or shredded newspaper.
• Keep the container in a safe, warm, and quiet place, away from predators, pets, and children.
• Offer a small amount of wet cat food or kibble and a shallow dish of water if feeding is necessary.

Minimize Stress: Avoid petting or talking to the hedgehog, as it causes undue stress.

Hedgehog Babies

• Baby hedgehogs (or hoglets) may be heard making high-pitched “peeping” sounds if separated from their mother. If they are small (tennis ball-sized or smaller) and seen wandering in daylight, they need immediate assistance.
• Hoglets surrounded by flies are likely in distress and should be brought to a wildlife center promptly.
• Contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately for young or injured hedgehogs, as they are highly vulnerable and require specialized care.

Encouraging Hedgehogs in Gardens

Create a Hedgehog-Friendly Environment:

• Leave wild areas and leaf piles to provide food sources and nesting materials.
• Build a hedgehog house in a quiet, secluded spot. Avoid materials that could entangle them, such as brushwood.

Prevent Harm: Avoid using poisons, slug pellets, or pesticides, and keep gardens free of hazards.

Support with Caution: Provide small amounts of food occasionally to support foraging but avoid overfeeding, as it can lead to obesity and other health issues. Keep water bowls clean and regularly accessible.