Sonic the Hedgehog

[Vectis Hamstery]

It's Halloween and there was a ring on the doorbell. I was surprised because trick or treaters don't make it this far down my road. I was even more surprised to find my neighbours holding a small hedgehog!

Hedgie by Vectis Hamstery, on Flickr

This wee lad is only 266g so too small to stay out over winter. I've been taking advice from a friend who's experienced with hedgehog rehab and release, and contacted a local wild hedgehog rescue. He's currently tucked in a Really Useful box with lots of wet cat food, hedgehog kibble and clean water. He's busy snuffling about making a mess and ignoring his heat mat! Obviously he's being kept well away from the hammies - I don't want him sharing any little visitors he may have.

If the hedgehog rescue have space or they feel he'd be better off there then he'll be heading off there for overwintering. If they're full or feel I'm doing an OK job then I'm happy for him to stay here as long as needed.

[Amber_x]

Poor guy, at least he's with you now I volunteer at a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation place, and the adult hedgehogs that we get are normally more like 600-900g, so unless he's young that isn't a great weight for him to be at. Hope him recovers and is healthy enough in spring for him to be released

[pinkneon]

Awww hi Sonic!

[souffle]

glad to hear he is safe at Vectis

[Fluffagrams]

I'm glad he's got a safe place to stay with you.

What does Rogue make of the new arrival?

[Coco61]

Hello Hedgie! Glad your neighbours know where to come with a lost soul Vectis! Is the idea that he stays awake over the winter so he can be fattened up for release. I suppose he does not have enough fat reserves to hibernate?

[Vectis Hamstery]

Rogue's not been allowed near him - though he felt upset to be left out of any event that involved yummy smelling food!

He's only tiny and my reading suggests that to hibernate safely they need to be much bigger. He's got a heat pad to keep him warm so he doesn't try and hibernate.

He's had a good night, eating loads and making a right mess of his cage. One of the rescues is going to contact me back today.

[Vectis Hamstery]

Sonic has gone to her new home at the hedgehog rescue. She's a girl - should have realised by all the squarking she was doing when I popped her in the carrier for the journey! Hopefully she'll grow well enough to come back here for release.

[Fluffagrams]

Originally Posted by Vectis Hamstery

Sonic has gone to her new home at the hedgehog rescue. She's a girl - should have realised by all the squarking she was doing when I popped her in the carrier for the journey! Hopefully she'll grow well enough to come back here for release.

It's great to hear that the rescue were able to help.

Fingers crossed that she gets nice and chunky so that she can be released again.

[pinkneon]

That's great news! Hope she grows up big and strong