What to do if you find a hedgehog on the street or in the garden? The European hedgehog is a wild animal so it is not possible to transform it into a pet.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himWhat to do if a hedgehog is found? The European hedgehog is a wild animal and protected for which it is not possible to transform it into a pet.
However, it can happen that you find one in the garden precisely because hedgehogs love to make their hiding places under grass and leaves.
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What to do when you find a hedgehog?
Let's go in order. If the hedgehog you found looks in good health it is advisable to let him live quietly without getting used to receiving water and food, remembering that he is wild and he will certainly be able to handle it on his own.
If on the other hand, the hedgehog appears ferito it is necessary to entrust it to the care of a Crashes, or a recovery center for wild animals, the State Forestry Corps or the provincial brigade will certainly give you information on the one closest to you. In the meantime, you can lend a first aid. Let's see how.
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First, you have to take it gently with some gloves, put it in a box with a next to it hot water bottle to restore your body temperature. We must then leave it in the dark without administering food or drugs, unless after contacting a veterinarian or a specialized center.
After averting the risk of hypothermia it must be left quiet, in a place where it should not be disturbed, especially by children who, if curious, could damage it. The box must not have anything in the bottom, you can use kitchen paper, so that in case the hedgehog is bleeding, it will be easy to find out.
The vet will point you out what to feed him. At most, you can have an apple or banana, eggs or some raw lean meat, no carrots, potatoes or salads. Cat treats should also be avoided.
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Another important thing is to establish at what time of the day the hedgehog was found. These wild animals live in night, so if you see it during the day it is already a hint of something wrong. So it may be that is ill or injured.
If the wound is old the hedgehog releases a rotten smell and often has on the wound or even on the body fly eggs or larvae.
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In summary, a hedgehog should be helped when it is:
• wound
• affected by ticks and fleas
• sick (if seen staggering or dragging)
• orphan wandering in search of his mother
And again, when it is found during the day or in places that can represent a serious danger, like busy streets.
If the rescue is carried out in the period from the end of April to the end of September, particular attention must be paid, because it could be a mother who is breastfeeding.
Check that there isn't a litter hidden in the bushes nearby waiting for a curly mother.
What not to do when you find a hedgehog
You don't have to feed him XNUMX cups milk of any kind as well as all derivatives, neither almonds which are toxic to hedgehogs, either hazelnuts due to the risk of suffocation.
If a hedgehog lives in your garden
Hardly a clean and tidy garden will be there ideal home of the hedgehog, but if it happens that one gets lost in yours, leave it quiet and put in a corner twigs and leaves, so that it can build its own lair.
Basic do not use herbicides that weaken their immune system, if there is no access to water in the garden, remember to put a low bowl, hedgehogs drink a lot.
Last advice, never rely on DIY, which could compromise the animal's well-being.
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