Hedgehogs

[Tuvok]

I think I've got a baby hedgehog.

https://youtu.be/3xMlkT0N_gM

(baby appears near the end of the video)

[DTCwordfan]

consult with Boaty as to any advice - he seems to breed them...

[sherrardk]

It could be one of this year’s babies, it’s hard to tell. I’ve got some right whoppers visiting at the moment, about 30cm long as I can measure them in relation to the feeding station.

[Tuvok]

This is defiantely a small one - has to climb into its food dish - the others just step in.

It's mastered the art of going from dish to dish already!

[sherrardk]

You’ll have to keep an eye on it to make sure it’s up to weight come hibernation time, although he/she seems quite fond of their food.

[Tuvok]

Its found the covered feeding stations as well - nothing wring with its appetite

[ladybirder]

I agree with Sher. That's a very young hedgehog for this time of year. Keep your eye on it I'm afraid these late ones often don't make it. If necessary take it to a Hog Rescue if it's not big enough to hibernate when the time comes. Good luck.

[Tilly2]

The hoglet needs to be over 600 gms to survive hibernation.

[ladybirder]

Thanks Tilly, that's useful to know. Not that I have to worry here as my babies were all earlies and I can barely tell the difference between them and the adults now.

[mallyh]

you are so lucky i'd love hedgehogs in my garden ,we get badgers and foxes but they are destructive x

[Blubster]

Some years ago, we had a mother hedgehog and her baby nesting under one of our conifers. On one occasion, the mum ventured out in daylight closely followed by the tot and followed the edges of the wall foraging. Eventually, mum turned back towards the nesting place but the baby hedgehog didn't follow. She went back, picked it up in her mouth and carried it back to safety just like a cat with a kitten. A lovely sight to see.

[sherrardk]

You can log your hedgehog sightings at big hedgehog map.

[ladybirder]

Lovely story Blubster.
I did that the first time I saw them Sherr.

[sherrardk]

Just been sat two feet away from one of my larger visitors, isn’t bothered by me at all.

[Tuvok]

Has anybody heard of hedgehogs being ringed?

One defiantely had somthing on its leg in last lastnights videos!

A friend is a vet nurse so is going to find out if its a possibility.

[ladybirder]

Good question. I've no idea but would be very interested in the answer. I suppose it could a preservation group that operates in your area. Let's hope it's not something that shouldn't be there and need removing.