Hedgehog. Should I rehome?

[matthewrobb88]

Hi.
New to the forum. I’ve had a new hedgehog come to the garden. Not sure how long he’s been there but I spotted him out in the early am during the hot weather. I’ve made a feeding station and he’s been eating the cat food I’ve been putting out. Seems healthy enough.

However the garden is a town house on a row of terraced houses with block walls. I can’t understand how he got in. And I have watched him tonight and he doesn’t seem able to get out. My question is should I move him to an area that is larger for him? Ie. To the countryside? As my garden is small and I’m worried he can’t get out and it is not big enough for him to roam. Any advice appreciated

[AlanB]

I live in a row of terrace houses, although our gardens do have hedges. So I am not surprised to see a hedgehog in the city.

I would be careful about moving a hedgehog to a different area, that would be a last resort. Even if your garden isn’t necessarily hedgehog friendly that does not bother them as long as they can roam. Which is of course what you are also worried about. But hedgehogs have an area they roam across and removing them from that area, i.e. out of the city into the country, is likely to put them at very high risk and to be stressful as well.

Is there a gate the hedgehog could have got under to get into your garden, or perhaps a gate that was open which is now closed and would explain why it might be trapped? If it is trapped that certainly needs to be sorted out quickly, but hedgehogs are surprising escape artists, so it might not be as trapped as you think.

I have seen seemingly large hogs squeeze under a ground bird feeder, only about three inches or less off the ground. So getting under a gate is well within the realms of possibilities. They can also get between the bars of a bird feeder cage that can stop pigeons and cats. Again those bar are only two to three inches apart. But it does depend on the hog in question.

If it is trapped then you will need to get it out of your garden so that it can roam properly. I would perhaps call a local hedgehog rescue/carer and ask their advice. They may know the locale better and can certainly give you a better answer then I can. if you call the BHPS on 01584 890801 then they can tell you your nearest three rescues or may be able to advise you themselves.

Just a couple of other questions. How early in the morning did you see it that time? Also are you putting out water as well as the food?

One final thought. If you have a gate into the garden and the gate is wooden is it possible to cut a hedgehog hole in it?

[Nic]

Hi Matthew

Welcome to the Forum!

As AlanB says, it isn’t surprising to find a hedgehog in a town. Many people may be surprised to know that hedgehogs are actually doing better in towns than in the countryside at the moment as recent research has shown.
https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/SoBH-2018_final.pdf
Consequently for the that reason and the reasons given above by Alan, it wouldn’t be a good idea to move the hog to the country.

Did you mean that the gardens are walled as well? Would it be possible to make hedgehog sized holes in the boundaries (about CD size)? What sort of behaviour is the hedgehog showing which makes you think it’s trapped? If it got in, it must be able to get out. But if you are sure it can’t get out, then follow Alan’s advice above. Also, if the hog was out during the heat of the day, that is not normal and may indicate that it’s unwell, starving and/or dehydrated and needs help – in which case contact the BHPS to find your local carer.

One of the main aims of Hedgehog Street is to increase the habitat of hedgehogs by linking gardens together. If it is at all possible to do that and encourage your neighbours to do likewise that would be the ideal thing for that hog and any others in the area.

Meanwhile, leave water out for the hedgehogs 24 hours a day and encourage all your friends and neighbours to do likewise. If there is one hedgehog around there are likely to be others.

Good luck. Let us know how you get on.

[matthewrobb88]

There is no gate. The only access to the back garden is via the back door. Otherwise it is enclosed. I know they may have a small tunnel dug or likewise. I think it may have climbed the adjoining garden Bush and fell in. But not sure.

I am leaving out water too. But doesn’t seem to be taking that. Just the food.

I had a hedgehog previously that I rescued from the garden and brought to a rescuer. Not sure if I should do the same for this. It seems happy enough as is.

What do yous think?

I could potentially cut a gap in thebwall with neighbours to let it out. But not sure if this would be sufficient area.

[Nic]

Hi Matthew

I think you need to make contact with a local hedgehog carer. You can find your local one by ringing the BHPS on 01584 890801. If you think it fell in, it may not be able to get out. You can discuss it properly with them. It’s difficult giving advice on here, when we don’t know all the facts.

In the long term making a hole in the boundaries would be a good way to go, but ideally encourage all your neighbours to do likewise, so that the hedgehogs can come and go as they like.

Meanwhile leave water out 24 hours a day. It may be drinking when you aren’t looking!

[Author]

Posts