Hedgehog sighted feeding in daytime

[helenlizbeth]

We spotted a hedgehog feeding in our garden at 11am on Friday being harassed by a magpie. After rescuing it from the magpie we put it in a box with food and water then contacted the RSPCA. At it didn’t seem to be harmed or ill in anyway, they recommended they we contacted our local vet for advice. The vet was happy that it was a good weight and suggested we return it to the garden. As we have been watching and encouraging hedgehogs in our garden along with our neighbours for many years, we were happy to do this. Since then, we have seen it every morning feeding on the lawn and then making its way to our neighbour’s garden afterwards. It has been provided with a house in both ours and our neighbour’s garden and seems to be visiting them both! It’s almost like it doesn’t want to forage in the rain, sleet and wind and is coming out to eat whenever the weather is calmer regardless of the time of day. Hoping it survives the winter unharmed and healthy regardless of its unconventional (for a hedgehog) lifestyle!

[char2020]

I am no expert but advice suggests that an Out During Daytime (ODD) hog is poorly. Not all vets are wildlife trained. Did the vet check poo for parasites ? I’d contact a rescue for a second opinion see helpwildlife.co.uk for a list of rescues.

[Nic]

Hi helenlizbeth

I agree with char2020. It is not normal for a hog to be out during the day. In the winter there is even more time for them to be out during darkness. I would contact your local hog carer/rehabilitator and take their advice. As char2020 suggests sometimes hog carers, who specialise in helping hogs, spot things which vets, who may be more used to dealing with domestic animals, may not. You can get contact details of your nearest ones by ringing 01584 890801

Good luck.

[char2020]

Let us know how you get on Helenlizbeth and if you spot it again and manage to get it to a rescue.

[Author]

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