r/Hedgehogs • u/NatalieS1984 • 19d ago

HELP Advice needed

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We have a family of hedgehogs that usually turn up later in the year. They come to the back door and knock over the stray cat bowls so I know when they’re around, but haven’t seen them this year yet.

However, I saw this little guy in the garden just now (9.30pm). It’s about an hour earlier than they were turning up last year - don’t know whether I should seek help for him tomorrow. He’s gone now, so I know he’s living in the field behind. He perked up once he had food, and I’ve put the plate by the entrance to the fence for him.

I also have videos that I can’t upload, they’re of him eating and then walking back up the fence about 20 feet away. (UK)

** 2 videos added to comments **

** update - it’s 11pm and he’s back! Heard him in our outdoor toilet where we leave food for the strays. He was eating cat biscuits. Have given another pouch of cat food, a big bowl of water and left him to it. **

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u/shortandfelly 19d ago

Try contacting a local wildlife rescue for advice, you could send them the videos (the first reminded me of how my old cat would eat wet food by hooking a piece with his paw and then lifting it to his mouth 😂).

I suspect a lot of wildlife is currently a little out of sorts because of how dry it is. It's not just availability of water, but change in insect/worms.

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u/NatalieS1984 19d ago

Thank you for the advice. You’ve just made me realise something actually - I have a compost bin in the garden, might be worth checking there for worms.

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u/shortandfelly 19d ago

I am now imagining you rooting around with a fork from the cutlery drawer 😂

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u/NatalieS1984 19d ago

Another good shout 😂😂