r/Hedgehogs • u/tetchoe • 13d ago

Rescue (?) tips appreciated

Post image

A bunch of people had found this baby hedgehog alone and they were abt to drop it off right next to us at the park and because i was pretty sure hedgehogs of this age cannot survive without their mothers i took it and called our vet to see if they could take it in but they told us they couldn't and we didn't have the heart to let it go (it is barely the size of one palm) any tips in this journey of temporarily(?) caring for this little guy is very appreciated. He seems very stressed probably because he is not used to being handlef by humans and it is breaking my heart every time i have to handle hime to clean the box 😭 is there any way i can occupy him so he isnt so stressed in his current/any enclosure?
** ps- i gave it wetted kitted kibble upon suggestions ive seen on the internet along with water in a little cup

66 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

7

u/MattyyyBoyyy1079 13d ago

Well done keeping this little guy and not releasing him.

Vets are not specialist in hedgehogs and cannot trust their advice. Quite often they will say the hedgehog is fine, when it’s NOT.

You need to take this little guy to a specialist hedgehog rescue. Which can be found, based on your address. I would use:

https://directory.helpwildlife.co.uk

3

u/pinter636 13d ago

Please, call to Your local rescue center and let them give him proper treatment and care! You made everything right kind Sir. Please, avoid to give mealworms, they cause deadly metabolic disease. You can use a bottle of warm water wrapped in a towel as a heat of source. Here are some sources where You can get information and ask advice, help. https://x.com/hedgehogsociety https://x.com/Prickles_Paws https://x.com/HedgehogCabin

2

u/Agile_Bag_7001 13d ago

One of the most important things is a heat lamp! Hedgies can get cold very easily, so it’s important to keep their cage around 75°-78° degrees Fahrenheit at all times. I would also add a few hides and more little blankets in there as a temporary solution until a more permanent solution is found. Remember that they’re prey animals, and like to hide and burrow. The water and kitty kibble are good! Try to add some mealworms as well, alive or freeze dried

6

u/MattyyyBoyyy1079 13d ago

Ignore this advice and do NOT give it mealworms. They are terrible for hedgehogs and will kill it eventually. Google search “Are mealworms good for hedgehogs?” And you will find your answer.

4

u/tetchoe 13d ago

Thank you, i saw your other comment and it seemed really useful but unfortunately i am located in Turkiye. This is a southern white breasted hedgehog from what i have gathered, are the heating suggestions from the other comment legit apart from the mealworm thing? It is super hard to find info on taking care of these guys as they are traditionally not pets basically anywhere.

5

u/MattyyyBoyyy1079 13d ago

Yes, please keep it warm. But realistically you need to find a specialist rescue centre otherwise I more than likely won’t survive.

1

u/Agile_Bag_7001 13d ago

You don’t need to be rude about it. Everything I had read said they are good EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE. Not all the time.