Tuesday, 18 June 2013

The Hoglet that was left behind

It was first thing in the morning and I took a quick glance around orphan room to see if there were any new admissions and where to start from. A small incubator appeared to be empty but had an admission card on top for an unweaned hedgehog weighing only 41g, it had come in the previous evening. Unfortunately the nest had been disturbed so the mother had moved the other siblings to a safer place but sadly had left this individual behind.











Now in our care, I prepared milk formula along with the equipment to tube feed the hoglet his breakfast. It is a delicate task of followed by the delightful job of toileting. Well hidden under a nice piece of fleecy material the tiny orphan eyes still closed looked like a small sausage with spikes! Estimated it to be just over a week old I’m going to enjoy watching this hoglet grow until it no longer needs our care and can be released.











If you are certain a young hedgehog has been orphaned it is best kept warm and taken to an experienced wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible to receive the specialist care it needs. 


Sponsors of Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre and Cattery
To donate to Stapeley text and our orphans: STAP70 £2 or £5 to 70070

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