Hedgehog Hospital News

February 2026

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:19:56 GMT

February 2026

Jasper......

This lucky little chap - 'Jasper' - was rescued on February 7th from a road in Fleetwood by a care worker before he was run over. He is very poorly with extreme diarrhoea. Currently on appropriate meds and replacement fluids. He lost 50gms in weight overnight so the prognosis is not looking good at this time.

Marnie......

Found wandering around a graveyard in Hambleton during the daytime by a member of the public. Icy cold on admission and weighing just under 400gms. Microscope testing revealed she had a host of internal nasties going on. Given appropriate meds and replacement fluids. Currently eating well and slowly gaining weight.

December 2025

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:40:56 GMT

December 2025

Bram......

This little 'Bram' rescued on 9th December from a garden in Cleveleys after he was seen wobbling from side to side and struggling to walk due to hypothermia. One of this year's youngsters he is severely underweight weighing just 270gms. Hypothermic and dehydrated, he is just skin and bone, there is nothing of him. He would not have survived another day on his own. Now nice and warm and receiving treatment for a really bad tummy along with replacement fluid therapy.

Sprout......

Welcome to little 'Sprout' all 240gms of him. Found in a local garden during the daytime indicating all was not well. At such a low weight he would not have survived on his own over winter, and coupled with having a really nasty tummy as well he would not have lasted much longer. Now receiving treatment, eating well and is toasty warm. Will remain here until Spring and then hopefully will be released.

November 2025

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:22:04 GMT

November 2025

Wobble......

Really did not think this juvenile female would be still here this morning, but here she is. 'Wobble' was rescued from on a road in Thornton yesterday after she was seen struggling to walk. She was so cold she was wobbling from side to side. Another of this Autumn's many juveniles who are finding it tough at the moment. Have had so many coming in that have not made it.

Now receiving treatment for severe diarrohea and a very heavy worm burden. Hopefully this one was rescued in the nick of time.

Millie......

This is little 'Millie' - out during the day and wandering the streets of Fleetwood before she was rescued. One of this years youngsters and underweight for the time of the year with a host of internal nasties. Currently eating well and gaining weight.

Hawley......

This little 'Hawley' rescued from the Hawley Gardens Estate in Thornton on 27th Nov. The residents on this estate are on board with providing feeding stations, water bowls and houses for the resident hedgehogs which is brilliant, and because everyone is so vigilant is the reason why she was quickly rescued after being seen out during the daytime.

For the first couple of days I really didn't think that she would survive. She was kept warm and given replacement drip fluids, antibiotics and appropriate wormers as she had a host of internal nasties and severe diarrhoea. She lost quite a lot of weight as nothing was eaten for three days. But the meds kicked in and her condition improved dramatically. She was up on her feet and tucking into Royal Canin wet food (thank you Jeff). Currently on her 4th tin!

Her weight was 430g on admission, then worryingly went down to 380gms. Today (2nd Dec) her weight is up to 490gms so her outlook is looking much more positive. It makes the job so worthwhile when you can turn one around from being so poorly.

October 2025

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:44:38 GMT

October 2025

Bernie......

Bit of a strange one this one, this is Bernie. I can only think that he has been laid in or walked through something caustic like a chemical as his legs, feet and 'male bits' are red raw and look like burns. He was given antibiotics and pain relief and daily antiseptic baths to keep the areas clean. This photo shows after several days of treatment his legs and feet are now less red and healing well.

Cleo......

Baby 'Cleo' 4/5 weeks old and weighing just 164gms was admitted after being found out during the daytime on her own. Very poorly with severe diarrhoea and worm burden. Now on drip fluid replacement and antibiotics. Worming procedure will start later when she is rehydrated. A hedgehog's back end should be nice and round, you can see how underweight she is as her back end is very pointed.

Butters......

This little juvenile named 'Butters' was rescued from a local garden on 22nd October after he was seen to be out during the daytime. He has loads of ticks around his head. Had to wait for him to relax enough to uncurl for me to get at whatever was hiding underneath him. He must feel better with those off him.

Sept 2025

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 10:14:24 GMT

Sept 2025

Hattie......

'Hattie' was rescued on 2nd Sept after she was seen out during the daytime in a garden in the Singleton area. She is one of this year's youngsters that was struggling to survive. The finder had noticed flies were buzzing round her but having checked there were no fly eggs on her which was fortunate. She weighed 285gms on admission, received treatment for internal nasties and had a good appetite.

UPDATE: Hattie was released back into her garden in Singleton on the evening of 17th Sept weighing 610gms.

Stacey......

This is 'Stacey' rescued from a neighbour's garden on 22nd Sept after she had been seen to be active during the afternoon and was heard squealing in distress. Looks like one of this year's youngsters weighing just 280gms but wasn't coping too well on her own. Following treatment for internal nasties she was released into a safe release garden providing support on 8th Oct weighing just over 500gms.

Baby 'Carruthers'......

This l ittle chap was admitted on 25th Sept after he had been seen for several days out during the daytime in a garden in Cleveleys. He was weak and wobbly on his legs from hypothermia and had flystrike. He is about 6 weeks old. Progressing well but will probably remain here over the coming months before release in Spring.

August 2025

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 13:13:43 GMT

August 2025

Robin......

This is 'Robin' estimated to be around three months old. He was found out during the daytime in the middle of August. He's a bit of an odd one, in fact I haven't had one like him in over 35 years of rescue. Since admission, he did not venture out of his bed for days and would not feed himself. He would take hand feeds willingly but only formula, nothing else. At his age he should be on meaty chunks / biscuits not formula.

So after a week of continual three hourly hand feeds, FINALLY he left his bed and with a little coaxing he has at last begun to feed himself. The video was taken while he was feeding himself for the first time. I honestly don't know why he is why he is, as I can't see anything wrong, but now we have turned a corner hopefully he will start to behave like a normal juvenile hedgehog and not a two week old baby.

UPDATE: Over the past three weeks Robin has continued to improve. Very, very slowly getting him used to solid foods until now when he is on just kitten kibble. It's been a long slow process with this one and because of this I have decided not to release him yet. The plan is to place him in a secure garden for the Autumn / Winter months so I can keep an eye on him and make sure he is able to fend for himself once released, hopefully next Spring.

Alf..... .

This is 'Alf' admitted on 7th August from the Hambleton area after being found out during the day. He is quite an old chap and in pretty poor condition with a severely infected front leg which he was not able to put any weight on. I tried him outside on the lawn to see how he was doing, and the treatment received appears to be working as he was now using the leg, albeit very slowly. Hopefully this will now improve over the next few days as he continues his recovery.

UPDATE: Alf has now been released back into the wild into a safe garden where there is backup provided.

Sharon......

Small juvenile female hedgehog rescued after bring spotted on a busy road on 2nd August. Very hungry weighs just over 200gms. She received treatment for a host of internal nasties, and once her weight was 575gms she was released back into a safe release area five weeks later.

July 2025

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 09:59:20 GMT

July 2025

Minnie......

'Minnie' was taken in following a request to see if we could help from a MOP who had previously rescued her as a baby but now could no longer care for her. Bit of an odd ball this one with mouse like features. She needs treatment for internal parasites and has a bare tummy with no fur from mites. Will be here a while whilst receiving treatment as under 300gms.

Baby Justin tucking into his second dinner of the day.

Release of one of the Norcross four on 18th July into a safe release local garden where they are kindly providing back up.

June 2025

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 13:58:47 GMT

June 2025 - Baby season has begun......

Leigh and Roy......

The first rescued babies of the season were Leigh and Roy. Here they are at 3 weeks old and now feeding themselves. They continued to do well and at six weeks were first soft released into outside pen with a nest box for two weeks before being released back into the garden where they were found.

The Norcross four......

These four babies were rescued from a garden in Norcross after being found out during the daytime with no sign of Mum. A dead hedgehog had been seen on a nearby road so it was assumed it was sadly her. Rescued at two weeks old, here they are at four weeks.

Jackie......

Baby 'Jackie' was rescued on 26th June from a garden in Poulton after he was found in a hole dug by a visiting dog. He was five weeks old. On admission he was icy cold, unresponsive and had flystrike. Fly eggs removed, warmed sub cut fluids given. He was made comfortable and warm on a heat mat and was taking limited formula hand feeds but he remained very poorly.

The following day I was really expecting the worst but he was up on his feet and feeding! He is continuing to do well.

Dave......

This is baby 'Dave' - Jackie's little brother who was rescued from the same garden as he was seen wandering around during the daytime. This is one grumpy little hedgehog, 95gms of pure attitude!

May 2025

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 10:57:20 GMT

May 2025

Mac......

'Mac' was rescued on May 2nd from the Fleetwood area after he was spotted by a dog walker who knew it wasn't right that he should be out in the daytime. He is an old boy, terribly underweight for his size and with a host of internal nasties. Treatment started and will monitor his progress. Always have a soft spot for the oldies.

I was just checking on Mac this morning (19th May) to make sure he was using his back leg properly as I had noticed he had an infected wound there. I detected some lingering infection, so back on the antibiotics. His overall condition is much improved from the skeletal mess he was in when first admitted. He now weighs over 800gms. Hopefully he can go for release in about a week's time.

UPDATE: Mac has now been released back into the wild into a safe release garden.

May......

'May' was admitted with breathing difficulties and tested positive for lungworm. She is being treated with antibiotics and appropriate worming meds together with meds given via a nebuliser to help clear the congestion and help with her breathing. This is a purposely silent bit of kit and does not stress her in any way. She is responding to treatment but still very poorly.

John......

'John' was admitted several days ago from a garden where visiting hedgehogs are monitored via cameras. He was very underweight and had several injuries including a deep and massively infected neck / ear wound. Also the end of his nose had been sliced off, probably someone's careless act with a strimmer. It looks like he will lose one or two toes as well. His wounds were cleaned and he was started on antibiotics. He is now eating well, gaining weight every day and his wounds are healing nicely, so his outlook is looking more promising than it did when first admitted.

UPDATE: John's wounds healed up nicely and was released back into his original garden on 11th June.

April 2025

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 10:06:14 GMT

April 2025

Roadrunner......

Little 'Roadrunner' was rescued one afternoon from a road in Thornton. She was in very poor condition and weighed just 270gms. She didn't appear to have any eyes, so I don't know how she had been surviving the past months. She was placed on a heat mat and given drip fluids. Fingers were crossed for this poor little thing.

UPDATE: Sorry to say little Roadrunner passed away. She was too far gone to help. Kept her going with fluids but the treatments just weren't working. Sad day....

Betsy......

This female was admitted 25th April, very subdued and acting a bit 'odd'. I wasn't sure what the problem was or what has happened to her, other than she was seen to be out during the daytime. She was made comfortable and warm on a heat mat and given fluid therapy.

UPDATE: Sadly this little one lost her fight for life overnight. I didn't know what the problem was, she was a decent weight and there were no obvious injuries, but she was severely traumatised whatever had happened to her.

March 2025

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 11:40:56 GMT

March 2025

Joe.....

'Joe' was found March 13th at Norcross Cricket Club tangled up in netting. It's not known how long he had been trapped there. The finder managed to cut away all the netting but he was left with compression injuries. He was given replacement fluids and placed on a heat mat as the finder said he had noticed him wobbling - a sign of hypothermia. Will be here a while whilst the compression injuries are assessed. Had a word with the finder to make sure the netting is taken up after use to avoid this happening again.

UPDATE: Joe made a complete recovery and was released back into the wild two weeks later.

Roy......

Remember 'Roy'? What a difference - look at the little fatty now! He now weighs 900gms! I had him out on the lawn this morning for a bit of much needed exercise and a wander. Just waiting for a bit of decent night time temps and then he can go for release.

UPDATE: Roy has now been released into a safe release garden in Thornton.

January 2025

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 11:18:58 GMT

January 2025

Roy......

Little 'Roy' was just picked up out of the road by a kind member of the public before he was run over on Castle Ave in Carleton. He is extremely thin weighing just 320gms. Also very hungry. Now tucked up safe and warm on a heat mat after tucking into his dinner. My guess he will have an overload of internal nasties which he will need treatment for. Will be tested for these later.

Release - no name......

This little chappie was admitted at the beginning of December 2024 as an autumn juvenile weighing just 250gms. Far too small to survive over winter. He had treatment for internal parasites and it was well over a week before he started to put any weight on. Eight weeks on I finally got his weight up to nearly 700gms. He had started to get extremely stressed overnight, completely trashing his cage as he tried unsuccessfully to tunnel his way out. So the decision was made to release him on 29th January back into the garden where he was found in Poulton. Kept any longer would not have been in his best interest and would have been detrimental to his health. So while the night time temps are not too bad at the moment - off he went. There is a trail cam in the garden to monitor him, food is left out and a nest box available so he will be fine. Looks like he has already found where the food is!

December 2024

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 13:34:14 GMT

December 2024

Darragh......

Little 'Darragh' arrived during the recent storm after he was spotted trundling down a road in Thornton in the middle of the day. He's settled in well but weighs only 300gms so will be here a while yet. Is being treated for internal nasties. Left on his own and being so small he would not have survived over winter.

Phil......

Had to 'defrost' this little juvenile who came on the morning of 4th December after being found in a garden in Poulton. He was so cold he had gone into semi hibernation and was shutting down. He at last uncurled after being warmed very gently for a few hours in an incubator. He weighed just under 350gms so would not have survived being so small. Will remain here over the winter months keeping him warm and well fed, then hopefully can be released in Spring.

November 2024

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 15:14:23 GMT

November 2024

Ben......

Little 'Ben' an Autumn juvenile was rescued from a garden on Tarn Road after the finder knew he was too small to survive at this time of the year. Weighing just over 200gms she was right. Now nice and toasty on a heat mat and he is eating well. Will remain here over winter to get his weight up before he can be released.

Lawson......

A small female rescued from a garden on Lawsons Road in Thornton after being attacked by a dog. She has multiple bite wounds to her back and is in shock. Wounds cleaned, fluids given and antibiotics to clear infection. She is now fast asleep on her heat mat recovering from her ordeal.

Skippy......

'Skippy' was found recently during the daytime in a garden on Skippool Road in Thornton. He was clearly unwell, wobbling from side to side with hypothermia and well underweight for the time of year. He was gently warmed over several hours and given warmed sub cut fluids. Being treated for a host of internal parasites and remains quite poorly.

October 2024

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 12:10:20 GMT

October 2024

Zoe......

'Zoe' was rescued after she was seen out during the daytime by a passing motorist in Out Rawcliffe. She was just lying by the side of the road, not moving. She's around 7/8 weeks old so just independent. Flies had been on her and laid their eggs, so after they were removed she was placed on a heat mat to get her warm. She was also given warmed sub cut fluids to get fluids on board and to help raise her body temp. Now her condition has much improved and she is eating well, but at only 180gms she will be here a while.

Nigel......

'Nigel' was rescued on 23rd October from the Thornton area. Underweight for the time of the year at only 283gms. Will need screening for parasites and feeding up to get some weight on him.

UPDATE: Nigel is doing well and gaining weight nicely.

Spooky......

'Spooky' was picked up on 31st October near Stanah Horse Feeds by a couple who realised something was wrong for him to be active during the daytime. Just as well they did as he has a horrendously bad tummy. Treatment commenced and today his condition has improved significantly.

Sept 2024

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 09:22:47 GMT

Sept 2024

Gabi......

A four week old baby was rescued a couple of days ago from the side of a road by a lady out walking her dog. Gabi had all but given up just lying there. She was hypothermic and dehydrated but amazingly no flystrike. It took a while to get her warm and hydrated. Once settled she was tried with hand feeds but wasn't in the least bit interested. She just wanted to feed herself - independent little madam! Currently feeding well and gaining weight daily, but at only 90gms she will be here for quite a while.

Rambo......

Remember 'Rambo' who came in with a terrible facial wound last month? Well he's nearly ready to be released now, the wound has healed up well, but he will have a lasting scar.

Update: He has now released back into the wild.

Stan......

Little Stan was rescued from a local caravan park after he was seen to be active during the afternoon. He had flystrike and was hypothermic. Following treatment for this he soon settled and was feeding well. He had treatment for internal parasites and was soon gaining weight. Stan was released back into the wild weighing over 500gms.

August 2024

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 12:04:58 GMT

August 2024

Liam......

Baby 'Liam' rescued during the daytime from a nearby road four weeks ago weighing 150gms. He needed treatment for several types of internal parasites and now his condition has really improved. He has a good appetite and now weighs nearly 500gms so will be going for release soon.

Loopy......

This is 'Loopy' found out during the daytime in a local garden, not a good sign. He had a really bad tummy with severe diarrhoea and dehydration. For the first 24 hours I didn't think he would make it but after drip fluids, antibiotics and appropriate wormers he is now on the mend. Quite a little character this one.

'Loopy' has now been released back to the garden where he was found and has been seen at night on the cameras there.

Rambo......

'Rambo' rescued 28th August from a local release garden with a severely infected facial injury which looked particularly bad on admission. Cleaned up, given antibiotics and this morning looks a whole lot better now. Eating well so should make a full recovery, but will probably be left with quite a scar.

Maggie......

'Maggie' was rescued by a concerned couple from South Shore after she was seen in their garden being attacked by magpies. They were on her back pecking away at her. After checking her over there doesn't seem to be any long term damage but she is quite thin and underweight with an underlying parasite problem. Eating well so should make a full recovery and then she can eventually be returned to her garden where she was a regular visitor.

Update: Maggie has now been released into a safe area, as the finders decided they did not want her back in their garden.

July 2024

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 13:38:56 GMT

July 2024

Squealer......

This is 'Squealer' picked up by a passing motorist from off a road in Singleton. This was a very distressed baby weighing 125gms so around 6 weeks old. He was cold and covered in fly eggs. Having picked off all the eggs he was placed in an incubator following a really good feed which was a positive sign. Now more settled and has thankfully stopped squealing.

He continues to make good progress and will soon be released back into the wild once he gains more weight.

Wilbur......

'Wilbur' was rescued from a local school playing fields. He was in exceptionally poor condition, his body literally nothing but skin and bone. He was icy cold and severely dehydrated. He weighed only 300gms, less than half what an adult hedgehog should weigh. He was given sub cut drip fluids and placed on a heat mat to get him warm. Here he was a couple of hours later up on his feet and eating. He was still extremely weak but he was trying bless him.

Wilbur survived the night and now off the drip fluids. Is eating and has put on a little weight. With his condition being so poor I was sure he would not have survived the night - but here he is!

UPDATE: Over the course of a few weeks, Wilbur's condition massively improved, and he went on to be released into a local safe release garden where there are nest boxes and plenty of food left out for visiting hedgehogs every evening.

June 2024

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 10:45:20 GMT

June 2024

Baby 'Guzzle'......

Baby 'Guzzle' was rescued after being found all alone by the side of a country lane in Hambleton. She is around four weeks old so should still be with her Mum so my guess is she has wandered from the nursery nest and got lost. Despite the warm weather she was icy cold on admission and so distressed she was squealing, so she has spent the afternoon on the settee wrapped up with a warm hot water bottle and snuggled up with a small soft toy for company. She is taking her milk formula very well - what an appetite she's got, which is brilliant!

Melissa......

This is 'Melissa' the Mum to the four babies keeping an eye on me while I am cleaning out. She was rescued with her four babies from a barn in Garstang. She's got a really bad tummy so is receiving treatment accordingly. Just like her babies she has infected wounds on her legs and feet, so my guess is that rats could be the culprit. She's a good Mum and has done well to raise her young in difficult circumstances.

Update: Melissa's wounds healed well and has now been released back to her area in Garstang.

Melissa's babies......

Melissa and her four babies were rescued from inside a barn in Garstang. The finder had noticed flies around where the babies were nesting which would indicate there was something wrong. One of the babies did not survive. The other three had fly strike and had lots of infected wounds mainly on their legs and feet. I thought at first that it could indicate there was a bully amongst them and the culprit could be the one nearest the camera who was a lot bigger than the others. So to prevent any more injuries I split them all up into separate cages. But having examined Melissa, she also had similar wounds to her legs and feet so now I am thinking they could have been attacked by rats. All are eating which is a good sign. But keeping leg and feet wounds clean when the little beggars sit in their dinner to eat it is a job and a half.

Big Dave......

This is big 'Dave' rescued after he was trapped down a drain filled with water. It isn't known how long he had been down there. On admission he was icy cold and wet through, barely able to stand without wobbling uncontrollably from side to side. He's a big lad weighing nearly a kilo! After he was dried off I had him on a hot water bottle at first to try and get him warm, then transferred him to an incubator. Hopefully will recover but need to monitor his breathing in case he has water in his lungs. The drain has now been covered up.

Update: Dave recovered well and was released into a safe release area on 19th June.

May 2024

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 08:59:32 GMT

May 2024

Shelley......

Little 'Shelley' was rescued by two lovely lads after she was seen in the road near the Shell garage. She was very underweight, cold and dehydrated with severe diarrhoea. Was put on a heat mat to get her warm and she was given sub cut fluids. Thank you lads for taking the time to pick her up before she was run over.

UPDATE: Shelley recovered well and was released into a safe release garden on 29th May.

Grumpy......

First baby of the year in. Meet 'Grumpy' - 70grams of pure attitude! He was icy cold and covered in flystrike on admission, now clear of fly eggs and toasty warm in an incubator. He has taken a good feed but is so bad tempered this one that he half demolished the syringe in the process! This one is a survivor.

April 2024

Wed, 08 May 2024 10:16:52 GMT

April 2024

Hesketh......

'Hesketh' was rescued on 17th April after being found lying out in the daytime outside a works facility. She was severely traumatised and aborted her babies late that evening. Not a great photo as she had shut down and I didn't want to cause her further stress. I hoped with a bit of TLC she would rally round in a few days.

Update: Hesketh did well and soon recovered from her ordeal. She was released back into the wild on the evening of 5th May.

Fly......

'Fly' was rescued recently after being found out during the daytime in a car park. He was panicking, running round and round in circles. He is not in the best of condition and must have been struggling for quite a while. It's early days yet to be sure of a diagnosis but I suspect he may be blind.

UPDATE: Fly also had a tiny puncture wound on his neck which wasn't at first noticeable, and this has turned into a nasty abscess. He is now on appropriate antibiotics to treat this and his condition has improved.

March 2024

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 13:29:00 GMT

March 2024

Jeanette......

'Jeanette' was brought to me recently after being rescued from a local garden as she was seen to be active during the daytime. The finder thought she looked underweight as she was busy scavenging for food. Jeanette is quite an old girl, probably emerged from hibernation, quite skinny with an overload of internal parasites and an appetite you would not believe. She put on 100gms in weight in 24 hours which is mad. Currently still receiving treatment while she eats me out of house and home! Will be returned to her garden once her treatment is complete.

March......

Little 'March' was rescued to prevent her being run over as she was in the middle of a busy road. She is quite underweight, most likely just come out of hibernation. Currently being treated for internal parasites, after a slow start she is now eating well and putting on weight.

December 2023

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 14:47:47 GMT

December 2023

Leaf......

'Leaf' was rescued after being found underneath a few leaves on a pathway in Poulton. In freezing cold weather and weighing just 280gms, how he had survived the recent sub zero weather conditions is a miracle. Keeping him warm on a heat mat and he is eating well. Another night in the cold with just a few leaves for cover and I don't think he would have survived. Will remain here over the winter months then release in the Spring.

Tinsel......

Baby 'Tinsel' arrived on 15th December after she was seen out during the daytime for several days in Cleveleys. She weighs only 160gms and around 5/6 weeks old. How has she survived the recent cold weather? She is at the moment very poorly and is struggling to maintain her body heat. Sadly prognosis not good.

November 2023

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 14:33:00 GMT

November 2023

Ellie......

'Ellie' was rescued after being found by a kind member of the public lying in the rain by the side of a busy road. She had all but given up. She was half starved, freezing cold and weighed only 290gms. She was given warmed sub cut fluids and housed in an incubator to get her warm. A couple of hours later she was up on her feet and tucking into her dinner. Now receiving treatment for a bad tummy and an overload of internal parasites.

Nettie......

'Nettie' was rescued from a garden in Hambleton nearly three weeks ago after she was seen to be active during the daytime and underweight for the time of year. She has done really well, now weighing just over 600gms so she went for release into a safe release garden in Stanah yesterday evening while the weather was still mild. Food is being left out for her and a nest box provided so she will be fine.

Tulip......

'Tulip' was admitted on 27th November along with a bunch of tulips from the finder (thank you!) after she was found out during the daytime in Thornton. She's a golden oldie, icy cold and looks like she's been struggling for quite a while. Currently toasty warm on a heat mat. Always have a soft spot for the oldies knowing how they have struggled to survive over the time they have spent in the wild. The recent cold spell of weather was obviously too much for her, so now she can have some home comforts - warmth and plenty of food. Will most likely remain here over the winter months.

October 2023

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 13:57:57 GMT

October 2023

Dinky......

And back to 2 hourly feeds again. 'Dinky' arrived at the beginning of October after being found all alone in a garden close to one of my release sites in Stanah. At around 4 weeks old and just 67gms he should still have been with his Mum. I didn't think anything had happened to his Mum as there hadn't been any more sightings of other babies since, so I think he had probably wandered out of the nest and couldn't find his way back. It's lucky Dinky was spotted as he was so tiny.

Baby Betty......

Here I was trying to get Baby Betty warm on my lap with a hot water bottle, as she was severely hypothermic and needed contact heat before being transferred into an incubator. She was only around 5 weeks old so should still be with her Mum not wandering around on her own before being picked up. This was one manic Monday, phone calls non stop and 6 more admitted when no more room.

Betty survived and went on to be released back into the wild several weeks later.

September 2023

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 14:07:10 GMT

September 2023

Fruitloop......

'Fruitloop' was rescued from a garden in Poulton on 14th September after he was seen to be active during the daytime. At just 150gms he should still be with his Mum, but there had been no recent sign of her. He had been given apple and pear to eat - not advisable food for a baby hedgehog! Fruitloop will be here for a while possibly over winter now, as it's doubtful we can get his weight up for release before then.

Jeffery......

Really pleased with 'Jeffery' as I really did not think he was going to make it when he was admitted. He was rescued from a garden in Poulton as he was seen lying on his side in the sun. Hedgehogs do not sunbathe - when they are seen doing this they are very ill and so cold they are trying to raise their body temperature. Jeffery had quite bad fly strike with maggots active in his anus which had already caused some damage in that area.

Several days on and following treatment he was now looking much better. He is eating well and putting on weight so hopefully he can be released quite soon.

Morris......

Poor little baby 'Morris' was found on 25th September by a builder working near Morrisons who had found him trapped down a sandy hole filled with water. Morris was covered in wet sand and so cold he could barely stand as he wobbled from side to side. I had to hold him to be able to take a photo that wasn't blurred. There wasn't time to wait for an incubator or heat mat to warm up, so it was quicker to go straight onto an emergency hot water bottle to try and get him warm. Two hours later, now dry and nice and toasty he was transferred into an incubator and was tucking into his dinner. This is one very hungry baby.

August 2023

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 13:50:28 GMT

August 2023

Laurel......

When you're up 'til past midnight fishing maggots and fly eggs out of ears and every other orifice. Makes it worthwhile when the end result is when you see a little poser like this. Meet 'Laurel' who was rescued from Stanah on 19th August after she was seen to be out during the day. She was in a bad way, dehydrated and icy cold. Flies had been landing on her and she was covered in fly eggs, some had already started to hatch into maggots. She recovered well and responded to treatment for a bad tummy and dehydration. Also received treatment for an overload of internal parasites.

Hopalong......

'Hopalong' was admitted late one evening as an emergency after she was spotted on a webcam with a severely swollen and infected front foot by a local vigilant fosterer. There didn't appear to be anything broken but she had lost at least one toe. She was given strong antibiotic cover which continued for at a week and a painkiller to be given over the next three days. The swelling had reduced a little the following morning. It was hoped if the foot could be kept clean (which is not that easy with a hedgehog!) and get on top of the infection she would be as good as new, albeit minus one or two toes.

UPDATE: Hopalong is now all mended and has gone for release. Thank you Anne for taking her back to your garden where you can keep an eye on her.

Penny......

'Penny' was rescued 3rd August from a garden just down the road. Although an adult, she barely weighed 400gms and was extremely emaciated, just skin and bone. She was also icy cold. She had been given warmed subcutaneous fluids and was tucked up warm on a heat mat. Very poorly this one so not sure what the outcome will be.

Update: Sadly Penny did not survive.

July 2023

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 14:42:05 GMT

July 2023

Lucy......

This is 'Lucy's' story: She was rescued on 23rd June after she was found curled up and not moving on a footpath at Stanah. She weighed a healthy 885gms on admission and being a female at this time of the year there was always a chance she may be pregnant. Lucy was a worrying case, she appeared to be extremely traumatised. Hedgehogs tend to be resilient creatures and cope with all sorts of trauma happening to them, but this was something quite different. I isolated her cage and kept her very quiet. For four days she did not eat or drink so was kept going on drip fluid injections. For four days she just stood in her cage not moving, not lying down, not sleeping. She was also losing an awful lot of her spines, the cage floor was covered in them each day. This is usually a sign of ringworm / mites but she didn't look to have either. On the 28th June she had a miscarriage.

For two more days she refused to eat or drink. By now she had worryingly lost nearly 200gms in weight. On 1st July I was so relieved to see she had finally eaten overnight, and very strangely her spines had suddenly stopped falling out.

Lucy regained most of her weight loss, is was eating well. We will never know what terrible thing had happened to Lucy to cause her to be so traumatised to the extreme, but now she is slowly getting back to her normal self.

UPDATE: Lucy recovered well and has now been released into a safe release garden in Thornton.

Baby Willow......

This is Willow rescued from a local garden on 12th July after he was found alone with no sign of Mum. Eyes just open so two weeks old.

Sid the Bully Baby......

He had to be separated from his other siblings as he was being a bit of a bully. Not so much a baby now. Was released back into the wild mid July along with his other two siblings.

June 2023

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 15:21:00 GMT

June 2023

Andy, Molly and Sid (the bully)

Three very hungry babies rescued from a garden on June 9th in Thornton after they had been seen out during the daytime for several days with no sign of their Mum. Approximately three weeks old.

I detected a bit of a bully with one of the males, so he had to be separated from the other two. Currently doing nicely and nearly put on enough weight now to go for release soon.

Godfrey......

' Godfrey' was admitted on 15th June after being seen just sitting on a local driveway during daytime. He had practically given up. Very underweight, dehydrated, covered in ticks, loaded with internal parasites and has long term infected front and back feet. Seen here having a paddle in a warm disinfectant solution to help clean his feet. Ticks removed, antibiotics and replacement fluids and wormers given. Condition has improved since admission.

Godfrey is now doing really well. His feet are healing nicely and he is responding to treatment. Has a really good appetite which is good and he is putting on weight.

Update: He was released back into the wild into a safe release garden in Cleveleys on June 26th.

Jerry......

'Jerry' was admitted after he was spotted being chased by a cat in a local road. He is only around 8 weeks old and is severely dehydrated and hypothermic, so is now being cared for in an incubator. He has quite a bad injury to his mouth, not sure of the cause but it doesn't look good.

UPDATE: sadly lost little Jerry overnight.

May 2023

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 14:55:33 GMT

May 2023

Woody......

'Woody' was rescued from a local garden on 17th May after she was seen for several days out during the daytime. She was riddled with internal parasites and suffering from a suspected UTI. Was treated for both and made good progress. Loves her biccies this one!

I had a feeling though that she could be carrying babies. So Woody was released into a safe release garden in Stanah just up the road where there is a plentiful supply of her favourite biscuits left out for her and other visiting hedgehogs every evening. This will undoubtedly help her and the survival of any babies if she has any, and is the prime reason she is being released there.

Betty......

This is an old girl 'Betty' rescued on 29th May. So frail and thin she was described as being a baby hedgehog by the finder. Weighs only 380gms and is severely hypothermic and dehydrated. Now resting on a hot water bottle, she seems so grateful for a bit of warmth. Not sure if she will survive but at least now she is warm, safe and comfortable. Always feel sorry for the oldies when they struggle so hard to stay alive. It's a tough life out there.

Update: Sadly lost Betty this morning. Got up at 3am to give her more fluids but she had passed. I find sometimes that when you give them some comfort as opposed to the struggle they were having to survive in the wild, they just give up. Sorry to have lost this one. I always have a soft spot for oldies. RIP Betty.

April 2023

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 14:16:57 GMT

April 2023

Ringo......

'Ringo' was rescued from a garden in Cleveleys on 3rd April after he was found lying out in the open. Not a good sign. He weighed only 360 gms and so is quite underweight. Was treated for a host of internal parasites and he soon gained enough weight to be released back into the garden where he was found.

March 2023

Sun, 16 Apr 2023 12:46:49 GMT

March 2023

Hare......

'Hare' was rescued at the beginning of March after he had been seen over several nights on a night camera by a vigilant fosterer as being quite thin. He weighs only 360gms. Possibly one of last year's youngsters.

Quite secretive this one and difficult to get a reasonable photo as I didn't want to cause him any stress. Had eaten well overnight, and being treated for internal parasites. Just need to get his weight up then he can go back to his garden.

Update: Hare has now been released.

Sue......

This little female was picked up after being found lying at the side of a busy road in Hambleton during the daytime. She had all but given up. On admission she was found to be severely hypothermic and just skin and bone weighing only 300gms. Possibly just come out of hibernation. She was nursed in an incubator and given replacement drip fluids. Tests revealed she was loaded with internal parasites, so treatment for this was started the following day. Currently doing much better and has put on weight which is a good sign.

February 2023

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 09:57:21 GMT

February 2023

Strike......

This little male named 'Strike' was rescued in early February from a local garden after he was seen to be out at 9am. He weighed only 300gms and was very hungry, just skin and bone. Tests were done later to see if he had any internal parasites and then treatment commenced for a host of internal parasites.

By the end of February his weight was almost 700gms. Just waiting for better weather and then he can be released back into the wild.

Mr T......

Mr T was rescued on 24th February after being found lying in the road late at night in Poulton. This is a large chap weighing nearly a kilo! He was passing blood in his urine so is currently on antibiotics. Now responding to treatment and eating well.

December 2022

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 11:31:41 GMT

December 2022

Elf......

'Elf' arrived on 4th December after being found curled up and not moving on a concrete doorstep. The finder thought he was dead as the weather had been cold and icy for days. He was transferred into a warm incubator and given warmed sub cut fluids. The following day he was looking much better, had eaten well overnight and had gained weight. Is currently being over wintered here before his release in Spring.

Bauble......

A young male was rescued on 22nd December from a safe release garden in Cleveleys after he was seen on a night camera looking a bit skinny and underweight for the time of the year. Suspect poops had also been seen in the garden.

On admission he weighed only 382gms and was hypothermic, clearly not well with diarrhoea. He was given antibiotics and replacement fluids. A slide under the microscope revealed he was laden with internal parasites, both larvae and eggs. Treatment for this was started.

His condition deteriorated over the following two days as he lost a lot of weight. Christmas Day and at last he was eating. His weight is now stable. It's early days yet but his prospects are now looking more hopeful as he continues to improve.

Clive......

This is 'Clive' - rescued from a garden in Knott End on Boxing Day after he was seen active during the daytime. The finder could see he was way too small to survive at this time of the year. Clive weighed only 250gms. How he survived the recent freezing cold weather is a miracle at that weight. Now tucked up safe and warm and receiving meds for a poorly tummy.

November 2022

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 13:41:24 GMT

November 2022

Pumpkin......

Little 'Pumpkin' was rescued after she was spotted lying in the grass in a local garden. She weighed just 168gms and is only around six weeks old so really should still be with her Mum. She had extreme hypothermia so was tucked up warm in an incubator. A very poorly baby so not sure of the outcome for this one. Following the extended warm Autumn weather I fear there will be a lot more babies in trouble out there now the weather has turned colder.

Chris......

Admitted, a severely traumatised female after she was found tangled up in netting used to cover the top of a small recycling bin. The netting had to be cut off her as it was entangled round her legs and tightly around her neck. Not a brilliant photo as I'm trying to de-stress her. She is severely hypothermic so she has been transferred into a warm incubator. Please do not use these nets to cover your bin, they are death traps for wildlife. Over the years I have had several hedgehogs brought in tangled up in this particular type of netting. This hedgehog was probably just looking for food in the empty tin cans and in doing so, got entangled in the netting and couldn't free itself.

Reek......

This little male is 'Reek'. He was rescued after being found trying to cross a busy road in Penwortham. His spines were covered in either cat or dog poo, seems he has been rolling around in it. Three baths later in Hibiscrub he smells a bit sweeter now. Quite small, so will be here for a while to gain some weight.

October 2022

Sun, 06 Nov 2022 11:55:24 GMT

October 2022

Wally......

' Wally' hadn't got a right lot going for him. Rescued out of a local garden after he was seen to be out during the daytime. Flies were buzzing round him, some had settled on him and had laid their eggs. He was wheezing, blood coming from his nose and he seemed to have lost an eye. He was icy cold, dehydrated and severely underweight with a possible head injury. I love a challenge.

I set to work removing all the fly eggs before they hatched out into maggots. Once warm in an incubator he was started on replacement drip fluids, then antibiotics, painkiller and treatment for lungworm. He made it through the night and was a surprise really when I saw him on his feet the next morning making an attempt to eat.

Made excellent progress over the following three weeks and has now been transferred into a large enclosed garden where we can monitor him over the coming months to see if he is fit enough for release.

Robinson......

This is 'Robinson' rescued after being found curled up on a doorstep. Underweight for the time of the year and a very hungry juvenile. After squeezing this one in we were now 110% full.

Currently being treated for internal parasites and is making steady progress. Will likely remain here over the winter months and then will be released in Spring.

Angela......

'Angela' arrived at the end of October from a local garden after being seen active in the daytime. She weighed just over 200gms and is in quite poor condition. Her tummy is completely bald and she is losing the fur on her face too. A skin scrape revealed the cause was mites and she is now receiving treatment for this and suspected ringworm. Her overall condition has improved since admission.

September 2022

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 10:07:41 GMT

September 2022

Hilary......

'Hilary' was picked up crossing Hillylaid Road in the middle of the afternoon on 4th September. Weighed just over 300 gms and is quite skinny. She received treatment for internal parasites. After a rocky start when I didn't think she was going to survive, she responded to treatment and then gained weight quite quickly. Has now been released back into the wild.

Kym......

'Kym' arrived from the Marsh Mill area on 12th September after being seen in a garden for three days during the daytime. At only 142gms looks like this one will be here for a while.....

3 more babies!

These three babies were rescued the following day from the same garden as Kym. Bye the end of September all babies had been appropriately wormed and were weighing in at around 300gms.

August 2022

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 15:21:32 GMT

August 2022

Tiggy, Winkle and Dimples......

Three hand reared babies released back into the wild into a safe release area in Stanah on the evening of 23rd August. All good weights and ready to go.....

Wally......

This little chap was rescued on 24th August from the Stanah area after being found on a road. Around 10 weeks old, very skinny and very hungry. Is being treated for internal parasites and is responding to treatment well.

Wilma......

You may remember Wilma who was rescued at Windy Harbour traffic lights a few weeks ago. She was diagnosed with a head injury resulting in her losing one eye and her being active during the daytime. Although I asked for anyone with a safe garden locally that could take her, not one person came forward. So - my only option was to release her into a safe garden in Waddington in the Ribble Valley on 21st August. No traffic and surrounded by fields and hedges, so she should be quite safe there. She did well in Kevin's garden for the past few weeks, but it was not possible for her to stay there permanently. She now weighs over a kilo! I am sure she will be fine in her new garden and be able to live out the rest of her life as safe as she could possibly be.

July 2022

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 13:18:43 GMT

July 2022

Sybil......

Rescued from a garden in Bilsborrow near Preston is this little cutie - 'Sybil'. From the same garden as 'Billy' who was recently released. She is approximately 4-5 weeks old and has a really bad gut infection probably caused by a worm burden, so has been started on fluids and antibiotics. Was quite cold on admission, so now nice and warm in an incubator. Important to pick youngsters up ASAP, as they soon go downhill with something like this and become severely dehydrated and not surviving. Hopefully Sybil was found in time.

Wilma......

'Wilma' was rescued out of the road at Windy Harbour on July 10th by Janine who bravely stopped all the traffic to pick her up. Wilma was diagnosed with a head injury and has subsequently lost an eye. Over the next 10 days she gradually got more and more agitated to the point where I knew I couldn't keep her caged any more, so she has been transferred into an enclosed garden to see if she copes better there while she recovers. A new nest box has been installed and she has everything there she needs. She tends to be active during the daytime which may mean she is completely blind. She just needs time to get used to her new surroundings and hopefully will settle and recover from her injury.

UPDATE:

Wilma has been in a temporary garden now for the past few days while I assess her. Following her head injury I am not convinced she is completely blind, but seems to have limited vision in her remaining eye. She is however, more often than not, active throughout the daytime and so she cannot be released. She needs somewhere now where she can settle and get used to her surroundings.

I need to find her a permanent home in an appropriate garden. It would need to be medium / large sized, fully secure with concrete base panels all round. It needs to be hedgehog-friendly and have plenty of shrubs, trees, ground cover, lawn etc. Places where she could hide away. No pond.

I am looking for someone who is at home all day, has no dog and no children (or visiting). This person would need to put out food and water every day for Wilma as soon as she is seen to be active. This also needs to be someone who would alert me straightaway if there were any problems with Wilma.

I know it seems like a lot to ask, but there are reasons as to why I must stipulate certain things for her, otherwise she would not survive.

If you think you are the kind of person that could give Wilma a safe new life, please PM me or email me at info.hedgehogcare@gmail.com Thank you.

Tiggy and Winkle......

This is 'Tiggy' and 'Winkle' rescued from the Penwortham area of Preston on 31st July. Their Mum was found dead on the road. Aged around 5 weeks, a little boy and girl. Now safe and warm in an incubator.

Dimples......

'Dimples' was picked up out of the road in the Stanah area He was icy cold, dehydrated and wet from spending the previous night in the rain. Now toasty warm in an incubator. He weighs just 150gms so around 7/8 weeks old. Very poorly this one.

Update: Doing well, responding to treatment and gaining weight.

June 2022

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 15:15:49 GMT

June 2022

Dippy......

'Dippy' arrived from one of my safe release gardens as he was spotted out during the day. Underweight and dehydrated with a tummy bug, so treatment and fluids started.

He continued to do well, managing to put on 150gms in weight in two weeks. Seen here doing what Dippy does every day - plotting his escape while being cleaned out. Will be going for release very soon.

Fowler......

This skinny little chap was admitted after he had found his way inside a chicken coup and decided it would be quite nice to bed down with the chickens. 'Fowler' couldn't stay there, so was brought in for a supposedly quick MOT, but as he is very underweight will be having bed and board here for a while. Will be tested for internal parasites whilst here and treated accordingly, which could be the reason why he is so underweight.

Wuss......

This is 'Wuss'. He was spotted on camera in a local garden looking like he had facial wounds plus one on the top of his head. This is a very large chap weighing nearly a kilo! I was lucky to get this photo as he is very uncooperative and refuses to uncurl most of the time which makes treating him rather difficult to say the least. He has a touch of ringworm on his face which is being treated as well.

Update: Wuss has now been released back into the garden where he was found, all wounds mended.

May 2022

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 12:15:18 GMT

May 2022

Homer......

This little chap was rescued out of a garden where he had become trapped with no way out. He had been looked after for several months but the family contacted me because they were going away and they were concerned for him. It's not known how he had got in the garden, but for his welfare it meant he needed to be got out. He stayed at the Rescue Centre for twenty four hours to check all was well, and then was released into a safe area in Stanah.

Brenda......

'Brenda' arrived from Stanah Gardens after being found in a garden during the daytime. The finder reported a leg sticking out so it was off to the Vets to be gassed down (the hedgehog, not the finder!) and checked to see if the leg was actually broken. Thankfully it wasn't, the Vet thought just bruising so back to the Hospital for some R and R for a few days. Brenda was released one week later.

Abby......

'Abby' was seen out during the daytime in a local garden. She has a huge abscess in her neck. Was treated with antibiotics and a painkiller then the abscess was drained over several days. Must have been so painful. Currently doing well and will be released in about a week.

Flynn......

'Flynn' arrived after being found on Hillylaid Road just lying in the sun. He was very skinny and obviously hungry as he was soon demolishing a dish of kitten kibble. He needed treatment for internal parasites after which he steadily gained weight and was released back into the wild on 4th June.

April 2022

Fri, 13 May 2022 22:18:01 GMT

April 2022

Clifford......

'Clifford' was found lying by the side of a road in Out Rawcliffe. He was icy cold and in a poor state. He was made safe and warm in an incubator but the prognosis sadly was not looking good.

I noticed Clifford appeared to be missing a front leg. Unfortunately this usually means euthanasia, as a missing front leg can cause so many problems in the wild it is kinder to put the hedgehog to sleep. It had me wondering how on earth had he managed to get around and survive. On closer inspection I discovered the missing leg wasn't the result of a trauma accident in the wild, which is usually the case. Clifford had a very short stump with what look like two tiny claws on the end of it, something I have never seen before in over 30 years of rescue work. So his missing leg was actually a birth deformity. How he had survived like this was a miracle. His condition improved a little but he was not eating, so was initially syringe fed high calorie food. I have a large release garden lined up for him when he is ready. There are nest boxes there and food will be left out for the hedgehogs every evening, so life for him will be a little easier.

Jake......

'Jake' arrived after being rescued from a garden in Poulton after he was found lying in the sun. A word to the wise - hedgehogs do not sunbathe. If found lying in the sun the hedgehog is ill and is desperately trying to raise its body temperature. Jake barely weighs 400gms, is icy cold and severely dehydrated. Receiving emergency care.

Bert......

Admitted was 'Bert', found out during the daytime in a local garden. He is another one coming in dehydrated and icy cold. Now safe and warm, receiving subcutaneous drip fluids but he is very poorly.

Update: After receiving necessary treatment for an overload of internal parasites, Bert's condition began to improve. He was syringe fed high calorie food to begin with, until he began eating for himself and putting on weight. Bert was eventually released into a safe release garden on 13th May 2022.

March 2022

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 10:23:30 GMT

March 2022

Impy......

This very large female was admitted following nest disturbance. A hedge was being removed on Thornton Industrial Estate when her nest was discovered. It wasn't possible for her to stay there as there was no cover so she was brought to the Rescue Centre. She was in a tight ball and still in hibernation but it was noticed that she had cut spines on her head suggesting she been strimmed in the past. She was very lucky though as the strimmer had only cut her spines and there were no wounds. Impy will remain here until she is out of hibernation and can then be released when the weather is warmer.

Nettie......

Nettie was rescued after being found entangled in netting. She was unresponsive and in a bad way. Its possible she had been trapped for a long time and with the nights very cold her body had shut down. She was given replacement fluids and placed on a heat mat, but despite the emergency care she was given she did not survive.

Feb 2022

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 14:51:38 GMT

February 2022

Wally......

'Wally' was brought to us after being found nesting in a pile of wooden pallets which were in the process of being moved in a busy builders yard in Burnley. His nest had been completely demolished and out he fell much to the amazement of the forklift driver. It wasn't advisable for him to stay there with so much heavy machinery around, so he was brought to us all that way by a kind hearted truck driver. He is underweight so needs feeding up and then when the weather picks up he can be released somewhere more suitable.

Eunice......

'Eunice' was rescued from a garden in Cleveleys yesterday as her hibernation nest was discovered when the garden was being cleared. It was decided to bring her out of the garden for her own safety, as heavy machinery was due to move in today. Eunice was still in hibernation on admission but as you can see she is now wide awake after the disturbance. She weighs just 400gms so maybe a good thing she was found. If we have a prolonged spell of really cold weather, she may not have survived at that weight.

January 2022

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 14:51:16 GMT

January 2022

Moira......

'Moira' was rescued out of a local garden which was in the process of being tidied. The gardener was clearing a large pile of leaves when he discovered in amongst them was a hedgehog hibernating. It was impossible to put her back as the nest had been trashed, so she was brought back to the Rescue Centre for observation. She weighed 500gms so a bit underweight. The disturbance had brought her out of hibernation as she was active and eating the following day. She will stay here now until the warmer weather and then can be released.

Frankie......

This little chap was found huddled beside a wheelie bin in a garden in Great Eccleston. Not being in a nest there was obviously something wrong as he should not have been out in the open during daylight hours. He was very cold and underweight so is receiving necessary care until he can be released back into the wild.

December 2021

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 15:40:18 GMT

December 2021

Tinsel......

This is 'Tinsel' who was rescued out of a garden shed in Great Eccleston in the first week of December after she was discovered in a makeshift nest she had built out of an old sack, plastic bags and bits of rubbish. The shed had apparently been locked for quite some time the finder thinks, so we are not sure how long she has been trapped in there. She is dehydrated and very hungry so is being treated with rehydration fluids to begin with. Is now safe and warm.

Oscar......

This little chap was seen in a local garden during the afternoon busy searching for scraps of food from underneath a bird table. Obviously hungry and underweight at 400gms, he was rescued and brought to us for care. He was treated for Flukes as well as other internal parasites and is currently making good progress, but will remain here for several more weeks.

Anne's rehabilitated hedgehogs......

Photo taken recently by Anne of rehabilitated hedgehogs at night in her feeding station. They were released back into her garden in Thornton-Cleveleys following treatment. Look like they are doing well now by the size of them! These are hopefully Sherlock, Moriarty and Elvis.

November 2021

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 15:17:11 GMT

November 2021

Frosty......

This little chap arrived from the Preston area after being found out and about scavenging for food during a cold and frosty night. Weighing less than 400gms he would struggle to survive over winter, so it was decided to bring him in. He is currently doing well and one week later now weighs 500gms, so in a mild spell of weather and with a bit more weight on him he can be released back into the garden where he was found, with supplementary feeding provided.

Buster......

This baby hedgehog was found trapped in a household drain after the cover had blown away in the wind. It's not known how long he was trapped there. With all the recent heavy rain falling in on him from the drainpipe, water could well be in his lungs. The finders managed to free him out of the drain, but he was severely hypothermic and in a bad way. 'Buster' was placed in an incubator and on a heat mat to try and warm him, but despite receiving emergency care he sadly did not survive.

Erica......

Rescued from a garden in the Morecambe area. The finder had seen her and thought she was too small to survive over winter and she was - weighing just 360gms. Currently doing well and can be returned once she has gained sufficient weight to be released.

October 2021

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 14:35:59 GMT

October 2021

Barry......

Baby 'Barry' was admitted after being found in the gutter trying to get a drink from the side of a road in Carleton. He weighs just 128gms so will be here for the foreseeable future as there isn't the time left for him to put the weight on to be released before the cold weather kicks in. He is loaded with internal parasites, so is receiving the necessary treatment.

DPD......

A knock on the door revealed a DPD delivery driver - but strangely not carrying a parcel. "I've just seen a hedgehog on Hastings Road and it's going to get run over" he said. As he had nothing in his van to pick it up with, I ended up climbing into his delivery van (not an easy feat at my age!) and we set off to find said hedgehog before it got squished. I was surprised to find it was still there to be honest as usually it would have disappeared by now. I climbed back into the delivery van and headed back home. She is not a very well hedgehog, but is now tucked up safe and warm. Will see later what her underlying reason is for being out during the day. "How did you know where to find me?" I asked the driver. "I have delivered parcels to you in the past and saw they were addressed to Lancashire Hedgehog Care" he said. I bet that's the first time a hedgehog has been delivered by DPD!

Buster......

This baby hedgehog was found trapped in water in a household drain after the cover had blown away in the wind. It's not known how long he has been trapped in there. With all the recent very heavy and persistent rain falling in on him from the drainpipe, water could be in his lungs if he had been submerged. The finders managed to get him out of the drain but he was severely hypothermic and in a bad way when he arrived. 'Buster' was placed in an incubator and on a heat mat to get him warm. Despite being given emergency care, little 'Buster' did not survive.

Sept 2021

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 15:35:28 GMT

September 2021

Nick......

This little fella arrived after being found wandering around during the daytime in the grounds of Lancaster Prison. Nick was a juvenile weighing only 300gms and quite a poorly hog, testing positive for lungworm and roundworm. Following necessary treatment he made an excellent recovery, and went on to be released into a safe area weighing 600gms at the end of September.

Roadrunner......

This little one was spotted in a garden in Larkholme during the afternoon, but before he could be picked up he was seen legging it at some speed down the road. Roadrunner weighs just 90gms, a product of a second litter of the year. When he arrived he was cold and wobbling so was tucked up warm in an incubator. Over the next twenty four hours his condition deteriorated despite being hand fed, so was given drip replacement fluids and antibiotics. The following day he was up on his feet and eating for himself. He is making good progress but still remains at the hospital while he gains more weight. He will most likely stay here over the winter months.

Knotty Nora......

I wasn't sure whether or not this was a deliberate act of cruelty as the nylon rope was securely knotted around her body, or was yet another casualty of carelessly discarded litter. She was monitored for constriction injuries over the following week and seemed non the worse for her ordeal. Nora doubled her weight from 250gms in two weeks and has now been released back into the wild.

Flint......

A little female weighing just over 200gms rescued after being seen during the daytime at a caravan park in Stanah. Flint had almost collapsed by the time she was admitted. I didn't think she would survive the night. She was given subcutaneous fluids and kept in an incubator for two days, an overload of worms her underlying problem. Is now receiving appropriate treatment and currently out of the incubator and in a recovery unit. She is eating well now and gaining weight so her prognosis is good.

August 2021

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 14:32:48 GMT

August 2021

Josephine.....

'Josephine' was admitted from the Fleetwood area after being found out during daylight hours. She was a very old hedgehog, just skin and bone with no reserves left and severely dehydrated. A life in the wild had taken its toll and she was worn out. She was placed in an incubator and received replacement drip fluid therapy. Hope this one pulls through, but she is in quite a bad way.

Update: From the almost collapsed state 'Josephine' was in on arrival, she has made incredible progress having put on over 100gms in weight. She is receiving treatment for a gut infection and internal parasites.

Minnie and Mo......

These two little females weighing just 76gms were rescued from a garden in early August after the family dog brought them into the house. Both good feeders and did well, going on to be released at the end of August into a safe site.

Wobble......

Wobble arrived severely underweight and with severe dehydration, so bad his eyes had sunk right back, giving the impression that he didn't have any. He was so weak he could barely stand, just wobbled from side to side. He had a bad gut infection requiring replacement fluids, antibiotics and appropriate wormers. Now much improved, eating well and gaining weight every day. His outlook looks more promising.

July 2021

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 17:18:31 GMT

July 2021

Elvis......

Elvis was found alone in a back garden during the daytime in Elvaston Road in Carleton. He weighed 130gms and apart from an infected wound on his back he was a very hungry baby. His wound was cleaned and treated and once his weight was over 400gms he was released into a safe release garden in Cleveleys.

Dot 'n Dave......

These two babies were rescued from a garden in the Norbreck area after they were found wandering around during the daytime. They were approximately four weeks old. Once over the 250gm mark they were transferred into a secure garden to gain outside experience prior to them being released. They are currently still there and doing well.

Netting babies......

Three babies were found tangled up in netting that covered a pond in a garden in Fleetwood. It isn't known how long they had been entangled as one baby was sadly already dead. The finder had already cut off most of the netting. The remainder was removed but both babies had constriction injuries and the condition of one baby was a cause for concern.

Update: both babies now doing well and will be fit for release towards the end of August.

Twiggy......

The little female was found trapped inside a garage on Fleetwood Road North. It looked like she had been trapped for some time as all her claws were worn away after she had been trying to escape. As expected she is quite thin and also dehydrated. Hopefully no long term damage done, and can be released once we get her weight back up again.

June 2021

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 13:13:52 GMT

June 2021

Alexandria......

This baby hedgehog was rescued from a local garden as she was found wandering around during the daytime with no sign of her Mum. She was approximately four weeks old weighing just short of 100gms. She was icy cold and dehydrated so was tucked up warm in an incubator and given replacement fluids.

Update: Has now been released into a safe area on 7th July weighing 495gms.

Gary......

This male hedgehog was rescued from a garden in Garstang. He was found collapsed and lying in the sun in an attempt to get warm, while flies and bluebottles were landing on him and laying their eggs. Massively underweight for his size. He had basically given up. Some hours were spent picking off every single fly egg and maggot. He was transferred into an incubator and given fluid support. His condition was worrying but twenty four hours later his condition had much improved. Gary was released fit and healthy back into the wild at the end of June.

Grumpy......

This baby hedgehog was found in a local garden wandering around on his own. This is 93gms of pure attitude! I need extra thick gloves to handle this one, as he huffs and puffs and throws himself around to the extreme when handled. A real prickly character who dislikes any handling or disturbance with a vengeance. Quite unusual for something this small, but obviously will be a survivor.

May 2021

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 15:35:57 GMT

May 2021

Cynthia's Hog......

This little chap was in quite a bad way when he was spotted out during the daytime in a garden in Hambleton on 13th May. His condition was poor with an overload of internal parasites. Following treatment he was much improved having put on over 100gms in weight. He was released back into the same garden much to the delight of the finder on 27th May.

Ingrid......

This little female was admitted late one night after she had fallen down a cattle grid and unable to get out. It was lucky she was spotted by a passing cyclist. It isn't known how long she has been stuck in there, but she is quite dehydrated with worn down claws so must have been for several days. Just in for a few days R and R and then she can be released somewhere a bit safer.

Ken......

Ken arrived from Knott End mid May after he was found sitting on a lawn in broad daylight, very slow and unresponsive. Extremely dehydrated with sunken eyes. He was given replacement rehydration fluids, antibiotics and appropriate wormers and kept warm on a heat mat. The next two days there was dramatic weight loss and his prognosis was not looking good. He wasn't eating either so was given support feeding. On day three he started to respond to treatment and began eating for himself. Ken also had a swollen and infected foot which also needed daily cleaning and treatment.

Ken recovered well and was released back into his garden at Knott End on 1st June.

Flossie Farnworth......

This little female arrived on 24th May from a local garden as she was out during the day. Flossie had a suspected head injury as she had a head tilt and was circling. There was an unexpected surprise the following day when I was cleaning her out, as she had presented me with three babies and sadly one dead one. The decision was made to try and keep the babies with their Mum. After two days it was clear Mum just wasn't coping so I decided their best option now was to try and hand rear them. This is always very difficult at such a young age.

Sadly though, even though I gave them the best of care, all three did not survive.

Flossie is still receiving care and at last is making progress, is more settled, eating well now and finally putting on weight.

Cilla......

Cilla was admitted at the beginning of May with a nasty ear / head wound after being found lying on grassland in the Fleetwood area. Possibly been attacked by a dog / fox as puncture wounds could be seen. She was severely traumatised, not moving out pf her bed for 24 hours. She was given pain relief, replacement fluids and antibiotics.

Cilla made good progress over the next two weeks, now eating well and the head wound all healed.

Now fit and healthy she was eventually released into a safe release garden at the end of May.

April 2021

Tue, 04 May 2021 16:05:33 GMT

April 2021

Dot......

Little 'Dot' arrived from Norbreck School after being seen in the school grounds. She is only a baby at around eight weeks old so how she has survived I don't know, as it makes it that she was born sometime in February? Found during a prolonged dry spell, she was terribly thirsty and drank non stop for five minutes. Also very cold so was tucked up safe and warm on a heat mat.

The pupils at the school have taken a great interest in Dot's progress.

Carl......

Carl was found mid April out during the daytime in the Carleton area. A small male juvenile weighing under 250gms. Nothing majorly wrong, just a few ticks needed removing and the need to get his weight up before he can be released back into the wild again.

Twinkle......

Twinkle was admitted from a local garden in Thornton after being seen out during the day. He was found to have several dislocated and infected toes and was struggling to walk. I know an igloo type hedgehog house was being used in this garden, and I wondered if this could be the cause of the injuries sustained, as they seemed compatible with his toes / claws being trapped in something. The finder is mortified that this hedgehog house could be the cause of his injuries, and needless to say it has now been binned.

Update: After daily cleaning and a course of antibiotics, Twinkle eventually lost one toe from his back foot which was expected, but I managed to save the toes on his front leg. The infection is clearing and his mobility is fine, so once the injuries have completely healed he can be released.

March 2021

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 15:11:32 GMT

March 2021

Charlie......

Charlie was admitted on 21st March. He was originally from Darwen where his finders had overwintered him as he was too small to survive on his own. They recently moved to Blackpool and brought Charlie with them. He had emerged out of hibernation three days prior to them contacting me, concerned that they didn't feel happy just to release him as he had been indoors since last November. So here for a quick MOT and then will be transferred to an outside enclosure under the care of a foster carer to get him used to the outside world again before release.

Albert (alias Clarence)......

Albert is looking so much better now. He is still losing spines so needs further treatment for ringworm but overall his condition has much improved. Still deciding what would be best for his long term future.

Ferrari......

This male hedgehog was found curled up behind the front wheels of a stationary car in Thornton, not the best place to be. The finder alerted the owner of the car and then Ferrari was rescued and brought to us. He was icy cold and very thin with suspected advanced lungworm. He was made comfortable on a heat mat, but sadly he did not survive the night.

February 2021

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 14:03:08 GMT

February 2021

All the overwintered hedgehogs were released with full support towards the end of February while the weather was mild and night time temperatures were good.

Hovis......
Found in a garden in Stalmine in mid February underneath a bird table eating stale scraps of bread put out for the birds. She was very thin and weighed only 295gms. 'Hovis' needed treatment and antibiotics for an infected leg and a wound on her back. Currently doing well and hopefully can be released in around two weeks time.

Albert (Clarence)......
Albert arrived on 21st February after being found scavenging for food in a local release site garden during the day. He is quite old, very thin and has no reserves left after surviving the winter. His skin appears to be two sizes too big for him. He is so thin it just drapes over his body. He also has a touch of ringworm so was given a treatment bath. It wasn't until I was drying him off after his second bath a few days later that I noticed a very faint white mark on his spines in the middle of his back. It looked the same colour what I mark released hedgehogs with, so I checked back through the records for 2020 and hey presto! Albert is actually Clarence!

Clarence was admitted last August from the same garden as he was not looking very well. He was released back into the same garden at the end of August and has survived over winter - but only just. Clarence was one of the hedgehogs featured in Hedgehog Hospital News in August 2020.

I now have a dilemma as to whether I release him when the time comes as he has been admitted twice now. He is obviously at home in this garden as he has stayed in the area. Or do I find him an enclosed garden to live out the rest of his days where I can keep an eye on him. Something to think about over the coming weeks.

January 2021

Sat, 06 Feb 2021 14:59:52 GMT

January 2021

Usually a fairly quiet month for admissions as most wild hedgehogs will now be in hibernation. All hedgehogs here at the Rescue are still awake except for one.

Burt......

Spotted by an eagle-eyed truck driver running alongside the A6 near Lancaster in freezing temperatures, he very kindly stopped to pick him up before he was run over. After a frantic phone call, 'Burt' arrived wrapped snug and warm in the driver's fleece jacket.

An initial examination revealed he was quite small and underweight with a touch of ringworm, a fungal infection which would need treatment, but first he needed a few good meals inside him. He is currently doing well and has started his treatment. Thank you to Marcus for taking the time to go out of your way (literally) to help him.

Dippy......

Little 'Dippy' was rescued after becoming distressed after her nest had become flooded in a garden in Garstang. There was nowhere else to re-site her as half the garden was under water, so she was admitted to the Rescue. Freezing cold and wet she was wrapped in a fleece blanket and put on a heat mat to get warm. A few days later and she seems non the worse for her ordeal. She will stay here until Spring and then will be released back into the wild.

December 2020

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 14:37:08 GMT

December 2020

Harriet......

I received a message from a lady in Carleton who had hedgehogs regularly visit her garden and was concerned about hedgehog poo she was seeing. I asked if she could send me photos so I could see if there was a problem and having viewed them I could see that all was not well. I could also detect spots of blood, so it needed investigating quickly.

'Harry' who turned out to be 'Harriet' was brought to the Rescue. The first night she did not eat, was passing blood and had lost a significant amount of weight by the following day. Microscopic evidence showed a host of internal parasites, so treatment for that began. Two days later and 'Harriet' was now eating. She is quite a large hedgehog weighing over 700gms, so when her treatment is finished and weather permitting she can be returned to her garden in Carleton.

Glade......

'Glade' arrived mid December from a local garden after being seen out during the day with what was thought to be a suspected limp. He was also underweight for the time of the year. All four limbs were checked but nothing untoward could be found and his movement appeared to be normal. It was decided to admit him as he was underweight at only 300gms so would stand little chance of surviving over winter. Currently doing well, weight now over 500gms.

Talbot......

This little guy arrived just before Xmas, again seen out during the day and finding it a struggle weighing just 300gms. There have been lots of juveniles coming in at this time of the year. Litters born late in the year when there isn't the time or supply of food to gain the weight needed to successfully hibernate. 'Talbot' was one of these.

He received treatment for a gut infection and internal parasites and is currently gaining weight and doing well. He will remain here until Spring and then will be released.

November 2020

Sat, 05 Dec 2020 13:10:14 GMT

November 2020

Chaos......

T his little chap arrived just after bonfire night via Jeanette who had spotted him late one evening in her garden. Knowing he was far too small at 250gms she contacted me for advice on what to do. He was admitted late that evening. I named him 'Chaos' because the first night he spent not eating and completely trashing his cage with newspapers ripped to shreds and food and water bowls upturned. I found him the following morning fast asleep encased in a heap of everything he had tried to destroy. This was one extremely stressed hedgehog.

A slide under a microscope revealed that he had a multitude of internal parasites and so treatment began. In a couple of days he had completely changed, calmed right down and was now eating well.

Following his treatment, 'Chaos' was released back into Jeanette's garden on 28th Nov weighing over 600gms.

Bella......

Bella arrived at the beginning of the month, one of many underweight juveniles being rescued. She weighed only 240gms and was riddled with internal parasites which is very common with juveniles at this time of the year. She responded to treatment well and three weeks later weighing 570gms she was transferred to a foster carer with outside hutch and run facilities.

It wasn't long before it became clear that 'Bella' wanted to be away, as large holes were appearing in the morning where she had been trying to make her escape. The decision was made to release her whilst there was a window of mild weather. Her pen door was left open at night but she decided to stay another night, tucked up nice and cosy in her nest. She finally departed on 30th November at 1.45am. Her pen was left open should she decide to return and food is also being left out.

Kenny......

'Kenny' is an underweight juvenile found by a couple out walking. He was running along the sea wall at Knott End, not the best place to be!

He is not in the best of condition and is currently receiving treatment for ringworm / mites.

Cynthia......

This juvenile female had basically given up and was found lying by the side of a road on 24th November. She was icy cold on admission, so was placed in a warm incubator and given warmed rehydration fluids. I didn't think this one would make it to be honest, but her condition is now much improved. Weighing only 240gms she will remain here over the winter months and then released in Spring next year.

October 2020

Sat, 31 Oct 2020 16:32:03 GMT

October 2020

This time of the year always brings in many autumn juveniles. Litters born late in the year and who struggle to survive, and this year has been no different. Not all could be saved, but many were. Some of the strangest phone calls received have included a hedgehog found in plastic bag, a hedgehog curled up in a pair of old trousers in a garage, and a hedgehog that had made it's way through a cat flap, eaten the cat's dinner and then bedded itself down for the day in the cat's bed!

Harley......

This male arrived late one night with Andy. Harley was a regular visitor to his garden but he was spotted on camera with what looked like a possible back leg injury, so was brought to the Rescue late one night to check. In the morning he was put outside on the lawn to monitor his mobility. He was walking fine and could run at some speed, but did have a slight limp with a back leg. Closer inspection of his ankle joint revealed that he has had a possible broken ankle in the past which had now healed and this was causing him to limp. It wasn't hindering him in any way or causing him any problems and so after a thorough health check, there was nothing to keep him at the Rescue. He was released back into Andy's garden that evening.

Carrie......

This little female juvenile was found nesting in a plastic carrier bag in a garage. Very cold, hungry and dehydrated she would not have survived much longer had she not been found. Her condition has much improved and she continues to do well, but will remain at the Rescue Centre over the winter months and then will be released next Spring.

Edna......

Little Edna arrived on the doorstep from the Tarn Road area on 22nd October, freezing cold and wobbling in a cardboard box. She weighed just over 200gms so far too small to survive this time of the year. She was placed in an incubator and given warmed sub cut fluids. I had to be honest and gave her chances of survival as not good, but I was proved wrong. When I took a look at her a short time later I found her up on her feet and eating! Currently responding to treatment for internal parasites and has put on 100gms in weight in a week.

September 2020

Sat, 03 Oct 2020 13:43:01 GMT

September 2020

Baby Dottie....

Little Dottie arrived late one evening after a motorist had spotted her lying on a grass verge at the side of a road in Wesham. Concerned for her safety he stopped and picked her up. At three weeks old she should still be with her Mum so how she got to where she was found is a mystery. She will remain in our care until Spring next year.

Six babies!.....

These six babies at four weeks old and weighing around 140gms were rescued from a garden in Larkholme in mid September after the owners had acquired a new puppy and needed the garden to be secure to prevent it getting out. The babies would not have been able to disperse from the garden when old enough and would have been trapped. They were also rescued in case the dog caused any injury to them. We rescued their Mum two days later as she was unwell but was fit for release several days later.

Update: 3rd Oct. All babies doing well. Two of the bigger ones are nearly ready to be transferred into an outside enclosure under the care of a foster carer.

Jake......

This juvenile male weighing 200gms was rescued from the Preesall area after being seen to be out during the daytime. Jake was underweight with a few superficial injuries to his legs which required daily treatment. He was also loaded with internal parasites which also required treatment, this being his main underlying health problem. He continues to do well and hopefully we can get his weight up so he can be released back into the wild before the bad weather sets in.

August 2020

Sat, 29 Aug 2020 15:02:26 GMT

August 2020

Beryl......

This juvenile hedgehog arrived from a built up area in Cleveleys after she had been seen to be active in a garden during the daytime indicating all was not well. After a course of appropriate wormers she had doubled her weight and at 600 gms she was released back into the wild in a safe area on 26th August.

Clarence......

'Clarence' is an old boy who was rescued on 15th August from a release site as he just didn't look well. He was found to be severely underweight and so dehydrated his eyes had sunk so far back it looked like he didn't have any. He was started on sub cut rehydration fluids to get his fluid levels back to normal. He remained poorly for a few days and it was touch and go as to whether he would survive.

Two weeks later and 'Clarence' has put on over 200gms in weight and is looking much better. Hopefully we can release him back into his garden in the coming week.

Arnie......

This 8 week old baby kept appearing during the daytime over several days in a garden in Carleton. It was only when he started to be unsteady on his feet and was wobbling that help was sought. 'Arnie' was hypothermic and dehydrated so was given sub cut fluids and placed in an incubator. He is currently making slow but steady progress.

July 2020

Sun, 02 Aug 2020 11:03:44 GMT

July 2020
A very busy month. 'AJ' and his siblings have now all been released back into the garden where they were found along with 'Alice' their Mum. 'AJ' was held back for a couple of weeks and placed with a foster carer in a contained area of his garden. He was still active during the day unlike his siblings, so just needed time to adjust. Many underweight juveniles were also admitted after being found out during the day and not coping. Not all could be saved but many were helped. The Rescue Centre has been working at full capacity and more for weeks.

Clifford......

This four week old baby was found in the Out Rawcliffe area on July 5th with a sibling who was unfortunately dead. He weighed just over 100gms. A poorly baby who was icy cold and dehydrated, but once warmed up and given fluids his condition improved. His character then began to show as he turned out to be quite feisty, not a bit interested in formula milk but demanding meat for his dinner.

Update: 'Clifford' now weighing 350gms has been transferred to outdoor facilities with a foster carer on 22nd July to get him used to the outdoors and to gain more weight before he can be released.

Update: Was released back where he was found in Out Rawcliffe on 3rd August.

Roadrunner......

This four week old baby was rescued after being spotted running across a busy road in Poulton on 17th July. The lady bravely got out of her car and stopped both lanes of traffic to pick him up and bring him to the Rescue Centre. Is currently doing well.

Ethel......

This old girl arrived mid July after being rescued crossing a road in Great Eccleston in the afternoon. Currently being treated for a possible UTI.

Keith......

This baby was rescued by one of the Rangers at Stanah Country Park after being found out during the day. Is being treated for a host of internal parasites and despite being quite poorly is responding well at the moment.

June 2020

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 19:12:50 GMT

June 2020

Always a busy time of the year with casualties coming in from as far afield as Blackburn. Several coming in with injuries so severe the only option was euthanasia at the Vets, but below are a few of the successes.

Carly......

This female was rescued on 14th June after being found trapped inside a locked garage. She could have been there for several days. Carly was very thin and dehydrated and weighed just 450gms. If she hadn't been found when she was, she would not have survived for much longer. She was released ten days later weighing 700gms into a local safe release garden.

Mr Chips......

Arrived from the Chipping area on 14th June after being found out in a garden during the daytime. Quite poorly with an overload of internal parasites including flukes. After a course of appropriate wormers and antibiotics his condition is now improving.

Update: "Goodbye Mr Chips". Now weighing over 700gms he was released back into the garden where he was found in Chipping on 4th July 2020.

AJ and siblings......

'AJ' was the first to arrive weighing just 63gms after being found lying on his back at the base of a slope in a garden. His nest was at the top of the slope underneath a woodpile and so was unable to get back to it. The following day another baby was in the same predicament so it finished up all three babies being brought in for care.

UPDATE 3rd July: All three babies now weigh over 300gms and are to be transferred shortly into a safe outside environment prior to full release back into the garden where they were found.

Donald......

This baby came from the Poulton area with severe fly strike. He had fly eggs and newly hatched maggots in his eyes, ears, mouth and every orifice. It took hours to get them all off him.

If you see a baby hedgehog lying in the open with flies landing on him, pick him up and contact a local Rescue ASAP. Don't leave it for several days before doing anything, by then it may well be too late to help it and all the while the baby is being eaten alive.

May 2020

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 14:39:17 GMT

May 2020

Seven of Nine......

This little guy took some catching by all accounts which involved a wall, a hedge and a hole (don't ask, it's a long story). He was spotted out in the daytime in the Pilling area which meant there was something not right so needed catching. When he arrived at the Rescue Centre it was found he had multiple wounds to his head and neck, several which looked like bite marks, so maybe he had had a run in with a rat. All were infected, he also had a badly infected wound to his ear. His wounds were cleaned up he was then put on antibiotics.

Update : is still receiving treatment but continuing to do well.

Update: Was released into a safe release garden in Preesall on 2nd June.

Wheezy......

This little female was admitted from the Stalmine area on 19th May struggling to breathe. She tested positive for lungworm so was given appropriate fluids, medications, wormers and oxygen therapy. Currently still receiving treatment, her condition has much improved but has some way to go yet.

Update: 5th June. Still continuing to improve.

Cobweb......

This little lady arrived from Thornton after having found herself locked in a shed for several days. She was quite a big girl weighing over a kilo suggesting she was about to have babies. She was kept for a couple of days just to monitor her, after which she was released into a safe release garden, where hopefully she will have a better chance to have her babies somewhere safe.

Rambo......

This hedgehog was seen with some of his spines missing from his neck area and came in for a check up. It was nothing more than him wearing them away whilst going underneath something like a shed or a fence, so was kept overnight and then released the following evening. This was one bad tempered hedgehog! The females better watch out for this one......

Update 11th June: As I thought, 'Rambo' is terrorising the neighbourhood. He is throwing his weight around with the other hedgehogs in the area including the youngsters, who he thinks nothing of head butting them out of the way sending them flying. This is somewhat 'normal behaviour' but am monitoring the situation. If he causes any injuries then he will need 'transplanting' somewhere else - either that or I will stick an asbo on him. I knew this one would be trouble!

Scrappy......

This little hedgehog arrived on 29th May from the Poulton area looking a bit worse for wear as he had several wounds on his legs and one large infected wound around his ear and into his neck. He was also very dirty, so bad he needed two baths! His wounds were cleaned and he was given antibiotics. His overall condition is not too good but has eaten well overnight.

Update 8th June: Poor 'Scrappy' didn't make it. The infection in his system was too much for him as his general condition wasn't good so couldn't fight it. This was a possible dog attack, something I see on a regular basis unfortunately.

April 2020

Fri, 01 May 2020 18:32:55 GMT

April 2020

Boris..........

April saw several hedgehogs admitted that had emerged from hibernation with hardly any bodily resources left. Many were literally just skin and bone. We lost six during April despite doing our utmost to save them, but they were too far gone and beyond help. But not all were lost.

One of these was the aptly named Boris, found in a garden in Cleveleys during the daytime, indicating something wasn't right. He wasn't a bad weight at 500gms for the time of the year, but nevertheless his skin just hung round him like a cloak. He was treated for internal and external parasites and by the end of April weighed nearly a kilo. He was released back into the garden where he was found and the couple there have provided a newly made nest box and feeding station for him, also plenty of supplementary food left out for him.

The above photo was taken on the day of his release 25th April.

Ernie......

We had several hedgehog brought in during April with bad injuries including this little chap. 'Ernie' was admitted at the end of April with a nasty abscess on the side of his face and neck. It isn't known how he sustained the injury but it has created massive infection. He is currently being treated with antibiotics and anti inflammatory painkillers and receiving intensive care, but remains very poorly. The outcome very much depends on how much infection is already in his system.

UPDATE: 2nd May - The abscess has now been drained. Ernie must be feeling much better as he is eating for himself now.

UPDATE: 24th May - Ernie did really well, the infection cleared up and he was finally released on 24th May.

Bert......

Bert was rescued in April after being found wandering around a local garden during the daytime. He had an injury to his jaw, also a bad infection in one eye, plus a touch of ringworm (a fungal infection of the skin). He was treated with antibiotics and fed soft food that he could manage to eat. His condition much improved after two weeks and so began treatment for ringworm.

UPDATE:

Bert's injury to his jaw and his infected eye was now much better, and so he was released back into the garden where he was found on 8th May weighing just over a kilo!

March 2020

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 12:36:08 GMT

March 2020

Houdini.........

The end of March now sees the release of all the over wintered hedgehogs while there is a break in the weather. One of the ones for release is little one-eyed Houdini. She came to us from the Cleveleys area last December weighing just 320 gms and with her left eye missing. She was quite poorly with a multitude of internal parasites and with no appetite at all despite trying her with several different foods. The only thing she would eat was Royal Canin cat biscuits. Following treatment and a supply of her favourite biscuits over winter, she now weighs over one kilo! She will be released into a safe release site in Stanah where there is support feeding and plenty of nest sites available (thank you Janet). Hedgehogs can manage very well in the wild with just one eye, as they rely much more on their sense of smell and hearing than sight.

Update: May 1st. It was good to hear that Houdini has been seen late at night coming for food in the garden she was released into. She is managing well and seems to be staying in the immediate area where there is food put out every evening.

February 2020

Sat, 07 Mar 2020 17:39:06 GMT

February 2020

Millie..........

This winter has been relatively mild which has meant some hedgehogs have only gone into hibernation for a short time or haven't hibernated at all. The severe flooding up and down the country will have meant many hedgehogs in their nests will have simply been swept away. This little hedgehog was rescued from a local garden which was temporarily flooded just recently. Millie was icy cold when she arrived. She also had more than her fair share of ticks on her which were not doing her any good, so after they were dispensed with she was immediately placed in an incubator to get her warmed up. A few hours later and she was up on her feet and eating her dinner! She is continuing to do well but won't be released until the weather improves.

January 2020

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 11:44:03 GMT

January 2020

Noel..........

Hedgehogs are still being reported as active at night with the weather being relatively mild for January. Global warming seems to be having an effect on hedgehog hibernation. Several hedgehogs came in that were rescued after all being found with similar wounds, probably caused by the local fox population. One little chap arrived on New Year's Day after being found wandering in a local cemetery. Noel weighed just 300 gms so how he had been surviving over winter is a miracle. No physical injuries on him, just very underweight. Now tucked up nice and warm and with an excellent appetite it won't be long before he will be big enough to be released once the weather improves.

December 2019

Mon, 30 Dec 2019 20:33:02 GMT

December 2019

Homer..........

December saw more underweight hedgehogs being rescued but also with the unusually mild weather saw twelve rehabilitated hedgehogs being released into gardens where there was a nightly supplementary food supply and nesting facilities available. This has freed up cages over the winter months for more rescued hedgehogs needing care. This little guy we named Homer was rescued because at six weeks old he was too small to survive on his own over winter.

November 2019

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 20:31:09 GMT

November 2019

November continued to see the arrival of more underweight babies and juveniles. These two were rescued after being found wandering around a local builder's yard. Both weighed under 130gms and only about four weeks old.

I was also called out to rescue a hedgehog that had found itself stuck in a fox trap. Luckily no harm was done and after a few of days recuperation and plenty to eat he was released back into the garden - but after the trap had been removed.

There was a steady influx of underweight juveniles brought in throughout the month after being found out during the daytime and struggling to survive. Some too were admitted by diligent members of the public after they had seen a hedgehog in their garden at night which they thought was too small to survive over winter. Anything under 450gms was admitted. Anything over 500gms was not admitted if support feeding every evening was being given by the finder.

October 2019

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 20:31:14 GMT

October 2019

October saw casualties coming in from outlying areas such as Lancaster and Wigan. One hedgehog was brought to us with a cable tie cutting deep into his body and had to be taken to the Vets to be gassed down to remove it. He went on to make a full recovery and was released into a safe garden at the end of October.

Juveniles were also being rescued who were underweight for the time of year, weighing less than 200gms and standing no chance of surviving over winter. Many particularly at this time of the year are rescued suffering from lungworm which can be deadly but is treatable.

September 2019

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 12:28:16 GMT

September 2019

This little guy aged approximately four weeks arrived all the way from Blackburn after being found out during the daytime with no sign of his Mum or any of his siblings. He was severely dehydrated and cold and so was placed in an incubator and given fluid therapy. Once recovered he was soon tucking into his food.

Another hedgehog also from the Blackburn area was brought to us after being seen struggling to walk. On admission it was found he only had three legs, he had a back leg missing and had been trying to walk on the stump. There was massive infection in the site which had more than likely have travelled into the bone. He also had a large infected facial wound involving half of his face. With so much infection going on, the Vet decided it would be kinder to put him to sleep and out of pain.