Do your bit to keep hedgehogs healthy during the winter

RSPCA PASSES ON TIPS AS IT HIGHLIGHTS THE PLIGHT OF STARVING CREATURES

AS hundreds of starving, underweight hedgehogs arrive at the RSPCA’s wildlife centres this winter, the animal charity is encouraging the public to put food out to help the hungry wild animals survive the colder months.

As winter approaches and hedgehogs’ favourite prey - invertebrates like slugs, worms and beetles - becomes less available, many fail to gain the weight they need to survive through hibernation.

As a result, the RSPCA reports that low weight is the most common problem for hedgehogs in its care at this time of year.

Over 2020 as a whole, the RSPCA has taken more than 5,000 calls from the public in England about hedgehogs. Of these, 209 were logged in Leicestershire, and five in Rutland.

Of the 793 hedgehogs admitted to the RSPCA’s wildlife centre over the past three full months (September, October and November), more than half (494) were affected by hunger.

Of the 793 total, 194 were brought in because they were starving, 113 were orphaned and unable to feed themselves properly and another 187 were admitted due to “abnormal behaviour” - including being active during daylight hours, often a sign of extreme hunger.

Leaving out food for hedgehogs can help them get through the winter, but make sure it’s the right sort.

The RSPCA recommends supplementing a hedgehog’s diet with:

■ Tinned dog or cat food;

■ Crushed dog or cat biscuits (not fish based);

■ Good quality hedgehog food that provides a well-balanced diet - often available from suppliers of wild bird food;

■ Leave a shallow dish of fresh clean water every day. Clean the dish outside (not in the kitchen) every day with hot soapy water and rinse well;

■ Never feed hedgehogs bread and/or milk. Cow’s milk can cause diarrhoea in them and bread is very low in nutrients.

RSPCA scientific officer Evie Button said: “Hunger hits hedgehogs hard in the winter, but the public can play a vital role in helping them get through these colder months by putting food out for them.

“When their prey food is scarce during the winter, supplementing the diet of hedgehogs in your garden can really make a difference.

“Tinned dog or cat food, crushed dog or cat biscuits or food made specially for hedgehogs left out in the garden along with a bowl of fresh water will supplement their normal diet effectively.”

Hedgehogs need considerable fat reserves to get them through the winter. As autumn turns to winter, prey such as insects become much more scarce, and that can prevent young hedgehogs reaching an appropriate weight of 500g or more so they can hibernate safely.

While September sees the tail-end of the orphaned hedgehog admissions, from October onwards, the balance tips towards those that are found out during the day looking for food or that are starving.

These animals may also be orphans which are now struggling as they were not able to put on as much weight without their mother’s help.

However, you may also see hedgehogs out and about during winter when the weather is mild, as they will often wake up during hibernation to forage for food or move their nest sites.

■ Anyone with concerns about a wild animal’s welfare can contact the RSPCA advice line 0300 123 4999.

For more information about how to help hedgehogs in your garden, visit the RSPCA’s website:

Hunger hits hedgehogs hard in the winter, but the public can play a vital role in helping them get through Evie Button

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care, visit the website or call the charity’s donation line on 0300 123 8181.