11 The hogmother - hedgehog care

Unfortunately we’re not sure whether we’ll ever be able to release him, but we’ve got a little area at the back where he can stay.”

As if you hadn’t already guessed, Sue gets very attached to the hogs. “I can’t tell you how many tears I’ve shed when I have to let them go. You have to remind yourself that they’re wild creatures; they don’t do well in captivity. You know when they’re ready to go as they'll pace up and down and their personalities change.

“I do like them to go back to where they came from as they remember their territories and know where to source food and water.”

Sue has 30 volunteer assistants at the hospital and around 15 offsite foster carers, but always needs more. She provides training in cleaning, feeding and looking for parasites. Handymen and women are also welcome to tackle tasks including building hog houses and runs, and planting. Drivers and a sponsored van would be very useful, too.

If you’re interested in helping Sue, go to www.suffolkhedgehoghospital.com or make contact through its Facebook and Instagram pages. Pictured from left: Who’s a pretty boy? Sue holds up one of her cherished hogs Above: Injection of love: Just like us, the creatures have to endure innoculations Below: Land of soap and glory: Bath time at the hospital is a splash hit Photographs: Ellie Stones. www.elliestones

Sue’s hedgehog tips

1. What should I feed a hedgehog?

Cat/dog biscuits, wet food and hedgehog specific food (wet and dry) are all great things to feed hedgehogs. Hogs can be fussy though, so putting out a few different types of food is recommended. And despite the famous ‘bread and milk’ belief, you should NEVER feed bread and milk to a hedgehog. They are lactose intolerant so milk will make them ill.

2. How do I pick up a hedgehog?

Use a towel or thick gloves (gardening gloves are best), since they can be spikier than you may think.

3. How do I attract hedgehogs into my garden?

n Build a hedgehog box for them to nest. n Leave autumn leaves on the ground for hogs to nest in. n Make a five-inch (about 12 cm) gap in your fence for hogs to pass in and out of – they can travel over two miles per night in search of food. n Build a log pile for hogs to hide under. n Create a feeding station – this involves putting food and water out for the hogs under a sheltered and dry area.

4. Will my dog/cat pick up fleas from hedgehogs?

No! Fleas are host specific, so ones found on a hedgehog are different to those attracted to a dog or cat.

5. Will encouraging hedgehogs benefit my garden?

Yes! They’re gardeners’ best friends as they are excellent at eating pests such as slugs and snails.

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