Taking care at the hedgehog hospital

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

An animal lover in Dorchester who built her own hedgehog hospital in a shed at the bottom of her garden has saved the lives of ten hoglets so far this summer.

Chris Legg has been running her own hedgehog rescue since 2019, with rows of zoo zones, similar to a tiny lidded cot, nebulisers, feeding syringes and scores of blankets, feed bowls and food.

Chris, who is a carer for her husband, pays for all the vet treatment and food with the help from kindhearted people who donate to Prickly Prickles.

Chris said: “In the space of a week in June, 12 sick hoglets from separate litters have been brought in, filling most of my zoo zones and needing roundthe-clock care.

“A mum had given birth to three hoglets in a grow bag in the blazing heat. The babies were in a terrible state because mum had no strength to feed them. “They were dehydrated and starving. They were brought here, along with mum, who was nursed back to health. Shortly after, a litter of five was found in a neighbouring

GETTING BETTER: down time, especially if they’re sick and I’m nursing them. I have a passion for them, they’re so endearing and they go through such a lot to survive.”

Chris says hedgehogs are struggling more than ever before because milder weather means they are mating more than twice a year, and sometimes during the colder months when they should be hibernating.

Chris said: “When people bring sick hedgehogs to me, I never ask for money, once I take that little hedgehog in then he’s my responsibility.” road and were so tiny they needed syringe feeding every two hours. The next day four more babies were found in a different location.

“From the 12 hoglets, ten survived thanks to the care and veterinary treatment they received.”

When a hedgehog is brought into Chris, she will assess it for external parasites, injuries and wounds, as well as checking their stools for internal parasites.

Chris said: “I think people need to be a little more hedgehog aware. If you find a hedgehog out in the day, that’s not right –they’re nocturnal and are supposed to be asleep during day.

“If you find a hedgehog out in the day, or one that is sick or injured, take it to a rescue organisation if you can, and if you can’t, then take it to your local vet, keeping it wrapped in a blanket and in a box.

“Hedgehogs take up all my n Anyone finding a sick hedgehog can contact Chris on 07747 344042, on Facebook or at Prickly prickles@hotmail.com

Chris added: “I really dislike asking for donations, particularly at the moment when people are really struggling, but if anyone can donate then the hedgehogs will benefit.

Here’s what to do if you find a poorly prickly pal...

Chris’ advice on what to do if you find a hedgehog out in the day and it looks unwell: n When you see the hedgehog, pick it up with gloves or a cloth –don’t leave it out n Put it in a high-sided box n Keep it warm with a towel they like to feel hidden and secure n Put in some form of heat, like a hot water bottle, a heat pad or even a bottle filled with warm water, near to the hog but not directly in contact n Do not give food, only a little water. If the hog is sick it won’t take either, so don’t force it n Keep it in a quiet place as it will be scared and stressed n Once the hedgehog is safe in the box, call your local rescue n Time is important to save the life of a sick hedgehog so do not delay getting it help