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Post by Psamathe on Apr 22, 2022 15:53:35 GMT
Recorded mid-afternoon (not a good sign) but also more ticks than I've seen on a hedgehog before. Is this really bad? (I could get some tick treatment and try and catch him/her and treat). My inclination is always to leave wildlife to get on with itself un-interfered with but we are so short of hedgehogs after actions by a neighbour last year I'm wondering a little).  Ian |
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Post by rowanberry on Apr 22, 2022 21:26:33 GMT
That does look like a lot, Ian... especially this early in the year. I suspect winter was too mild to kill them off, (I know the slugs around our way are already doing a lot of damage.)
Would you be able to treat it?
I think since hedgehogs on the whole are struggling, they need all the help they can get.
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Post by Psamathe on Apr 22, 2022 22:42:59 GMT
That does look like a lot, Ian... especially this early in the year. I suspect winter was too mild to kill them off, (I know the slugs around our way are already doing a lot of damage.) Would you be able to treat it? I think since hedgehogs on the whole are struggling, they need all the help they can get. I could get some tick drops from a pet shop (dog ones) and easy enough to apply. I could try and catch it, no idea how easy as I've not much experience catch things before. I guess the 1st thing to know is if it needs treating or if such numbers are not going to cause issues. Maybe call a hedgehog rescue centre? I'd hate to go ahead and make things worse e.g. some dog tick treatments can kill cats - I believe I've seen something about hedgehogs being treated with "Frontline" (as I usd to use for my dogs) but I'd need to check lots before actually acting given the potential downsides. Ian |
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Post by rowanberry on Apr 23, 2022 19:45:26 GMT
I think calling a centre on Monday, (I presume most would probably be closed Sunday?) and asking their advice first would be a good idea... they could even tell you which treatment they use or would recommend.
Good luck catching it, and let us know how you get on!
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Post by Psamathe on Apr 23, 2022 20:01:55 GMT
I think calling a centre on Monday, (I presume most would probably be closed Sunday?) and asking their advice first would be a good idea... they could even tell you which treatment they use or would recommend. Good luck catching it, and let us know how you get on! This morning I remembered I have some tick-hooks (take them camping, travelling and from when I had dogs) - probably the best safest way to remove them. Just unsure if it's worth trying to catch it or if they will just drop off after a bit of time. Ian |
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Post by Harold Smith on Apr 24, 2022 8:43:11 GMT
I think it would be best to take the poor thing to your nearest Wildlife/Hedgehog Rescue Centre.
If the Hedgehog is wandering around during the day then it is most likely unwell and not feeding. With the large tick infestation on it it is not surprising. The Rescue Centre will remove the ticks, check it for infections and injury. If it is under nourished they will feed it and treat it until it is well again. Once it is completely recovered the Rescue Centre will release it back into the wild.
I found a sick hedgehog in my garden a couple of years back. I took it to the local rescue centre. It was in their care for over three weeks before it was well enough to be released.
Harold.
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