Hedgehog Foster Carers
Why does HHR need hedgehog foster carers?
Every winter, the rescue centre is inundated with autumn juvenile hedgehogs that are not big enough (600g & a ‘rounded’ shape) to safely hibernate & survive the winter. These hogs need to be kept in the centre over winter & fed-up so that they are big & healthy enough to be released the following Spring. Mostly, the hedgehogs that over-winter at HHR are not ill, but just need feeding, cleaning & frequent health checks. This is where you come in! By fostering a hedgehog & taking it home with you for the winter, you allow HHR to take in more hedgehogs. The sick ones that need medical care stay at the centre, & the healthy hogs go out to foster homes. This foster care arrangement can potentially double the number of hedgehogs that we are able to take in.
What do I have to do?
Foster carers are asked to clean out their hedgehogs, & to provide food & water for them daily. It is also useful if you can weigh the hedgehog every week, to make sure that they are gaining weight. The only other thing asked of you is a quick call, text or email every few weeks to let me know how the hog is. Hedgehogs that drop in weight, stop eating, or seem at all unwell should be brought back to HHR to be treated.
How much does it cost?
It’s FREE! You would be doing HHR a huge favour, so we supply absolutely everything you need. The hedgehog will come with an enclosure, bedding, food, cleaning materials & a care pack.
How long do I look after the hedgehog for?
However long you like! The over-winter period runs from October to April, but if you could look after a hedgehog for just a few weeks it would be a huge help. Even if you agree to have the hog for the whole winter, you can change your mind at any time, no problem at all.
What else should I know?
Wild hedgehogs are smelly, grumpy & sometimes noisy animals! The work of a hedgehog carer is not glamourous, but it is very rewarding. HHR asks that foster carers keep their hedgehogs in a room away from any pets & children, & some will need to be near a plug socket if they have a heat mat in their enclosure. Also, the hedgehogs are wild animals & should not be treated like pets; handling should be kept to a minimum.
I would like to be a Hedgehog Foster Carer, what should I do?
Great! Please contact Hayley via text message or email expressing your interest.
Every winter, the rescue centre is inundated with autumn juvenile hedgehogs that are not big enough (600g & a ‘rounded’ shape) to safely hibernate & survive the winter. These hogs need to be kept in the centre over winter & fed-up so that they are big & healthy enough to be released the following Spring. Mostly, the hedgehogs that over-winter at HHR are not ill, but just need feeding, cleaning & frequent health checks. This is where you come in! By fostering a hedgehog & taking it home with you for the winter, you allow HHR to take in more hedgehogs. The sick ones that need medical care stay at the centre, & the healthy hogs go out to foster homes. This foster care arrangement can potentially double the number of hedgehogs that we are able to take in.
What do I have to do?
Foster carers are asked to clean out their hedgehogs, & to provide food & water for them daily. It is also useful if you can weigh the hedgehog every week, to make sure that they are gaining weight. The only other thing asked of you is a quick call, text or email every few weeks to let me know how the hog is. Hedgehogs that drop in weight, stop eating, or seem at all unwell should be brought back to HHR to be treated.
How much does it cost?
It’s FREE! You would be doing HHR a huge favour, so we supply absolutely everything you need. The hedgehog will come with an enclosure, bedding, food, cleaning materials & a care pack.
How long do I look after the hedgehog for?
However long you like! The over-winter period runs from October to April, but if you could look after a hedgehog for just a few weeks it would be a huge help. Even if you agree to have the hog for the whole winter, you can change your mind at any time, no problem at all.
What else should I know?
Wild hedgehogs are smelly, grumpy & sometimes noisy animals! The work of a hedgehog carer is not glamourous, but it is very rewarding. HHR asks that foster carers keep their hedgehogs in a room away from any pets & children, & some will need to be near a plug socket if they have a heat mat in their enclosure. Also, the hedgehogs are wild animals & should not be treated like pets; handling should be kept to a minimum.
I would like to be a Hedgehog Foster Carer, what should I do?
Great! Please contact Hayley via text message or email expressing your interest.