~ WAKING HEDGEHOGS ADVICE ~
Around now fat reserves are running very low and our little prickly friends start coming out of hibernation. A hedgehog generally will have lost around one third of its body weight during this time! With such a drastic weight loss they initially wake very disorientated and weak, they can appear drunk being very wobbly on their feet. Their first priority is water not food so it is very important to ensure that there is ice free water in your garden all year round. Extreme low temperatures can cause a hedgehog to wake in the middle of winter. This is the time when we start to get ready for emergencies where hedgehogs have had their nests destroyed from people tidying up their gardens as the sun has decided to shine. March and April are such months for Dotties. We will admit many hedgehogs with soft tissue injuries from strimmers and garden forks along with fractured bones from spades and forks. The injuries are often horrific with operations needed and long periods of rehabilitation, some live with us as they are unable to be released. A number of our casualties will be put to sleep straight away due to the extent of the injuries. It is so sad when you think that they manage to survive winter lowering their metabolism to near death in order to survive only to be seriously injured by us. Always check before trimming or cutting down shrubs or bushes. Always check your compost heap before digging over with a fork. If you are removing a shed/ summer house please check underneath them. They love to nest under under garden sheds and patio decking. Long grass? Check before trimming or mowing. If spraying your fence please buy brands that are non toxic
Slug pellets…… invite hedgehogs in to help instead :)
Use non toxic alternatives to weed killer
Please make the time to make your garden more hedgehog and wildlife friendly. We are happy to offer advice and google is amazing for ideas. Your garden could be a home for lots of prickly friends that will eat your slugs to help your garden and they are a pleasure to watch! Hedgehogs are in serious decline in the UK anyway but putting further obstacles in their way when they wake from the dangers of hibernation is easily avoided with a little knowledge and caring.
03/11/2025
We have got a little low on wet food and formula. We also could do woth some brambles food as we use this in our little recipes for the poorlies
If anyone is able to help us we would be really grateful 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Herne Bay Pet Shop take orders over the phone and deliver if you would like to keep it local. 01227 375662
It’s that time of year again…… this is so worth sharing about
Knowledge is key……..
01/11/2025
01/11/2025
Little Alice came to join the gang today 💕
01/11/2025
Another one of today’s many intakes. It’s been a relentless day, but they’re all now safe and settled for the night.
Little Olive was found by a lovely lady and her son while walking their dog in the park. When they realised she needed help, the son ran home to fetch the car, and his mum literally took off a layer of clothing to wrap Olive up and keep her safe until he got back. Then they changed their plans and drove all the way to us!!
Such kindness makes all the difference. Thank you both for caring enough to stop and help this tiny prickly soul.
01/11/2025
Little Margaret was collected today by the lovely Sian Wheeler. She was found laid out on the lawn in a very sorry way, cold, tired, and clearly in need of some help. 💔
She’s now safe, warm, and getting the care she needs. ❤️
Thank you to everyone who keeps an eye out for our prickly little friends as every rescue makes a difference!
01/11/2025
Thank you for all the fast responses. All sorted
‼️URGENT‼️
ASAP PLEASE ANYONE AS THE FINDER DOES NOT WANT TO PICK THE POORLY HEDGEHOG UP FROM OUTSIDE AND BRING INDOORS! ITS LAID OUT AND BARELY MOVING
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We started Dottie’s in July 2019 following Spikes Hedgehog Sanctuary announcing that they were retiring. We already looked after two blind hedgehogs for Mary and stepped forward for training to continue with her amazing work.
We are now running our hospital that is generally full to bursting nursing these little creatures back to health to be released where they belong. We are getting busier and busier as we get known more widely with local people and veterinary practices.
Dottie’s Little Hog Hospital along with Retreat into Wonderland CIC are run by us, Jo & Jen, along with the kindness of donations and fund raisers.
If you would like to help us we have a wish list that runs alongside our animal sanctuary ‘Retreat into Wonderland’ that lists everyday items that we need...
