Hedgehog Guest

[theelziebub]

Hi everyone, Last night, and again tonight we've been visted by a hedgehog. During the day we put out food for the cat by the front door and last night when going to collect the dish we found the hedgehog there helping itself but it didn't seem in the slightest bit bothered by faces and torches on bearing down on it. He/she didn't run or curl up, it just stayed there, half in the bowl watching us. Returning a few hours later the hedgehog was gone. Tonight, I went outside again to collect the cats dish, and the hedgehog was there again, in the plants by the front door step. Again, he wasn't curled up in a ball, and he didn't run away or even move. I don't think he/she is sleeping as I could see a glisten of an eye looking at me, but I'm concerned as it doesn't seem worried about the presence of humans or for that matter, the cat. Is this normal behavior for a hedgehog, or should I consider contacting a vet? We've put out a small bowl of food and water each night and bought the cat in so it's free to do whatever but he/she doesn't seem too "perky" and I'm slightly concerned it might be ill and in need of help. I'd be really greatful for any advice on this one, as I'm a complete newbie when it comes to hedgehogs. Thanks everyone.

[Shadow Man]

I would have thought if it was eating it is OK. Most animals, humans included, really have no appetite when they fall ill.

However if you are really concerned there are hedgehog rescue centres dotted around the UK who I am sure would be happy to assist with your querey.

[jules77]

http://www.hedgehogrescue.co.uk/

[sixpence]

theelziebub, we have one that comes for a feed each night at about 10 o'clock. When we first saw him, we put food out for a few nights running, but, now,if we are a bit late, we find him sitting there with his nose in the dish waiting. He stays while we put food in and carries on eating while we watch. I must admit I thought they were more nervous than than, but it seems not.

[leelapops]

Hiya. Your hedgehog sounds like he's fine. I think if they live in areas where there are humans about, they become used to that fairly quickly and aren't too nervous. Long as he is eating (or she-how do you tell without getting prickled?!) I am sure there isn't a problem. Congrats on your new member of the family!!!

[quizbabe]

As long as it is coming at night and feeding I am sure it will be fine but if you see it out in the day time then it may have a problem. In the day they usually rest and stay out of the sunlight as flies land on them and lay eggs in their prickles. This can cause a problem for them. Keep up the good work sounds like you have a new friend.

[puddycat]

Sounds like he's absolutely fine. I'd worry if he were out during the day but just being comfortable around humans at night doesn't mean he's ill. Couple of points to remember though - Never give hedgehogs milk, just water and, hedgehogs can't eat fish based cat food, only ever leave out meat based. They can't digest fish and he will become ill very quickly if you leave out fish based food.
They're lovely animals, I hope you get to see him and his family for a long while to come.

[chappie]

We buy dried mealworms for the hedgehogs, sometimes we have three hedgehogs around the food bowl at the same time, all eating the dried worms. They seem to love them.