One Voice for Animals UK Guest Blog by Brambles
We are very fortunate in the UK to have numerous Wildlife Rescues that care for injured and sick wildlife. These can vary from large charity Rescues such as: Cuan, Vale Wildlife Hospital, and Secret World, that employ numerous staff to care for the animals.
Others are smaller charities that may run a Rescue from a smaller property or from their own homes such as: Prickleback Urchin Hedgehog Rescue, Wild Hogs Hedgehog Rescue, Brockworth Hedgehog Rescue and more.
We then have the small Rescues that people run from their own homes that are not a charity, and there are hundreds of these across the land.
The team here at Brambles are truly in awe of the dedication that these people have for helping wildlife, they are true heroes in every sense of the word! It must be both one of the most rewarding and at times the most heart breaking endeavours and we eagerly follow their exploits across social media platforms.
So, what happens if you take a hedgehog to a Rescue? Here is a snippet from Prickleback Urchin Hedgehog Rescue when a new hedgehog is admitted to the Rescue:
“The first 7 days in rescue are often the hardest. Here’s what goes on for a ‘typical’ new admission:
* Every hog is carefully assessed on admission, if there are any injuries or concerning presentations we seek immediate veterinary attention.
* Usually, an animal will require injectable fluids for the first 24-48hrs until rehydrated.
* Some will require handfeeding several times a day if too weak or too young.
* Food, faecal and urine intake and output are closely monitored and recorded 2 x daily at least.
* The animal’s behaviour, movements and demeanour are reviewed several times a day.
* Individual care plans are put in place, but these are DYNAMIC and take up the biggest mental load on us. Medications are administered, often twice a day.
* The cage/enclosures are assessed daily, some require the lifesaving incubators while others cope on heat pads. They move between these depending on their clinical need/size. It’s a constant juggling act. The rescue in the morning can be different by the evening.
* Faecal samples are taken daily for the first week (less often after this) and viewed under the microscope; this is how we know what parasite may be causing the hog to be unwell. 1 x sample = 10/15mins of Rachel’s time.
* Enclosures are cleaned at least once but sometimes up to 3 times a day.
* We use a combination of fleeces and newspaper, so we generate a lot of washing – 1 load at 90 degrees every day. Yes… 90!
* All bowls, dishes etc. Washed at 75 degrees – at least one dishwasher load a day.
* The hog is weighed at least daily – sometimes more if under 200g. The battle between a declining hog and our care plan/treatment and support is like walking a tightrope. We worry most of the time!
* Feeding is based on individual ages, stages of development and what they like! They can be fussy! We have to record and review constantly.
* Usually within the first 7 days the animal is more stable, and we can breathe a little easier and ‘stick’ to the care plan however things change quickly, and we can never relax until release!”
Hopefully, this gives an indication of the hard work taken on by wildlife rescuers 😊
If you can help a Wildlife Rescue in any way you can, whether doing voluntary work with them, fund raising or donating much needed supplies please do so.
One Voice for Animals UK has a rescue directory of almost 300 organisations that need support. If you enjoyed this blog, head over and find your local rescue and make a donation
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