A sleeping Callum resting his head on the door ledge of his incubator just prior to cleaning and feeding time.
He was first in rescue in June 2022 with lungworm and was released a couple of weeks later in early July 2022.
He was bought back to us a few days ago after being found in the middle of a road in daylight. He was identified by the microchip, which we implanted on his release. We microchip all the hedgehogs prior to release. This helps with past medical history if they return to rescue, but also forms part of the research being carried out by Dorset Mammal Group.
His finders noticed he had a pronounced limp. On examination, it was discovered that he has a partially healing fracture in one of his rear legs. The vet thinks it may be around 10 days or so since it happened, so we have been advised to give him cage rest until the leg fully heals. He also has a heavy respiratory infection and internal parasites, so he is receiving treatment for those as well.
Callum came back to us weighing less than half the weight he had been when released last year. This is a timely reminder for people to leave out food and water all year round. Many people think all hedgehogs hibernate, and they stop putting food out during winter months.
Not all hedgehogs do hibernate, and those that do will wake up from time to time for a feed and drink of water. When it is very cold, they will struggle find natural foods, so if they can find supplement food, it could mean the difference between life and death.
