By Ann Winney, Hurst Hedgehog Haven

This is the time of year when we start to see a few hoglets from disturbed nests, little ones getting lost on foraging trips and everything in between. Carol is poised by the incubator ready for the two-hourly feeds and endless cleaning. But we have just had a hog in, with the usual symptoms; found out in the day, dehydrated, lots of internal parasites but she has been getting fatter and fatter so this can only mean one thing - she is pregnant.

Every rescue at some stage faces this dilemma, it would of course be much better for her to have her babies in the wild but she is only part way through her treatment. So, we have her in a massive zoo zone with a large wooden house with lots of lovely hay, as well as a camera trained on her so the we can keep a close eye. This will be a great learning opportunity for use to see how she gives birth, how long that takes and how she cares for her babies. We are like expectant aunties!

At the other end of the scale, we have had five days in a row where hogs have needed to be put to sleep. Their injuries were just too severe; our vets are very good and often fit us in at a moment’s notice. This is often hard but it’s the kindest thing we can do for them. I am very lucky to have my little gang of volunteers to talk through each case, these ladies were complete strangers and are now dear friends working with one goal, to help get hedgehogs healthy and back to the wild.

Ann Winney Hurst Hedgehog Haven, Tel 07787 515296