Hi AlanB,
A point worthy of consideration is that hedgehog size can vary hugely – they are unmistakable as tiny tots as Williamc mentions above – but a significant factor is that they do visibly ‘shrink’ when undernourished and can appear more like what you might consider to be a youngster than an adult. once in receipt of regular nourishment they can quickly increase in size and become unrecognisable in a couple of days, doubling in size and becoming altogether rounder shaped.
The coat of spines on the hog can be quite deceptive and cause you to think that a hog is looking quite healthy because of its thickness and muscle tone, but if you watch them move you can see the coat almost looks like its several sizes too big and their legs become very thin. An underweight and struggling hog will form a pinched rugby ball shape when curled up rather than a nice rounder shape. Some will need intervention if they become too thin – so should be taken to hog carers who will help get their fluids back and restart a feeding regime.
I’m guessing that the ones you are seeing are just hogs struggling to find regular food sources – they could be last years youngsters who have managed to survive the winter – including the Beast from the East – to then get hit by this hot / dry spell – not at all ideal for keeping hog numbers up!
Hope that helps.
