Hi PaulM
I’m glad to hear you enjoying having hedgehogs around.
However, it is not appropriate to use nail varnish to mark hedgehogs. Personally, I don’t see the need to mark them artificially, they have their own natural markings by which they can be recognised, but nail varnish is strong smelling and hedgehogs rely heavily on their sense of smell. It is also a chemical and hedgehogs can be more sensitive to chemicals than we may be. You could also inadvertently be discouraging males from showing an interest in her, by masking her natural smell. If you really feel you have to mark a hedgehog it should be on only a very few spines, away from the face and skirt and using a water based substance.
Cat food is fine for feeding, but I would not include the eggs and the oats.
Unless you are an expert, worming a hedgehog can do more harm than good. They should only be treated if it is certain they have a problem (i.e by doing worm counts, etc.). It is normal for hedgehogs to have a certain level of parasites. They have survived for millions of years. If worm treatment is used inappropriately it could increase the resistance of the parasites and reduce the effectiveness of the wormer for hedgehogs and other animals as well as the hedgehogs own natural resistance. Some worm treatments are harmful for hedgehogs and the dosage needs to be worked out very carefully. Worming of hedgehogs should be left to people who have the necessary training, knowledge and expertise – as should spraying of hedgehogs for fleas. Hedgehogs are sensitive to many chemicals and such things are best left to experts – again, if it is necessary.
Whilst it may be tempting, no-one is doing hedgehogs any favours by encouraging them to become habituated to humans. Humans are predators. Not only could it encourage hedgehogs to trust other predators, but not all humans love hedgehogs – it is better for them to have a healthy respect for them. Much better for the hedgehogs that we let them get on with their lives as wild hedgehogs. Yes, provide them with houses, hog holes, offer them food (at a distance) and water and help them when they are really in need of help, by seeking expert help. But, let them be wild hedgehogs.
I understand that your intention is to help the hedgehog, but we need to be really careful that anything we do in relation to wild hedgehogs is for the benefit of the hedgehog and not allow our enthusiasm to help them, or get close to them, ultimately do the opposite.
If there has been a lot of development nearby, you might like to look into creating a hedgehog highway, by linking gardens with hedgehog holes. Further information: https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/help-hedgehogs/link-your-garden/ If hedgehogs have enough gardens linked, there is less need for them to cross roads to seek suitable habitat.
I hope you continue to enjoy the visits of the hedgehog there and that she does, indeed, produce some young and stays safe.
