Good advice, Stef.
I know I sometimes say it’s best not to keep checking hog boxes because a mother might desert their young when they’re very young (information from Hedgehogs by Pat Morris). But that is to prevent the possibility (however slight) that the Mother might abandon her young in the first place and so that the poor hog can be left in peace to produce her young and then care for them.
But, by saying that, I am in no way suggesting that if a Mother did happen to leave her babies for a while that anyone should immediately jump in and “rescue” them. If a Mother hog did leave her young, common sense dictates that a reasonable time should be left to see if the Mother returned. But I suppose there will always be someone who interprets things other than how they are meant. So it’s really good that you clarified that aspect.
Also, we are often given only very scanty information on the Forum. That’s why I suggest that if people are concerned about the health of a hog that they contact their nearest carer/rehabilitator, in the first instance, who can not only ascertain all the appropriate information, but give more tailored advice.
We can but do our best.
