Yes you are right that if it loses it’s spines it could be mange or have ringworm with mange they may have mites irritating them so it’s important you keep an eye out
It is NOT illegal so ignore them I am a student at a wildlife hospital and they would rather you be safe then sorry, maybe give them a call before calling someone out or take it to a local rescue and they will happily give advise by email, social media or phone
Scratching is a behaviour that can be triggered by many things they may just have an itch but do keep an eye, ticks are normal yes if their is 1 or 2 but they will lay eggs which they can in bed into the skin they feed on hedgehogs blood to grow as they get bigger they will drink more and more and eventually the hedgehog won’t be able to survive as viral blood supply won’t get to the organs.. so keep an eye if you do notice any ticks you can’t miss them they are big lumps usally white
As I said If in doubt PLEASE immediately call a local wildlife hospital for advise as it could be life or death and they need urgent treatment if they have ticks, mites or mange
