Hi Sean Regan
You did well helping the hedgehog when it it was collapesed on your lawn, but once a hedgehog is fit and healthy it should be released back where you found it. I know we sometimes want to protect them from dangers, but hedgehogs are wild animals and need to be allowed to be wild and free.
To quote from BHPS advice about rehabilitated hedgehogs:
“We must always remember that, much as we love them, hedgehogs are wild animals and it would be cruel to not allow them their freedom. Healthy hedgehogs should be released and allowed to be wild again. They will travel about a mile in a night, so an enclosed ‘safe’ garden is not suitable (it’s just a bigger enclosure) …”
“Hedgehogs normally use about 1 hectare (2.4 acres) per night. Walled gardens, or even enclosed sprawling country estates that appear ‘safe’ …… are just large ‘cages’, very likely to cause stress as the hedgehogs will constantly try to find a way out.”
“A rehabilitation that results in a wild animal not being returned to the wild is a failed rehabilitation.”
If the hedgehog is now fit and well, I hope that you have allowed it it’s freedom.
Also with regard to offering food to hedgehogs; I have already explained that mealworms are not good for hedgehogs. If a hedgehog has been relying almost solely on food you are providing, because you are keeping it confined to your garden, it has the potential to be even more damaging to the hedgehog. If you don’t want to listen to me, then please read the link which I have given you above from Vale Wildlife who are experts on the matter. Please read that advice, even if you do think you know what to feed hedgehogs – you may be mistaken – knowledge evolves. It also explains, in more detail, the dangers of mealworms.
Please do not feed mealworms to hedgehogs. Cat, dog or hedgehog food are what is best for them and all they need to be offered by way of food. Water of course she be left available for hogs all day every day.
