It appears they have all finally settled down to hibernate - we haven't had a sighting of a hedgehog since Visitor put in two surprise appearances on the evening of the 5th November.
We've still got food and water out, just in case one should wander by, but no sign. It's good news, because the weather is really turning cold and damp - 5.7 degrees C last night.
We went up to my father's for the weekend (hence the missing blog) but checked the captures from there, with no sign of a visit. The only one we couldn't keep an eye on was the boiler room, as the PC running that camera crashed while we were away. We assume Indy is still in there since we haven't seen him come out, but I suspect we won't know if he really is in there for quite some time.
We still keep an eye on the cameras as 15th November is the anniversary of us finding little Twosie in the alley in daylight. We hope we don't find another baby, but you never can tell.
While we were away the folks at the back repaired their fence, so access to the decking is restored, and if anything is slightly better, although we need to patch things up a bit on our side. The problem is getting at the fence as our giant sunflowers are in the way, although I think it's time they were cut down.
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For my last look outside last night, couldn't believe it to see another little hoggie with both front feet in the food bowl.
ReplyDeleteBrought him / her inside, as I expected too small - 457g. Also had two ticks on the back, so have applied olive oil to them. Utility room is starting to look more like a hedgehog hospital!!! My wife has named this one Tictac (guess where the inspiration came from). Had to spend the night in a plastic swing bin - have now bought an animal carrier to keep him in (and found some more Hedgehog Bites).
We suspect Harry and Tictac may not be heading for the hedgehog carer ;) - the instant naming and purchase of an animal carrier seem to indicate you are making good progress to becoming the new Tiggywinkles! Keep your eyes open - there could be more of the family about. Good luck with the little chaps.
ReplyDeleteHmmm - we'll see. Harry is already on borrowed time. We were supposed to fatten him up within 10 days, which ran out at the weekend. Unfortunately he still isn't heavy enough, and it's also a bit cold at the moment for a release. Obviously Tictac is behind him in timings.
ReplyDeleteFor all of the Hedgehog Bites eaten - TicTac seems to eat more than Harry - they both lost weight today :-(
ReplyDeleteI do hope that we are doing more good than harm.
Kevin, why don't you phone a rescue centre for advice?
ReplyDeleteHi Kevin, if you do think there is a problem then please do as G.L. suggests. I'd feel that TicTac would be much more hungry than Harry, as it's only now that s/he has got food on tap. You could also keep an eye on their stools (consistency, colour etc) as this could indicate if they have got eg a worm infestation as that might be hindering an increase in weight. TicTac would be more prone to this, I feel, since he was picked up much later than Harry. It has been very damp too and s/he would probably have been trying desperately to eat as much as he could find. You could also keep an eye out on the Hedgehog Forums (http://www.hedgehoghelp.co.uk/index.php?board=2.0). We found that very helpful when Twosie was with us. Hopefully though, the loss in weight won't be maintained, but if one/other or both do stop eating and aren't putting up weight or even start losing it over a prolonged period, then yes, you really need to bring them to a carer/rescue centre for advice. We think though, that you're doing a great job. Don't lose heart - they're depending on you and we do hope it's just a blip and they'll get better soon.
ReplyDeleteHi both, thanks for your advice. The good news is that both of them put on weight today. Stools look like normal hedgehog output. And both took a few mealworms which we added to the top of their food bowls!
ReplyDeleteThe bad news is that Harry started an awful cough during the day yesterday. Took him to the local vet, who ruled out pneumonia. Lungworm is suspected. Currently liasing between the vet / local rescue centre / St.Tiggies on way forward. Mind you, he hasn't coughed since...
Now I am feeling very silly! I had a look through the forum you mentioned and found this - www.hedgehoghelp.co.uk/index.php?topic=4155.0
ReplyDeleteThe soundtrack of the video on that page sounds exactly the same noise, and it was hot in the house yesterday. It hasn't been today, and he hasn't coughed...
Hi Kevin, Harry and TicTac are very lucky. You are a really caring foster parent and you are doing the very best you can for them. We do hope you will continue to look after them and we hope they will stay healthy. And forget feeling silly - you are on a steep learning curve and we are all learning through your posts as well.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words. Harry (who tipped his food over last night and couldn't get to it) is up to 555g today, TicTac (who we now think is also a little boy) is 537g.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed following the activities of your hedgehog visitors and look forward to seeing them again in the Spring.
ReplyDeleteHi Kevin
ReplyDeleteAny update on your two little guests? We hope they are going on OK.
Hi John
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you've enjoyed it. We really have and find the evenings very empty without our visitors and can't wait until the spring. We hope they are all tucked up safely.
We will keep visiting your blog, as you have so many interesting things on it.
Hi Twosie,
ReplyDeleteBoth fattening up well, thanks. Harry now weighs 576g, still no more coughing. Tictac is now 563g. I guess at this rate they should reach their target later this week, and if the weather stays mild, be due for eviction.
Not sure how I feel about that last bit. On the one hand, we will have done our jobs well in giving them the best chance to survive their first winter. On the other, I have to admit that I will miss them terribly (yes, I know I shouldn't get attached to them...)