Finally saw my hedgehog last night. She was on the patio greedily munching her way through a saucer of cat food. I hadn't actually left it out for the hedgie but for the stray cat which is lurking around. I hope it was a meat one and not a fishy one as fishy ones are not good for them
I took the opportunity to do a quick inspection and she appeared to be in quite good health considering the dry spell we are having at the moment. She was a little on the light side with quite a few ticks, though that's to be expected at this time of year, and no sign of any breathing problems. Hedgies suffer from a type of pneumonia and also lungworm. Her spines were a bit dry too which signals dehydration but there is plenty of water around in the garden so no doubt she would have had a drink as well as her dinner!
Can I ask everyone to put some water out at ground level for any visiting hedgies? Just a saucerful will do. They are suffering very badly in the heat and their numbers are in rapid decline - and nobody really knows why.
Thank you
Taz x