Nature Features

They're born too late, are too thin to sleep and this year are being found in record numbers all over the county...

One Hundred Hoglets

At the Wild Things Res-Q, just outside Salisbury, the centre has been inundated with the baby hedgehogs from second litters.

Over 100, at the last count, have been dropped off at the former Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital and more are expected:

"This year we've taken in more than ever before and still they're coming," says Marilyn Korkis from Wild Things Res-Q.

"They're born late and are just too small to survive a winter in the wild."

Keeping Hedgehogs awake

But at the 24-hour rescue centre it's not just a case of keeping the vulnerable little hoglets warm.. they have to be kept awake as well:

"They've fed right through until spring so that they don't go into hibernation," says Marilyn.

"If they do, and they weigh less than 24 ounces, they won't have enough fat reserves, and they'll die."

Christmas Shopping for hedgehogs

Despite being floor to ceiling in hedgehogs, the voluntary organisation is determined not to turn any hoglets away.. but are hoping people will remember the hedgehogs when they do their weekly shopping:

"We're running a campaign to encourage hedgehog fans to help our hoglets have a Happy Christmas by donating a tin of cat or dog food," says Marilyn.

"They do best on chicken-based varieties, but they're very willing to eat most kinds (except fish). They also love munching cat biscuits."

The Wild Things Res-Q centre is also looking for donations of newspaper and small hand towels.

To make a donation, you can drop off cat food, dog food, newspaper or towels to the charity's shop at 15-17 The Bridge, Chippenham. The shop is open every day except Sundays. You can also drop tins off at the rescue centre's premises at Newton Tony.

For more information click on the link below: