Hedgehogs are beloved small mammals that play a crucial role in ecosystems by controlling insect populations. Unfortunately, many hedgehogs face dangers such as habitat loss, road accidents, and injuries from human activities. This is where Mrs. Tiddlywinks Hedgehog Rescue steps in.
This dedicated rescue center provides care, rehabilitation, and safe release for injured, sick, and orphaned hedgehogs. Their mission is to ensure that these adorable nocturnal creatures get the help they need to survive and thrive in the wild.
1. The Story Behind Mrs. Tiddlywinks Hedgehog Rescue
Mrs. Tiddlywinks Hedgehog Rescue was founded by a passionate wildlife lover who saw the increasing threats hedgehogs face. With years of experience in wildlife care, the founder established a safe and nurturing environment to help injured and vulnerable hedgehogs recover.
Why Hedgehog Rescue Is Important
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Habitat destruction from urbanization reduces their natural food sources.
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Pesticides and garden chemicals harm hedgehogs by poisoning their food supply.
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Road traffic is a major cause of hedgehog fatalities.
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Pet attacks from dogs and cats lead to severe injuries.
Mrs. Tiddlywinks Hedgehog Rescue works tirelessly to educate the public, provide emergency care, and reintroduce hedgehogs back into the wild whenever possible.
2. How Mrs. Tiddlywinks Hedgehog Rescue Helps Hedgehogs
This rescue center follows a structured process to rescue, rehabilitate, and release hedgehogs in need.
Step 1: Rescue and Intake
When a hedgehog is found injured, sick, or orphaned, it is brought to the rescue center for an initial assessment. Common cases include:
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Hedgehogs hit by cars
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Young hedgehogs abandoned by their mothers
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Injuries from garden tools
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Hedgehogs suffering from malnutrition or dehydration
Each hedgehog undergoes a thorough medical check-up to determine the best treatment.
Step 2: Medical Treatment and Care
Mrs. Tiddlywinks Hedgehog Rescue provides veterinary care and rehabilitation for injured hedgehogs. Treatments may include:
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Antibiotics for infections
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Bandages for wounds
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Hydration and nutritional support
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Parasite removal (fleas, ticks, and worms)
The goal is to nurse each hedgehog back to full health so it can be released into the wild.
Step 3: Rehabilitation
Once a hedgehog has recovered, it is placed in a safe outdoor enclosure where it can practice foraging and natural behaviors. This step ensures the hedgehog is strong enough to survive in its natural habitat.
Step 4: Release Back to the Wild
The final step is reintroducing the hedgehog into a safe, suitable environment. Release sites are carefully chosen to ensure they have ample food sources, shelter, and minimal human interference.
3. Common Hedgehog Problems and How the Rescue Helps
Hedgehogs face numerous threats, and Mrs. Tiddlywinks Hedgehog Rescue plays a vital role in addressing these issues.
1. Orphaned Baby Hedgehogs (Hoglets)
Hoglets rely on their mothers for warmth and food. If their mother dies or abandons them, they require round-the-clock feeding and care to survive. The rescue hand-rears these hoglets until they can be independent.
2. Injuries from Human Activities
Many hedgehogs suffer from wounds caused by lawnmowers, strimmers, and garden tools. The rescue center treats these injuries and educates the public about hedgehog-friendly gardening practices.
3. Malnutrition and Dehydration
Hedgehogs struggling to find food may arrive at the rescue weak and underweight. They are provided with nutritious food and hydration to regain strength.
4. Disease and Parasites
Common hedgehog illnesses include:
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Lungworm, which causes breathing difficulties
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Fleas and ticks, which weaken the hedgehog
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Mange, which leads to hair loss and skin infections
The rescue center administers the necessary medical treatments to restore the hedgehogs’ health.
4. How You Can Help Hedgehogs
Supporting Mrs. Tiddlywinks Hedgehog Rescue is an excellent way to protect and preserve these charming creatures. Here are some ways you can help:
1. Create a Hedgehog-Friendly Garden
You can make your garden a safe haven for hedgehogs by:
✅ Leaving out fresh water and hedgehog-friendly food (cat food is a good option).
✅ Avoiding pesticides and slug pellets, which are toxic to hedgehogs.
✅ Keeping a small opening in fences to allow hedgehogs to roam freely.
✅ Providing natural shelter like logs, leaves, or hedgehog houses.
2. Drive Carefully at Night
Hedgehogs are nocturnal and often cross roads after dark. Be mindful when driving, especially in rural or suburban areas.
3. Check Before Using Garden Tools
Before mowing or strimming, inspect bushes, grass, and piles of leaves to avoid harming hidden hedgehogs.
4. Support Hedgehog Rescue Centers
Donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness can help centers like Mrs. Tiddlywinks Hedgehog Rescue continue their life-saving work.
5. Fun Facts About Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are fascinating creatures! Here are some fun facts:
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They have around 5,000 to 7,000 spines on their back for protection.
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They can run up to 4 mph, despite their small size.
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Hedgehogs are immune to snake venom, which allows them to eat small venomous snakes.
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They hibernate in colder months to conserve energy.
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Hedgehogs have poor eyesight but an excellent sense of smell and hearing.
Mrs. Tiddlywinks Hedgehog Rescue is a lifeline for hedgehogs in need. Through rescue, rehabilitation, and education, this organization ensures that these small but important animals can continue thriving in the wild.
By making small changes in our daily lives, such as creating hedgehog-friendly gardens and supporting wildlife rescues, we can all contribute to the protection of these incredible creatures.