GSPCA Purple Month – Record numbers of hedgehogs at the GSPCA

Not only do we celebrate 150 years and GSPCA Purple Month along with record breaking numbers of hedgehogs we also have a record number of hedgehogs.

At the GSPCA we currently have recently had up to 152 hedgehogs in our care.

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “Many may think its Winter but with the weather almost over 5 degrees Celsius it is far too warm for hedgehogs to hibernate in the Channel Islands so many of our spiky friends struggle through the damp, wet months.”

“That means many our found thin, poorly and in very poor condition and require rescuing and care.”

“Currently we have record numbers of hedgehogs.”

“We normally have around 100 hedgehogs at the GSPCA, but numbers rise over the Winter as it is difficult to release them with the inclement weather so the numbers rise and currently we have 127 in our care.”

“From the young that were born very late due to our long summer to those that have mange there are many reasons why the many hedgehogs are in our care.”

“Last night we had a very large male hedgehog that was found in the road highly likely been clipped by a vehicle.”

“He was named by the finders Foggy and arrived just after 11pm.”

"We do scan the hedgehogs that arrive for a microchip in case they have been in to us before but Foggy didn't have a chip."

There are many things you can do in your garden to help hedgehogs and to donate to our work helping 1000’s of wild animals a year and record numbers of hedgehogs please go to https://bit.ly/3eE3RPx

There are many things we can all do to help hedgehogs; here are just a few:

• Make sure hedgehogs can access your garden with a ‘Hedgehog Highway’ a 5” x 5” (13 x 13cm) square gap in the bottom of fences or walls should do it! Once created you can log these on the British Hedgehog Preservation Society BIG Hedgehog Map at www.bighedgehogmap.org
• Create a log pile that will offer shelter and natural food.
• Build a Hedgehog Home (see the British Hedgehog Preservation Society plans at www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/hedgehog-homes).
• Move piles of rubbish to a new site on the day you are burning it and check it carefully before setting light to it, lighting from only one side so that there’s an escape route should you have missed anything.
• Check areas carefully before mowing or strimming.
• Ensure netting is kept at a height that allows hedgehogs to pass safely under it.
• Check compost heaps carefully before digging the fork in.
• Stop using pesticides and poisons.
• Cover drains or deep holes.
• Ensure there is an easy route out of ponds & pools.

Due to the huge numbers and many extremely sick hedgehogs we are in desperate need of additional Intensive Care Units which cost £600 each, but really help save lives and we also need donations towards their care and every penny really helps make a huge difference.

To support our appeal to help the many hedgehogs and wildlife in our care you can donate by visiting our appeal page by visiting https://bit.ly/3eE3RPx .

You might want to go one step further and purchase an intensive care unit and we have supplied the details for anyone or business or group wanting to donate something they can see make a real difference.

Large ICU’s - https://brinsea.co.uk/bird-breeding-products/brooders/tlc-50-advance-intensive-care-unit-brooder-recovery-unit/

Medium ICU’s - https://brinsea.co.uk/bird-breeding-products/brooders/tlc-40-advance-intensive-care-unit-brooder-recovery-unit/

Small ICU’s - https://brinsea.co.uk/small-animal-care/tlc-intensive-care-incubators/tlc-30-advance/

Steve continued “During 2020 we helped a record breaking number of hedgehogs and the numbers continue to be very high each year needing our help.”

“With Winter here as the temperatures remain low and food scarce we will see increasing numbers as they struggle with decreasing resources and inclement weather.”

“There are many ways you can help hedgehogs both in your garden and by supporting our work.”

“Hedgehogs are great in so many ways from helping eat the pesky slugs and snails in your garden to the smiles they bring to those that like to watch them and we hope that the Bailiwick of Guernsey will come together to support hedgehogs especially for this coming week and carry on into the future.”

“Maybe you want to support the hedgehogs every month, if so why not become a sponsor and Angel Pen Pal supporter and to find out more you can pop in or call us on 257261 for a leaflet or download a leaflet with all the details by going to http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or maybe run an event to raise funds for them and our GSPCA Purple Month.”

“If you find a sick or injured hedgehog we are here 24/7 on site and have a manned ambulance and if you need to know what to do please call us on 01481 257261 or check out the advice page https://www.gspca.org.gg/animal/hedgehog-advice .”

Since 2011 we have seen a huge numbers of hedgehog numbers and here they are -

2022 – 498 hedgehogs

2021 – 625 hedgehogs

2020 - 729 hedgehogs

2019 - 618 hedgehogs

2018 – 472 hedgehogs

2017 – 562 hedgehogs

2016 – 491 hedgehogs

2015 – 374 hedgehogs

2014 – 394 hedgehogs

2013 – 315 hedgehogs

2012 – 496 hedgehogs

2011 – 137 hedgehogs

With the 15 arrived this year already that takes the total since 2011 of 5727 hedgehogs.

Here are some hedgehog facts and tips to help them –

• Any Hedgehogs seen out in daylight will likely need URGENT help, please call us for advice
• Hedgehogs do NOT lie out sunbathing
• Any cut hedgehog needs urgent help
• Any Hedgehog with flies on it or maggots crawling on it needs VERY Urgent help
• Any Hedgehog limping or walking strangely needs help
• Anything hedgehog that looks very thin or wobbly or has bald patches or missing spines
• Garden ponds and swimming pools - Make sure there is always an easy route for Hedgehogs to climb out of the water. Steps built out of house bricks are often used. Ideally, swimming pools should have shallow steps and a tight-fitting insulating cover should be used overnight.
• Strimmers and hedge trimmers - These should be used sparingly under hedges and other areas of undergrowth.  Hedgehogs and other animals are likely to be resting there during the day.  The GSPCA see animals injured by these every month and if this does happen please contact us immediately or pop them to the Shelter as quickly as possible.
• Drains - Drains and similar open holes frequently trap unwary Hedgehogs and they can starve if they are not rescued. Keep all drain covers in good condition and cover any open holes.
• Litter - Litter is a real hazard and Hedgehogs frequently get their heads stuck in tins, plastic binders from drinks cans or discarded yoghurt pots.  Please make sure you dispose of your rubbish safely.   Also please ensure that you store any items for recycling in a safe place away from inquisitive Hedgehogs.
• Nets - Nets particularly those used for tennis, football or cricket, must be furled well above the ground when not in use.  Hedgehogs often get entangled in these nets and die of starvation. Fruit nets are a similar source of danger but can be kept taut to stop animals getting entangled.
• Pets – Dogs are often quite inquisitive when they see a Hedgehog in the garden.  It is important that your dog doesn’t try to play or pick up a Hedgehog as it can both injure the hedgehog and your pet.
• Slug pellets - Slug pellets can poison Hedgehogs and should only be used as a last resort. Try using other methods such as beer traps or sprinkling fine sand or ground up shells around the plants you need to protect; rings made of cut down plastic drinks bottles can offer protection to individual plants and aluminium, sulphate-based products can be used over wider areas. If all else fails and you have to use pellets, place them under a slate which is inaccessible to Hedgehogs.
• Rodenticides – There is new evidence that has shown that Hedgehogs are at risk from poisons put down for rats and mice. Although the bait boxes used should not allow Hedgehogs to get to the bait, slugs and snails are attracted to the bait and will then store the poison in their bodies, so when the Hedgehog eats the slug, they get the poison. So always seriously consider whether you need to use these chemicals and if so, please be very careful.
• Bonfires - If you have to light a bonfire, always make sure there are no animals sheltering in the pile.
• They have relatively long legs - about 10cms (4") and these enable them to run as fast as we can walk.
• Their front feet are shorter and broader than their back ones.
• The claws on their powerful front feet are particularly useful for digging.
• Each night (when not hibernating) Hedgehogs will probably make a slow and apparently haphazard search for food and will travel between 2-3kms (1-2 miles).
• They have small bright eyes but cannot see very well. At night they will use their excellent sense of smell and hearing to guide them.
• Their weight will be largely determined by the food they get, but most one-year olds will weigh between 450-680gms (1-1½1bs).
• Self-anointing is an activity only Hedgehogs do. It seems to be connected with strange smells or tastes that cause them to produce large quantities of frothy saliva. They then spread the foam over their spines by flicking it with their tongue.
• If a young Hedgehog survives its early life in the nest and then its first hibernation, it can expect to live for 4 or 5 years longer. By this time it will be getting old but might live to the age of ten.
• Generally they lead solitary lives and tend to go out of their way to avoid other Hedgehogs, except during the mating season.
• Like most mammals the Hedgehog has a characteristic smell and this will usually warn other hedgehogs to keep out of the way.
• In the mating season the male may be attracted by the different smell of the female and commence a rather prolonged and noisy courtship with her.
• Hedgehogs do not pair bond - the female raises her young unaided by the male.
• At the GSPCA we see more sick and injured Hedgehogs than any other species of wild animal.
• The GSPCA when we release Hedgehogs ensure they are painted purple on their spines and we also microchip them.
• Baby Hedgehogs are called Hoglets.
• An adult hedgehog have between 5000 and 7000 spines
• Hedgehogs were likely brought to Guernsey sometime in the 18th century
• Hedgehogs really need the winter temperature to be below 5C to hibernate which means they do struggle to do this in guernsey resulting in hedgehogs arriving at the GSPCA almost daily all year round

If You Spot A Hedgehog

I have found an injured / sick hedgehog, what should I do?

Make sure the animal is secure. (Tip: put a bucket or box over the hedgehog or it may be gone when you get back to it!). Find a box or container and line it with newspaper or an old towel. Using a pair of gloves gently pick up the hedgehog and put it in the box and cover it loosely with a towel or torn newspaper. Put the box somewhere safe and out of direct sunlight (but please ensure the hedgehog is kept warm as an ill hedgehog cannot generate heat for itself). If there is room in the box, you may put in a small dish / saucer of water, but do not feed the hedgehog. Then please either take it to the Animal Shelter, or call us on 01481 257261.

What if I see a hedgehog out during the day?

Hedgehogs are nocturnal; they should not be out during the day. If you see a hedgehog in the open during the day it is sick and needs immediate help (even if it just appears to be sleeping on your lawn / patio).

IF YOU SEE A HEDGEHOG OUT DURING THE DAY, SECURE IT (SEE ABOVE), THEN CONTACT OR BRING TO THE ANIMAL SHELTER IMMEDIATELY.

Crusty looking growth on hedgehogs (Mange)

Hedgehogs can be afflicted with mange. This is a crusty looking deposit on the hedgehog, often around the head / face and underside. It can appear that the hedgehog is going 'mouldy' or covered in dried mud. This is a reaction by the hedgehog to the parasitical mange mite. This condition will eventually kill the hedgehog as the encrustation restricts the hedgehog’s mobility. However, mange is a condition that is easily treated with medication.

It is important to spot and treat mange as early as possible. If you suspect a hedgehog might have mange, secure it, then contact or bring to the Animal Shelter immediately.

I have found a hedgehog that will not uncurl, is it dead?

During the winter you may find completely rolled up hedgehogs that will not uncurl. They may appear to be dead but can actually be in deep hibernation.

Hedgehogs

In the UK between November and mid-March hedgehogs normally hibernate but sometimes seen during this time, especially here in Guernsey as our weather is so mild.   For this reason the GSPCA are asking to try and keep aside a hedgehog-friendly area of garden, leaving welcome heaps of leaves and brushwood.

The GSPCA sell a selection of hedgehog food which is designed specifically for them.  Food and fresh water at any time of the year will encourage visiting hedgehogs to return regularly. You could try leaving out food such as minced meat, fresh liver, tinned dog food (not fish-based), or chopped boiled eggs.

Although hedgehogs like milk it can cause severe diarrhoea; the GSPCA ask that you never give them cow’s milk. It is best to give hedgehogs plain, fresh water each night in a shallow bowl.  Also it is important that you do not feed them bread as this is not a natural or healthy diet for them.

Please remember if you find any sick or injured hedgehog or any animal to call the GSPCA on 01481 257261.  Some of the main things to look out for are

 - Any hedgehogs seen out in daylight will need URGENT help

- Hedgehogs do NOT lie out sunbathing

- Any cut or wound is urgent

- Any hedgehog with flies on it or maggots crawling on it needs VERY Urgent help

- Any Hedgehog limping or walking strangely needs help

- Anything that looks very thin or wobbly or has bald patches or missing spines

- If you see a baby hedgehog or any small hedgehog weighing less than about 500 grams, that is about the size of a large orange or small grapefruit, at ANY time, whether day or night, that is out on its own, pick it up, pop it into a box with food and water and contact the Shelter on 01481 257261 to help comply with our covid restrictions

There are lots of things you can do to protect and care for hedgehogs in your garden, to prevent them from becoming sick or injured.

Garden ponds and swimming pools - Make sure there is always an easy route for hedgehogs to climb out of the water. Steps built out of house bricks are often used. Ideally, swimming pools should have shallow steps and a tight-fitting insulating cover should be used overnight.

Strimmers and hedge trimmers - These should be used sparingly under hedges and other areas of undergrowth.  Hedgehogs and other animals are likely to be resting there during the day.  The GSPCA see animals injured by these every month and if this does happen please contact us immediately or pop them to the Shelter as quickly as possible.

Drains - Drains and similar open holes frequently trap unwary hedgehogs and they can starve if they are not rescued. Keep all drain covers in good condition and cover any open holes.

Litter - Litter is a real hazard and hedgehogs frequently get their heads stuck in tins, plastic binders from drinks cans or discarded yoghurt pots.  Please make sure you dispose of your rubbish safely.   Also please ensure that you store any items for recycling in a safe place away from inquisitive hedgehogs.

Nets - Nets particularly those used for tennis, football or cricket, must be furled well above the ground when not in use.  Hedgehogs often get entangled in these nets and die of starvation. Fruit nets are a similar source of danger but can be kept taut to stop animals getting entangled.

Pets – Dogs are often quite inquisitive when they see a hedgehog in the garden.  It is important that your dog doesn’t try to play or pick up a hedgehog as it can both injure the hedgehog and your pet.

Slug pellets - Slug pellets can poison hedgehogs and should only be used as a last resort and some types are now banned in Guernsey. Try using other methods such as beer traps or sprinkling fine sand or ground up shells around the plants you need to protect; rings made of cut down plastic drinks bottles can offer protection to individual plants and aluminium, sulphate-based products can be used over wider areas. If all else fails and you have to use pellets, place them under a slate which is inaccessible to hedgehogs.

Rodenticides – There is evidence that has shown that hedgehogs are at risk from poisons put down for rats and mice. Although the bait boxes used should not allow hedgehogs to get to the bait, slugs and snails are attracted to the bait and will then store the poison in their bodies, so when the hedgehog eats the slug, they get the poison. So always seriously consider whether you need to use these chemicals and if so, please be very careful.

Bonfires - If you have to light a bonfire, always make sure there are no animals sheltering in the pile.

Juvenile hedgehogs found weighing less than 500 grams (1.1lbs) during late autumn will need help to survive the winter.  The GSPCA would urge anyone that finds a young hedgehog to contact the Shelter for advice during this time of year.

Donate

Donate by calling  01481 257261, by post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or online https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)

GSPCA Celebrates 150 years in 2023

In February the GSPCA launch GSPCA Purple Month where we kick off our 150 year celebrations and to find out more please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years

Sponsored Event

Why not create your own sponsored event or challenge - https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)

For lots more ideas why not visit our fundraising page www.gspca.org.gg/fundraising

Wish List

Check out our wish list page from the smallest of items to our biggest of projects there are many ways to support us - http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list

To visit our Amazon Wish list to see some of the items we need to help the wildlife please visit - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/25MJPPDAGXHL1?type=WishList

GSPCA Wildlife Hospital Appeal

To make a direct donation please visit - https://giving.gg/donate/event/4618/Please-Support-the-GSPCA-Wildlife-Hospital-Appeal

To Buy a Brick in the new Wildlife Hospital and download a leaflet please click here - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Buy%20a%20Brick%20Wildlife%20Hospital.pdf

Larger donors or corporates may want to make a larger donation and become an Exclusive Build Partner and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-exclusive-build-partner

Legacies & Bequests

By leaving a gift to the GSPCA in your Will really helps us to improve the lives of animals into the future.  After providing for those you care for, please consider leaving a proportion of what remains to the GSPCA it is so appreciated and makes a real lasting legacy.

A gift like this to the GSPCA ensures our animals and those in Guernsey will always have someone to keep them safe. To find out more please http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding 

Gift Aid on Donations over £500

To find out about the States of Guernsey tax relief information on gift aid up to 2020 on donations totalling between £500 and £5000 please see the details by going to https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=2617&p=0

2021 gift aid is from £500 and up to £7500 and here are the details - https://www.gov.gg/article/151830/Income-tax-relief

To download the form to claim for 2020 or before please follow this link https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=1994&p=0

Become a sponsor and GSPCA member

Why become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor and support our work each month please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf

To become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf  

Share our posts and follow us on social media

Many of you will have seen us on social media and your support liking and sharing our posts is really appreciated, and to visit our social media pages please go to

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GuernseySPCA

Twitter https://twitter.com/GSPCA

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gspca-guernsey-965b0751/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gspca_guernsey/

Subscribe to our Supporters Newsletter

To subscribe to our supporters newsletter and find out about upcoming events and news please go to https://us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9324335c87c8b3ec9f0016f2a&id=e61c951a08

Below are our usual opening times but these are occasionally adjusted to ensure we provide the best of care for the animals and those needing our 24/7 help, in an emergency please call 01481 257261

Upcoming Events we are at and need your help -

1^st – 28^th February – GSPCA Purple Month – a time to celebrate the GSPCA 150 years – Are you supporting the GSPCA next year when we celebrate our 150th year? Here are a few ways you could get involved | GSPCA Guernsey

February is also Responsible Animal Guardian Month

Monday 20^th – Friday 24^th February 2023 – GSPCA Educational Guided Tours looking at the past and the future

Wednesday 22^nd February 2023 – National Wildlife Day

Thursday 23^rd February - International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day

Wednesday 29^th March 2023 - Volunteer Induction Evening

March 2023 – Adopt a Rescue Guinea Pig Month

Friday 3^rd March 2023 - World Wildlife Day

18^th – 19^th March 2023 GSPCA have a stall with Guernsey Arts and Guernsey Museums for “Guernsey’s Wild Escape”, part of the Art Fund UK wide initiative “The Wild Escape”

Wednesday 22^nd March - International Day of the Seal

Thursday 23^rd March 2023 – National Puppy Day

April 2023 – Easter Virtual Pet Show

Sunday 2^nd April – National Ferret Day

Tuesday 4^th April 2023 – World Rat Day

Tuesday 25^th April 2023 – World Penguin Day

April 2022 Autism Guernsey and GSPCA Puffin Parade Launch – Date to be Confirmed https://puffinparade.org.gg/

April 2023 – AGM – Date to be Confirmed

May 2023 - International Respect for Chickens Month

7^th May 2023 EDABL Seafront Sunday

Friday 12^th May to Friday 19^th May GSPCA 150^th Year Cupcake Week

Sunday 21^st May 2023 150^th Year Celebrations & Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday

Tuesday 23^rd May 2023 International Turtle Day

Tuesday 30^th May – International Hug Your Cat Day

Wednesday 31^st May 2023 - Volunteer Induction Evening

June 2023 – National Microchipping Month

June 2023 – 150^th Year Sponsored Dog Walk – Date to be Confirmed

4^th June 2023 Arts Seafront Sunday

10^th June 2023 Saffrey Rotary Walk https://safferyrotarywalk.org.gg/

Summer 2023 – Summer Sunday Family Lunch

Wednesday 14^th June 2023 – World Sea Turtle Day

Sunday 25^th June 2023 – Guernsey Charities Fete

25^th June 2023 EDABL Seafront Sunday

Friday 23^rd June 2023 - Take Your Dog To Work Day

June 26^th to July 3^rd 2023 – National Rabbit Week

Wednesday 12^th July 2023 – Volunteer Induction Evening

Sunday 16^th July 2023 – World Snake Day

6^th August 2023 EDABL Seafront Sunday

13^th August 2023 EDABL Seafront Sunday

Monday 14^th August 2023 – World Lizard Day

August 2023 – West Show

August 2023 – North Show

September 2023 - World Animal Remembrance Month

GSPCA 150^th Year Ball – Date to be Confirmed

24^th September 2023 St Johns Ambulance Seafront Sunday

Wednesday 13^th September 2023 - Volunteer Induction Evening

October 2023 - World Animal Month

Wednesday 4^th October 2023 - World Animal Day

Wednesday 25^th October 2023 - Volunteer Induction Evening

Wednesday 8^th November 2023 – GSPCA Dog First aid Course

Wednesday 15^th November 2023 – GSPCA Cat First aid Course

Wednesday 22^nd November 2023 – Volunteer Induction Evening

Monday 4^th December 2023 – World Wildlife Conservation Day

Many more events will be added and dates to be confirmed and if you have any events or ideas to celebrate our 150 years please get in touch…………..