Many think that Guernsey hedgehogs like their cousins in the UK hibernate but sadly this is a rare occurrence for the majority of our spikey friends as they require a temperature of 5c or below for their body clock to switch to this Winter behaviour.
With the mild climate we have in the Channel Islands it is rare for a day to go by that we don’t rescue of help a hedgehog 365 days a year.
This year is a record breaker as we have already seen 572 hedgehogs come into our care of which 92 have come in this month and with over a month to go until the end of the year we have already passed the biggest number we have seen which was 562 in 2017.
Up to the 25th November in 2019 we have helped 572 hedgehogs to date compared to 472 in 2018, 562 in 2017, 491 in 2016, 374 in 2015, 394 in 2014, 315 in 2013 and 496 in 2012.
With the wet weather we have been having and mild autumn there have been many hoglets born late in the season so not only are we seeing very young hedgehogs, many are struggling to find enough food and often extremely emaciated and covered in parasites like James who was found in Castel last night and only just over 300g meaning half the ideal body weight for this time of year.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “Our hedgehogs are currently experiencing so many challenges due to the weather as it is too warm to hibernate, they are struggling to find the food they need and many were born very late in the season so haven’t grown to the size they need for this time of year.”
“We have had an incredible number of hedgehogs not only with 15 in this weekend, but 92 this month and we are up to 572 this year meaning more than we have ever seen.”
“Hedgehogs really need our help and by providing food, water, the habitat they need and even a hedgehog house or Shelter meaning each of us can easily help our spikey friends survive our mild wet winters we often experience.”
"Leave out foods like tinned dog or cat food but not fish-based, they also enjoy crushed dog or cat biscuits."
"Specialist hedgehog food is also great for them and can be bought from the GSPCA and most pet food suppliers."
"Please never feed hedgehogs milk as it can cause diarrhoea, instead provide plain, fresh water in a shallow bowl."
“This morning we have been trying to figure out how and where to house any new arrivals as our purpose hedgehogs pens and intensive care units have reached their limit, but thankfully we have options around the GSPCA site.”
"On night duty last night I accepted a young, thin hedgehog from Castel covered in ticks which was named James and we have already had more in this morning taking the numbers over 92 for this month."
“What we really need are additional intensive care units and heat pads and you can buy these directly to help the hedgehogs by visiting our Amazon Wishlist page via https://amzn.to/2sdP9KA or donate to help purchase them by going to https://bit.ly/33neEpC or even donate to their general care by going to https://bit.ly/2OjWQrm .”
“There are so many ways to help us help wildlife in Guernsey even when you do your online shopping this Christmas such as signing up for Easyfundraising which is a link that helps online shopping companies donate a small amount to charity from each purchase from places like Amazon, Flybe, Expedia and many other companies and to sign up please visit https://bit.ly/2OKjCYv.”
“From needing new intensive care units to supporting the new Wildlife Hospital we have many wishes at the GSPCA, but our greatest need today is that to help the hedgehogs, but you can see many wishes and the plans for the GSPCA you can see by visiting http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”
“To find out more or discuss how you or your group or business could support the GSPCA you can pop in to the Shelter in St Andrews, call 01481 257261 or email me [email protected] as we love chatting to those that wish to support our vital work.”
“If you ever find a sick or injured animal you can call us 24/7 on 01481 257261, pop it in day or night or check this link for details http://www.gspca.org.gg/animals/wildlife-advice .”
To help the work of the GSPCA here are just a few ways and ideas -
You can donate via our giving.gg page or create your own sponsored event or challenge - https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)
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
To learn about the ‘Buy a Brick’ in the new Wildlife Hospital and find out more please click here - http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-launch-buy-brick-proposed-new-wildlife-hospital
To learn more about our biggest project, become an Exclusive Build Partner and support our Wildlife Hospital please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-exclusive-build-partner
To donate to the animals in our care another via our paypal page - www.paypal.me/DonateGSPCA
To donate to Andy the seal pup please visit - https://giving.gg/donate/event/4617/Help-the-seal-fpups-at-the-GSPCA or www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jerseyandguernseysealpups
To visit the Just Giving page raising funds for life saving Intensive Care Units please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gspcaintensivecare or to buy one directly for the Shelter please visit https://brinsea.co.uk/small-animal-care/tlc-intensive-care-incubators/tlc-30-advance/
To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf
To download a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf
If you would like to help at one of our upcoming events please give Michelle a call on 257261 or email [email protected]
To see some of the animals looking for homes at the GSPCA please visit – http://www.gspca.org.gg/animals
Another way to support us is our on site Charity Shop and refreshment area and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-onsite-charity-shop
If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days
For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship
On Thursday 12th December 2019 at 630pm we have a volunteer induction evening and for more information and additional induction dates please visit http://gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or call 257261
To see our upcoming guided tours please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/services/guided-tours-gspca
To see our Wish List on our website please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list
To visit our Amazon Wish list please visit - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/25MJPPDAGXHL1?type=WishList
For lots more ideas on how you can support the shelter and the animals in our care then please visit our fundraising page www.gspca.org.gg/fundraising
To find out more on trips, talks and our education work please email [email protected] or call 01481 257261
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