POB1
10-08-2005, 23:12
Hedgehogs have always been welcome visitors to the garden, feeding on slugs and other bugs that do so much damage. So please spare these lovable vistors a thought. Every year 100's fall victim to modern gardening methods, animals sanctuaries see increasing numbers severely mutilated by strimmers, often by the time they are found they have suffered terribly and are beyond all help.
Please check all long grass, weeded area's carefully before strimming as well as hedgehogs these area's may also be home to other wildlife such as frogs and toads.
Slug pellets are by far the biggest killer of 'our garden friends', hedgehogs eat the poisoned slugs and therefore are posioned as well. Death is slow and extremely painful and, even is found there is very little hope of reversing the effects of the poison. Another victim of the indescriminate poisoning by slug pellets is the once common Song Thrush. There are many alternatives to poison which should be fully investigated.
Garden ponds are also a problem for hedgehogs, although they are good swimmers it is often impossible for them to scale steep or slippery bank sides. Providing a ramp or some netting on the side of ponds will help solve this problem.
Finally, if you are lighting a garden fire always check underneath first as a small creature may have made its home there!
If you should find an injured hedgehog ( or a small one out in the daytime) your nearest animal welfare centre will always advise you. Also almost all vets will check and give treatment to any wild animal without any charge.
Please check all long grass, weeded area's carefully before strimming as well as hedgehogs these area's may also be home to other wildlife such as frogs and toads.
Slug pellets are by far the biggest killer of 'our garden friends', hedgehogs eat the poisoned slugs and therefore are posioned as well. Death is slow and extremely painful and, even is found there is very little hope of reversing the effects of the poison. Another victim of the indescriminate poisoning by slug pellets is the once common Song Thrush. There are many alternatives to poison which should be fully investigated.
Garden ponds are also a problem for hedgehogs, although they are good swimmers it is often impossible for them to scale steep or slippery bank sides. Providing a ramp or some netting on the side of ponds will help solve this problem.
Finally, if you are lighting a garden fire always check underneath first as a small creature may have made its home there!
If you should find an injured hedgehog ( or a small one out in the daytime) your nearest animal welfare centre will always advise you. Also almost all vets will check and give treatment to any wild animal without any charge.