Spring is here. During this season, we see plenty of wildlife enjoying the beautiful British countryside and the great outdoors. Spring is also a time of new life for many species, so we wanted to offer some advice on what to do if you come across young wildlife that may appear to be in need.
We have provided general guidance below. However, if you have concerns or need individual advice, please feel free to contact us at the centre.
It is important to establish what stage of development the baby bird is at. Young birds begin life as nestlings before progressing to fledglings. Nestlings tend to have little or no feathers and may occasionally fall from the nest as they and their siblings grow. Once feathered, young birds will begin to leave the nest, a process known as fledging.
If you find a nestling, it is important to try to return them to the nest as soon as possible. First, quickly check the bird for any obvious injuries. If the bird is not injured, locate the nest, which is usually overhead from where the bird was found. If you can do so safely, gently place the bird back into the nest. It is important not to interfere with the nest and to act quickly so the parents are not disturbed.
Fledglings will have left the nest naturally, and in most cases the parents will know exactly where the young bird is. Parents will usually return to feed the fledgling on the ground and are often seen within an hour. If a fledgling is returned to the nest, it will likely end up back on the ground again. If a fledgling is unnecessarily moved, it may suffer stress or shock from human handling and may not survive.
The best advice, provided the fledgling is not injured, is to leave it alone. This includes keeping pets away from the area. It may be necessary to keep cats indoors for a short period while the fledgling gains strength and learns to fly.
If you find an injured bird or a bird in immediate danger, it will need to be moved to a safe location and checked by a vet. A shoebox or plastic container with air holes can be used. Keep handling to a minimum and place the bird in a quiet, warm environment. A hot water bottle wrapped in a towel can be used to provide gentle warmth. Birds have varied diets, so it can be difficult to provide suitable food. Please contact your vet or the centre for further advice.
Most baby animals remain out of sight unless nesting areas have been disturbed by pets or other animals. Take care if you find an injured baby animal, as they may be frightened and could bite or scratch in self-defence.
It is often best to seek advice before intervening, as the appropriate action depends on the species involved. Occasionally, we may come across a nest while exploring the outdoors ourselves. If you find a nest of baby animals, do not disturb it. The parents are usually close by and often watching. The sooner you move away, the sooner they can return.
It is important to remember that these are wild animals. While it may be tempting to try to hand-rear or keep them, this is not natural and we cannot provide everything they need in a domestic environment.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal and are normally only active at night. A hedgehog seen during the day is often in difficulty and should be taken to a wildlife centre or your local vet for advice and assistance. However, during the summer months, female hedgehogs may be seen in the late afternoon while foraging for nesting material and extra food for their young. These hedgehogs should appear bright and healthy and will usually roll into a ball if approached. They should be left alone.
A hedgehog’s young are called urchins, and a typical litter size is four to six babies. A female will usually have one litter per year, normally born between early and late summer. If you uncover a nest containing urchins, do not disturb it. Carefully cover it again and leave the area. The mother will usually return unless the nest has been contaminated with strong human scent.
Urchins are born after a thirty-five day pregnancy. The male hedgehog takes no part in rearing the young. The mother creates a maternity nest, which may be under a hedge, in a pile of leaves, or beneath a shed or outbuilding. At birth, the urchins spines begin to emerge. Their eyes and ears open at around fourteen days, and their teeth appear after approximately twenty-one days. At around eight weeks old, they leave the nest and begin to fend for themselves.
Hedgehogs are insectivores, and their natural diet consists mainly of insects and grubs found in gardens. Leaving a small area of your garden undisturbed, creating log piles, and installing bug hotels can help encourage insects. You may also leave a small dish of meat-based dog or cat food, along with a handful of cat biscuits to help maintain dental health. Any supplementary feeding should not replace their natural diet and should mainly be offered during difficult periods such as winter.
Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant, and milk can make them very ill, so it should never be offered. Instead, provide a shallow dish of fresh water each night.
Hedgehog fleas are host-specific and do not survive for long on other species. Ticks are not usually a concern unless present in large numbers, which can cause anaemia. Tick removal should be avoided unless advised by a professional, as it is easy to leave mouthparts behind, which may lead to inflammation.
A healthy adult hedgehog can travel up to two miles in a single night. During the day and throughout winter hibernation, hedgehogs sleep in specially constructed nests in thick undergrowth, under sheds, or in piles of leaves. They do not hibernate outside a nest. Hedgehog homes can help encourage hedgehogs into your garden and provide a safe refuge and feeding area.
We will always try to offer advice and, where needed, can refer you to specialist wildlife centres. We hope this information provides a helpful starting point when dealing with wildlife. Please contact us if you need more specific guidance, and we hope you enjoy the spring season.
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