I found a hedgehog.

[honeybadger]

He was wanderng around on the driveway this morning, getting alarmingly close to the neighbours' gate (and dogs). Kind of small... I think it's an older baby. Didn't know what to do so I put him in a blanket and a box and he ate some cat food and is napping now. I've named him Leath Hedger. Not really sure what to do with him now.



Edit: here he is.

[Aim]

This is my ignorance showing- are they native to where you are located??

[honeybadger]

They're introduced from Britain, and pretty common. (Usually sighted flattened on the roads. )

[Garth]

You're in Auckland right? Ask Google about wildlife carers in your area. Failing that, I'd ring the zoo & get their advice. Unless it's such a young baby that it can't survive on its own, I'd be inclined to just let it wander off - away from any dogs of course.

[Sophiesmama]

You can find wild animal rescue. We rescued a raven from some cats and called a bird rescue. We had to take it about 50 miles, but we were glad to do it. Raven's are endangered here.

[honeybadger]

Oh dear, turns out hedgehogs are considered a pest in New Zealand, and the department of conservation even sets traps for them. But he's so cute!

According to the local hedgehog-liking authorities, this time of year young hedgehogs are leaving the nest and that might be why he was out at day... because he's new at this and was confused. They said his size sounds okay for him to be on his own if he seems otherwise healthy.

I might set him up in the empty rabbit hutch outside with hay and cat food, and leave the door open on the outside bit so he can leave if he wants... we have a kind of overgrown tree-y area at the back he might like...

[theoconbrio]

No advice...I just like the name Leath Hedger.

[CindersMyGirl]

That's what I was going to say!! Love the name. He's awfully cute.

[Samson]

You do know that they carry about ten flea families with them on their backs don't you ?

[honeybadger]

You do know that they carry about ten flea families with them on their backs don't you ?

No? I read they may have fleas, but that the fleas tend to be hedgehog specific. Anyway, Leath's not rolling around on the ground with the dog and cat.