The hedgehogs have a hard time during the hot days. Many more weakened hedgehogs have been brought in at the De Bonte Piet shelter in Midwoud in recent weeks. “The insects that hedgehogs live on crawl deeper into the ground and water is increasingly difficult to find,” says Andra Minnema of de Bonte Piet.
Hedgehog seeks refreshment on a cool pack in a washcloth – NH Nieuws
With care Andra puts the cooling elements in washcloths before spreading them over the hedgehog cages. “The cool packs are much too cold for them without a washcloth,” says Andra, who takes care of the hedgehogs lovingly and with the help of volunteers. She explains that the hedgehogs in the shelter find it difficult to cool down on their own and that is why it has been decided to offer the cool packs. “And that is very much appreciated,” she says. “They lose their heat by stretching out their legs and then I always think it’s a very nice ‘hedgehog starfish’,” says Andra with a laugh.
The Flesh Fly
Driven by hunger and thirst, hedgehogs are much more likely to be seen during the day. The daylight makes them easy prey for the blowfly. An insect that likes to lay eggs between the hedgehog’s safe spines. The larvae that hatch from the eggs feed by sinking their teeth into the hedgehog. “So we are dealing with victims of the blowfly maggots more often than usual due to the heat,” notes Andra.
“Put low bowls of water and cat food down, they will find it by themselves and it can be their salvation”
But the steep ditches are also a danger for the hedgehogs. The thirsty critters are taking more and more risks to quench their thirst. The steep sides of the ditches are often fatal for the hedgehogs, because they can no longer climb up. Sometimes they drown, but if they are lucky, they are taken out by a passer-by. Such a swim is often not without damage and the animals still end up at the Bonte Piet.
Your help is needed
The hedgehogs are very easy to help through this sweltering period. In places where you suspect hedgehogs are nearby, place bowls with water and cat food. Hedgehogs love that. “Make sure they are low dishes, otherwise they can’t reach them,” emphasizes Andra.
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