My hedgehog box is occupied every night but I would like to clean it out as it is getting a bit rank to be honest!
I never had this problem before as the old box was only occupied occasionally so could clean it out on a day when no hedgehogs were in residence.
I do peek in everyday by just lifting the lid a little and this does not seem to bother the hedgehog.
I have noticed hoggy does now have at least one tick.
Is it acceptable to remove the hedgehog into another box for a day so the permanent box can be cleaned and fresh bedding added,I could also treat the tick/ticks at the same time.
Any ideas?
Rachel
It's not always easy to hug a hedgehog.
But that doesn't mean you shouldn't.
I know hedgehogs have fleas and these are quite normal but more than a few ticks can cause anemia and need to be treated.
If I do remove hoggy for a while I can check him (or her) over and treat if necessary (with olive oil I read somewhere).
I am sure there are no babies in the box but still do not want to disturb too much.
I think I shall get a box ready and put hoggy in it for the day while I clean and air the house.
I will use boiling water to clean but can I use any sprays or powders to keep fleas/ticks at bay or is that a no no?
..and of course I will be using a stout pair of gloves!!!
Any other views on this?
If the hedghog is happy I would leave well alone.
Maybe try putting some claen straw nearby for him to collect.
If its becoming unhealthy then just change the bedding a bit at a time over a period of a week or so
Ticks are a problem most hedgehgs put up with but if there is a lot seek advice from a rescue centre.
Ray
a good laugh is better than a tonic
I think the whole box is becoming quite bad now.Hoggy has pooed inside and I would like to clean it out as I don't want parasites to build up too much.
I must go away now and think about what I shall do!
My hoggy was not in residence today so decided to clean out the house while the going was good!
Took out all the old bedding and bagged it up to be taken by the dustmen tomorrow.Found quite a few big ticks in one corner of the house (euuuhhh!!!!).
Cleaned out with boiling water and left to dry in the sun.
Sprinkled a little pyrethrum powder in the crevices to keep the fleas under control as hoggy has been seen out during the day for a good scratch!!
Have put in some fresh bedding,I have also left some hay outside so hoggy can take that as well.
Also oiled the lid hinges so they don't squeak when I peek in!!
I can just imagine hoggy arriving back tonight and thinking 'I go away for one day and its all changed!'
Marymetherell@yahoo.com said:Hello
First, this thread is eleven years old, but fear not, I'm not expert, so hopefully this may find someone more able to give a definitive answer.
What I will say is gloves will not protect you from fleas or ticks, which hedgehogs are often home to and they are often specific to hedgehogs. But fleas and ticks can move, and at quite a speed when they want to. The gloves will only protect you from the spines.
Hedgehogs as I understand, are in decline, with their natural habitats being eroded away, so any help in feeding and water should benefit them.
NOTE: Never feed hedgehogs milk or bread as they can't digest it and it upsets their stomachs.
The RSPB have a factsheet Feed hedgehogs in a DIY hedgehog café on the following link, what to do:
https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/nature-on-your-doorstep/garden-activities/feed-hedgehogs-in-a-diy-hedgehog-cafe/
Also worth a look is Tiggywinkles Hedgehog Fact Sheet: https://www.sttiggywinkles.org.uk/hedgehog-fact-sheet/
One final link I will share with you should you find a tick on you, is the Lyme Disease Action webpages:
https://www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk/
As someone who has been bitten by an infect tick from my mountaineering days, there is a specific method of tick removal, which i wasn't aware of at the time.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler