RELEASING: We have a pre-release check list so here it is. This is a very long post apologies! Please note that different hedgehog gurus release at different weights; this is however what WE do & for the sake of holding onto a hog for only another week, they may thank you for their extra body fat. We choose to release at a minimum of 600-650gms. PRE-RELEASE CHECK LIST 1) Have all courses of medications (if any) been completed? 2) Does the hog have a full body or quills/fur ie no bald spots or obvious dry skin? 3) Are the quills sharp to the touch? 4) Is your hog completely nocturnal ie only eating at night? 5) Does your hedgehog attempt to trash his cage/nest with the bedding? 6) Does your hedgehog weigh at least 600-650gms? If you can answer yes to all the above then your hoggie is ready. In an ideal world your hog will have had exposure to outdoor temperatures prior to release for a few days. If it has been several weeks since any advocate or ivomec has been used, you can dose your hedgehog one last time. You dont HAVE TO DO THIS but it does provide the hog with extra protection for at least its first month in the wild. Great peace of mind after your hard work! Pick your release spot. Away from main roads/motorways. Check there is no baiting/trapping in the area done by DOC or your local council. Quiet suburbia or lifestyle blocks are often perfect. There MUST be a presence of hogs in the area. This tells us there is food and shelter suitable for their existence. We never release in areas that have ground nesting birds/native fauna. (No doubt you all know what we are talking about here). We know these areas well & can offer you some advice if you are unsure. Dont entirely discount your own garden - it may be perfect & you can assist your release by providing additional food/water whilst it adjusts to being in the wild. Make yourself a release box. We use heavy quality cardboard boxes. Line with newspaper & add the bedding that you have been using for your hedgehog already. Cut a hole big enough so that your hedgehog can get out. It will look much like a catdoor. DONT release during the day. Your hog may come out & end up in a lot of trouble particularly with predators. We release after dusk as there are less issues. Again if you can leave food and water out for a couple of days (or all the time), your hedgehog will thank you for the free food & drink. 9 out of 10 times though, theyre off & do a runner the very first night. Narelle/Jacqui
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 03:50:10 +0000
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