Two precious little lives saved!

[SpongeDiver]

A coupla three days ago, while searching for our latest, adopted kitten – another heaved out of some so and so’s car window – I happened to look in the [swallow] neighbour’s empty swimming pool. How lucky I did, because huddled together in one corner, exposed to the scorching sun, I spotted two baby hedgehogs. I rolled them into a plant pot and took them home and put them in a cardboard carton in the shade of our patio, where a lovely cool breeze was wafting through. Firstly, I gently sprinkled the poor little creatures, who were literally gasping their last, with cool water. The water trickled to their snouts and they immediatedly started drinking, so I set down a dish of water for them. Then, I crushed up a small quantity of dampened cat biscuits, which they soon started to devour voraciously – they must have been starving – goodness knows how long they’d been trapped in that swimming pool. Having ‘wined and dined’, they curled up and went to sleep – all contented. In the evening, at dusk, I let them go in some long, lush green grass bordering our lawn, where they could drink the droplets of water, deposited on the grass from the automatic sprinkler system. However, that night I couldn’t find Bertie, the kitten. The following day, though, Bertie appeared – apparently, he’d just ‘gone walkabout’! Last night, Bill and Ben, the hedgehogs, came close to the patio and soon they were munching contentedly on cat biscuits. I set down another dish of water, which they went to straightaway and drank. Our kittens started playing with them, but they didn’t seem to mind at all – they didn’t even curl up. Bertie did prick his nose, so has learned that hedgehogs really aren’t the best playmates! After their dinner, they just trundled off. We so hope they’ll hang around!

[sophie]

It just goes to prove (if proof were needed) that some people do care. After just having read the thread about oil on Algadi beach, I was beginning to despair about this country and then I read this and faith was restored. Thank you SpongeDiver who ever you are.

[AngelGirl]

Spongediver, that is a delightful story to read and thank you for sharing it!

[WotNoDeeds]

Spongediver, thank you for caring for these helpless creatures - for once it's good to read about kindness to animals instead of cruelty.

[jacob]

Take a bow and take this verbal pat on the back.

[ailletoo]

Well done spongediver... nice to know that people care.

[bigbadbob]

So lovely to read this and cheers to you for caring for these little ones.
We lived in a small village back in England on the borders of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. There were only 50 houses, one church, one pub and a river running parallel to the fields behind the churchyard.
There were a lot of Hedgehogs, bats and other wild life and somehow or other I came to be known as The Hedgehog Lady!
All the villagers used to bring me ,adults, babies, injured, starving, tick ridden Hedgehogs for me to try and help them.
I made contact with two Ladies who actually ran a sanctuary for Hedgehogs and with their help we were able to save quite a few and release them back into their natural habitat, sometimes boarding them over the winter months.
The ones out here seem to have longer snouts but are still as cute !

Hope I have not bored anyone but reading about these two brought back happy memories!

BBB's Other Half.

[jacob]

So lovely to read this and cheers to you for caring for these little ones.
We lived in a small village back in England on the borders of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. There were only 50 houses, one church, one pub and a river running parallel to the fields behind the churchyard.
There were a lot of Hedgehogs, bats and other wild life and somehow or other I came to be known as The Hedgehog Lady!
All the villagers used to bring me ,adults, babies, injured, starving, tick ridden Hedgehogs for me to try and help them.
I made contact with two Ladies who actually ran a sanctuary for Hedgehogs and with their help we were able to save quite a few and release them back into their natural habitat, sometimes boarding them over the winter months.
The ones out here seem to have longer snouts but are still as cute !

Hope I have not bored anyone but reading about these two brought back happy memories!

BBB's Other Half.

I never tire of reading tales of kindness to all animals. Well done.

[Ragged Robin]

There was a report some time ago, I think it was here but it may have been Cyprus 44, of a dog dying of thirst and starvation,which was discovered in and rescued from an empty swimming pool after falling in an being unable to get out. The suggestion was made that if you are aware of a pool which is empty , deserted and unguarded and are not in a position to cover it (like it isnt yours!) you should wedge a plank of wood from the floor of the pool to the edge , to enable trapped animals to escape.. It would work for dogs and presumably others such as cats and hedgehogs?

The question remains whether unguarded empty pools pose a threat to humans, particularly children?

[jacob]

There was a report some time ago, I think it was here but it may have been Cyprus 44, of a dog dying of thirst and starvation,which was discovered in and rescued from an empty swimming pool after falling in an being unable to get out. The suggestion was made that if you are aware of a pool which is empty , deserted and unguarded and are not in a position to cover it (like it isnt yours!) you should wedge a plank of wood from the floor of the pool to the edge , to enable trapped animals to escape.. It would work for dogs and presumably others such as cats and hedgehogs?

The question remains whether unguarded empty pools pose a threat to humans, particularly children?

Excellent idea.

[Owl Lady]

thank you so much Sponge diver for caring so much. Hope they come back to see you again.

[Ragged Robin]

Sorry I cant take credit for the idea,jacob, but I thought it was a good one, and worth passing on. And a timely reminder that at this time of year, wild, feral and straying animals are tempted by the smell of dregs of water at the bottom of pools and unable to get out. Anyone who cares about animals should regularly check empty pools or provide escape routes and of course swalllows please make suitable arrangements if you leave empty properties with pools and ask anyone using or keeping an eye on the property to include the pool in their check list.

[SpongeDiver]

To add to my original posting: 'Two precious little lives saved!', the baby hedgehogs, Bill & Ben, for the last two nights, exactly at 21:20hrs, have come back to the same spot where I put biscuits and water out for them. They must have a built-in time-clock! Last night they had four cats trying to play with them, but it doesn't faze them at all!

Oh, and good on ya, 'Bigbadbob'! - sounds like you were doing sterling work!

[jacob]

Sorry I cant take credit for the idea,jacob, but I thought it was a good one, and worth passing on. And a timely reminder that at this time of year, wild, feral and straying animals are tempted by the smell of dregs of water at the bottom of pools and unable to get out. Anyone who cares about animals should regularly check empty pools or provide escape routes and of course swalllows please make suitable arrangements if you leave empty properties with pools and ask anyone using or keeping an eye on the property to include the pool in their check list.

Yes you can take credit for highlighting it on this forum.

[jacob]

To add to my original posting: 'Two precious little lives saved!', the baby hedgehogs, Bill & Ben, for the last two nights, exactly at 21:20hrs, have come back to the same spot where I put biscuits and water out for them. They must have a built-in time-clock! Last night they had four cats trying to play with them, but it doesn't faze them at all!

Oh, and good on ya, 'Bigbadbob'! - sounds like you were doing sterling work!

They love dog or cat food, you truly are a star. You have become their mother.

[bigbadbob]

Tempted fate Spongediver!
Last night after letting the dogs out, our five plus a foster little one, for their last toilet stop down to the pool area which is at a lower level than the villa, Billy one of the Cyprus Poodles came chasing back up and quickly deposited on my feet - a Hedgehog.
He had carried it up in his mouth!
I have had experience of our spaniels and Labradors doing this but never of such a dog as Billy 'Boswell'.
Hopefully the hedgehog has survived its lift - I put it into an orchard area where the dogs cannot go, with catfood and water and will keep a look out.
Enjoy your two X BBB's Other Half.

[bigbadbob]

Sorry wrong smiley was pressed - no I am not getting ready for Christmas - Bah Humbug!

[SpongeDiver]

Yet another night has passed and the hedgehogs came for their tucker at exactly the same time again! I saw a coupla large garden slugs grazing on the cat biscuits I'd put out for Bill & Ben, so the Hedgies got a 'steak tartare' dinner as well!

[Owl Lady]

Lovely, so glad they have come back each night to thank you for saving them. Wendy tell Billy "Boswell" to look out for the fleas!!!!!

[SpongeDiver]

Bill & Ben, the Hedgies, continue to come every night for their tucker - however, as my girlie pointed out: 'OK, you've revived them, but stop feeding them every night because you're interfering with Nature. Also, as they're so young, they will become to depend on 'ready tucker' and lose the will to forage and hunt.'

I think she might be right - your opinions will be gratefully received and noted!

Bill & Ben now prefer munching toast crusts than cat biscuits - maybe they like the butter and jam residue!

[Ragged Robin]

I a nasty feeling your girlie is right : the problem is these are presumably orphans and have no one to show them how to hunt naturally.

There are lots of hedgehog protection sites in the UK (including Tiggiwinkles) and US - why dont you do a search and find out more about your new pets? I dont know much about hedgehogs but on a quick glance at the site are was surprised to find that under no circs should you give hedgehogs milk.(So much for childrens' books with hedgehogs as milkmen!) They are insect eaters so need protein and if you dont fancy going around collecting crickets etc for them dog and cat food seems to be the preferred diet. You also need to checkthe site to learn about hibernation etc.

[SpongeDiver]

Hi Ragged Robin,
I tried not putting tucker out for the Hedgies - now Ben comes right onto the patio where we're sitting in the evening and dines from the cat food dishes and then trundles off to drink the cats' water. Resourceful - eh! Bill doesn't come with Ben any more - obviously prefers the feral life, whereas Ben wants to become domesticated! Six or more cats around Ben doesn't worry 'him' at all and Bertie, the kitten, jumps over Ben - backwards and forwards! We can walk right up to and pass Ben many times and 'he' doesn't flinch; I think 'he's' got used to our voices, as well.

[frontalman]

You need a few juicy slugs which I believe they thrive on.

[SpongeDiver]

G'day 'Frontalman' - funny you should say that, cos the huge Cyp [15cm long!] variety of slugs come every night for the cat biscuits, so Hedgie gets his 'meat & two veg'!

[Ragged Robin]

Looks as as if you have acquired at least one extra pet,spongediver. At least they dont need to be taken "walkies"! But if you encourage them to be independent you wont need to look for a "hedgehog sitter" if you go on holiday! But do look up their hibernating needs (I assume they do hibernate in Cyprus I did not have time to read it in detail) and explain to the cats they will need peace!

Are you doubtful about Ben's gender because he is the domesticated one rather than the wild one. Perhaps you will have to rename "Little Weed"!

[SpongeDiver]

G'day RR - 'Little Weed' was the flower in 'Bill & Ben The Flowerpot Men' - the BBC children's series from the 1950's - blimey, knowing that dates us, doesn't it just!

Ben/Hedgie gets bolder each day that passes!

Thanks for all your 'Hedgie' advice - all most gratefully received!

[Ragged Robin]

Yes, that's right, I think she was a female flower which is why I suggested - I did wonder how many would remember and pick up the reference

I am no expert on hedgehogs but it is interesting. I wouldnt mind a couple to keep down the slugs, but too many stray cats that are fed nearby use my garden for toilet and mating purposes , and I doubt theywould be as welcoming as your cats , Nor my dogs - the spaniel (type) did once hand me a kitten which has fallen from the wall next door but the Cyprus Terrier was aggressive.

[Keithcaley]

. . . . . . . "Flobbalob"


acknowledgments to Wikipedia for the 'photo!

[jofra]

From the the way they talked, I often wondered whether they were smoking weed....

[SpongeDiver]

Ben, the Hedgie, still comes every night for his tucker - Bertie, the kitten, always likes to watch Ben munching away!

[SpongeDiver]

PS - If you left-click either photo [above], the picture enlarges and you can see them with much better detail!

[a1sysman]

Good on you SD. We interfere with nature with every moment we (humans) survive on this planet, what (long term) harm can it do for you to artificially feed a couple of hedgehogs...?

[sophie]

Jofra, I think that was Dylan in The Magic Roundabout!!

[Ragged Robin]

Good on you SD. We interfere with nature with every moment we (humans) survive on this planet, what (long term) harm can it do for you to artificially feed a couple of hedgehogs...?

Only to the hedgehogs who wont learn to fend for themselves if the source of supply stops for any reason though I cant see what else spongediver could have done in the circs : he could hardly leave them to starve and even if just left in the garden they might have found the cats' food anyway.

To me the problem would be that if you take on any animal as a pet, your accept responsibility for it and if they want to go on holiday they will need to find someone to look after hedgehogs as well as cats!

Good luck to you and all your animals anyway spongediver and thanks for providing a change from all the aggressive and depressing posts, and also for the lovely photos.

[SpongeDiver]

Thanks RR and everyone else for your kind comments.

I should mention that I found it very perplexing at first as to why I couldn't post the Hedgie photos on Kibcom. I took the photos with my Samsung Galaxy mobile phone and downloaded them to my laptop - no problem. But, when I first attempted to upload to this forum, ther was a rejection notice saying that the 'files' [1.5MB] were too big and that it would only accept up to 500KB.
Therefore, obviously I realised I'd have to reduce them. Anyway, I found this free website where I was able to do just that, and reduced them to 10% - subsequently they uploaded goodo. Here's the easy-to-use 'tool' I used and hope it's helpful to other Kibkom buffs, because I'm sure many of us would like to see more photos on this forum, which, I've noticed is gaining in popularity more each day!

http://compressjpeg.com/