Baby hoglets less than 24 hours old are saved after mother left their disturbed nest

Very tiny tiggywinkles! Baby hoglets smaller than a finger and less than 24 hours old are saved after mother hedgehog abandoned them when their nest was disturbed

  • The animals were taken into the care of Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital last week
  • Rescuers insist the three are responding well to care after being left all alone
  • British Hedgehog Preservation Society says one in five die before leaving nest 

Three baby hoglets less than 24 hours old have been saved after their frightened mother abandoned them when their nest was disturbed.

The tiny animals, which pictures show are only about the size of a human finger, were taken into the care of Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital last week. 

Although rescuers say it is still touch and go for the trio, they are so far responding well to their care.

Three baby hoglets, pictured, less than 24 hours old have been saved after their frightened mother abandoned them when their nest was disturbed

The tiny animals, which pictures show are only about the size of a human finger, were taken into the care of Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital last week

The tiny animals, which pictures show are only about the size of a human finger, were taken into the care of Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital last week

A spokesperson for Leicestershire Wildlife hospital said: ‘The hoglets are still holding their own, which is great because hoglets this size are extremely difficult to rear.

‘With hedgehog numbers declining drastically in the wild it is a privilege to be able to help make a difference with the work that we do.’

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society says it is essential to provide adequate constant warmth, regular feeding and toileting when caring for the animals.

‘Hoglets can deteriorate very quickly especially if they are not kept at an even temperature,’ it said.

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society says one in five of all hoglets die before they leave the nest

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society says one in five of all hoglets die before they leave the nest

To keep them warm, the society says they should be placed in a small cardboard box or similar container, lined with a towel. 

Experts add that in their first few weeks, the hoglets should be hand-fed warm milk substitutes every two to four hours while lying on their backs in your hand, with its head facing upwards and tail to the floor.

In their first week, the baby mammals can weight as little as one ounce (28g). 

Tragically, it is thought that one in five of all hoglets die before they leave the nest. 

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