Britain’s hedgehogs are disappearing at an alarming rate. This book provides clear descriptions of what to do if you find a sick hedgehog and how to create a hedgehog-friendly garden.The hedgehog is Britain’s most iconic animal and used to be a familiar visitor to our gardens. Unless we act now it will soon disappear and will exist only in our memories. Stories from York Hedgehog Rescue Centre help to create an understanding of why hedgehogs are under threat and how we can help them.
Dr Toni Bunnell, a wildlife biologist, has cared for hedgehogs for 24 years and shares her wealth and experience in this easily accessible book.
‘The Disappearing Hedgehog book contains information, plus several case histories which provide invaluable references for anyone who may need to help a sick or injured hedgehog if transporting it to a vet has to be delayed. I highly recommend it.’ Geraldine Williams, Vet Nurse.
‘Brilliant. If you are seriously interested in saving these amazing, interesting little Guys this book is a must. It tells you everything you want to know. It’s lovely.’ Gloria Muir
‘Hedgehogs are fast disappearing from our countryside. Those that survive face a whole host of dangers. This excellent, clearly written and authoritative book gives precise and detailed information of how to make our gardens more hedgehog friendly, and how to help and look after hedgehogs that are poorly or who have had bad encounters with dogs, foxes, or garden machinery. Very well presented and illustrated I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in hedgehogs – and buy one for a friend who should be interested but perhaps is not!’ Westfield
N.B. Postage costs apply to UK only. In order to take into account extra postage costs when ordering from outside UK please order: A minimum of 2 books (within Europe but outside UK) and a minimum of 3 books when ordering from anywhere else in the world including the USA, New Zealand, Australia and Asia.
Click on book cover to buy book through Amazon
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Thanks very much Flossie
Toni we’re not connected in Facebook but I’m trying to find out if there’s any space on your course on Sunday at the Black Swan please?
Hi Susan Thanks for your message. I’ve replied using email. Best Toni
hi, I have several insulated polystyrene boxes and wondered if you would like them for hedgehogs.
Hi Lillian thanks very much for the kind offer. Can you tell me if the polystyrene is protected by anything? Thanks Toni x
Just purchased hedgehog book, I got one earlier in the year from my vets. And it was very informative,but have managed to mislay it. And can’t remember all the excellent information
Just seen your comment Kath. Thanks so much for buying The Disappearing Hedgehog book and for your kind words.
Just purchased you hedgehog book. Can’t wait to read it
Thanks very much Audrey. Your copy of The Disappearing Hedgehog book will be posted off tomorrow first class, so you should receive it on Tuesday.
Best Wishes Toni
Just ordered, this will be good reading before my Carers’ course later this month.
Hi Jane, Thanks very much for ordering the ye book. It is parcelled up and ready to post first class. I hope you enjoy reading it. Good luck with the course.
Best Wishes Toni
Help one of my hedgehogs came out today was in garden looking for food x when I went out he went back in his house feel totally lost with what to do
Glad you got in touch about the hedgehog Lynne. Good that we sorted it out via Facebook x
Hi Toni
I rescued a hedgehog yesterday afternoon around 3.30, was in the middle of the road not moving on Burton Stone Lane. I took it home in a large brown box and gave it some cat biscuits and cat food. It ate quite a bit then had a lay down and then started trying to get out of the box. It seems to be uninjured. I bedded it down for the night and have just checked on it and it is curled up in a ball, breathing and fast asleep. Can you advise me on what to do with it please.
Thanks for getting in touch Michelle. Glad we’ve got the hedgehog sorted. I’ll keep you updated on how it does. Best Toni
Hi Toni, Just ordered both your books directly from this website. Hopefully, you can save yourself some postage by packing them together. Put it in the hog fund! Thanks to Adrian Buchan for drawing my attention to your latest book. Looking forward to reading them. Steve
Hi Steve thanks very much. As soon as the order comes through as an email I will address your parcel and post it off first class.
Please can you email details of your course running 20th November 2016 and any other courses you are running. Myself and a colleague are volunteers for RSPCA and have started to take in poorly hedgehogs. We have all facilities and equipment but need help and advice. We will require costs and venues please with interest in booking. Kind regards Jane
Hi Jane, thanks for getting in touch. I will email the details. Best Toni
Hi Toni it’s taken me ages to find someone who could advise me. For 2 days now been feeding hedgehog in my garden I have only seen it in day hence my worry looks larger than 500g , eating and drinking a lot – every website says this is a bad thing and it’s likely to be dying what can I do? I am very upset.
Hi Vanessa I don’t know where you are based but you need to get the hedgehog to a vet or wildlife rescue or RSPCA asap please. You are quite right to think that it needs urgent help as it is out in the day. Thanks for getting in touch. Toni
Hi Toni I am based in York. I have been trying to assist this hedgehog for 2 days now. I manage to entice it but have not been quick enough to pick it up, any tips?
Vanessa
Hi Vanessa you need to put on some thick gardening gloves. I have two hedgehog books out that give lots of really useful advice: The Disappearing Hedgehog and Rescuing the Disappearing Hedgehog. Both available from my website. I’m also running my yearly hedgehog course in York on Sunday November 20 in case you might be interested. Good luck catching the hedgehog!
Hi Toni good news , I have been able to entice the hedgehog into a box and he is now with RSPCA. They said he looked well apart from his odd daytime behaviour. They will care for him and I hope he can return to me soon – vanessa
Great news!
Great news. Only out in the day when poorly but the RSPCA are fantastic and will sort home out.
I ordered my book on September 29th but only added the extra postage for Europe on October 4th. I haven’t received it yet. I wondered if it has sent out yet?
Hi Dawn I posted your book from the main post office with the correct postage for Ireland on Friday September 30. I used the address you gave me on PayPal: Apartment 7, Ridge Hall, Shanganagh Road, Ballybrack, Co Dublin A96 EH75. Please let me know if the book has not arrived in a week’s time and I will send another. Thanks Toni
Hi Toni, it looks you omitted Ridge Hall from the address.It was Apartment 7 Ridge Hall.
We will see if it comes next week anyways and I will let you know.
Forget the last text I didon’t see it in full address on my phone lol. Address is correct.
Hello, I’ve just found a small hedgehog in my garden with what appears to be a broken leg it was about to be attacked by a magpie. I’ve put it in a box with cat food and water. But I’ve had to go out as I have a dental appt. As soon as I get home I can take it wherever is a vets the best place or the Selby rescue centre? I am in Acomb. Please feel free to ring me if I don’t answer I’ll ring you back.
Hi Nicola thanks for getting in touch. I don’t have your number to phone you. Please can you take it to a vet asap. Minster vets are very good. 01904643997. Thanks Toni
Toni, thanks I’ve spoken to minster vets and will be taking it down as soon as my husband gets in. I was really concerned that tower vets said if the leg was broken they would put it down. Minster were much more helpful. We are happy to look after it through winter if it’s too small to hibernate which I think it is, just hate the thought of it being put to sleep. I will be in touch once we know more. I would love to buy your book anyway as we regularly have hedgehogs in the garden.
Tonight, this morning I’ve rescued a small hedgehog that appears to have a broken leg, it was being attacked by a magpie. I’ve put it in a box with cat food and water. I don’t know if I should take it to a vet or the rescue place at Selby?
Hi
I have 3 very small hedgehogs visiting my garden. (Plus one large adult)
All the small ones have several ticks. I have been told that these can be got rid of using a bird anti-parasite preparation, but don’t know where I can get some. Could you advise me?
I am currently putting dried mealworms and proprietary hedgehog food (which they don’t like much!). I can also put out bird suet pellets if that would be beneficial.
Hi Saffron The ticks neeed to be manually removed using tweezers, taking care not to leave the mouth parts behind. I have also found that they tend not to like some special hedgehog food. Suet pellets would be a very welcome addition. In case you might be interested I have written two books on hedgehogs, available from my website: The Disappearing Hedgehog and Rescuing the Disappearing Hedgehog. Happy to help with any more queries. Toni
Hi, I would very much like to come to the training course at the end of the month. Please could you send more details.
Thanks
Brian and Janet
Hi Brian please could you email me and I will send the details for the course: T.Bunnell@hull.ac.uk Thanks Toni
Hi Brian just checking that you received my message with my email and to see if you are still interested in coming on the course on November 20. My email: T.Bunnell@hull.ac.uk Thanks Toni
Hi Toni
Know you have contacted me before but mislaid hedgehog course details on Nov 20th. A colleague and I would like to attend and RSPCA will reimburse/pay for us to come. If you still have places available please send all information again and how we can pay as I have no Paypal account. Thank you so much and sorry to be a pain!!
Jane
Hi Jane can you email me please: T.Bunnell@hull.ac.uk I will resend the details. Still a few places left. Best Toni
Hi
I live in New Earswick, York and I get lots of Hedgehogs every year but this year I had 17 in one evening. I have little houses all over the garden and put food in just one place near the front door (which is under cover) and sure enough they come from all directions and clear the dishes by morning.
This is the first year I’ve had them still eating late and been so small, I’ve got two, which I got a couple of night ago as I knew it was going to be very cold and they are too small to be left alone. My Father bless him emptied his shed, I put in the hedgehog bed house I have, with towels, straw and a door way out. Left food and water in the shed and that was four days ago. The food is gone every morning and they are snuggled back up together, one in straw, one in the towel when I peep in on an morning. I’m expecting them to go into hibernation soon but will still keep my eyes on them daily and leave dry food and water and obviously release them in the spring.
I would love to learn more about them, I’ve just bought a tick remover but would like to know how and if it’s ok to use it (the one’s I have only have a couple on them, but I’ve seen some with loads and would love to help them out in summer).
I would also like to buy your book if you will have them on the 20th.
Many thanks
Hi Michelle look forward to seeing you on November 20 and hearing more about your hedgehogs. I’ll have copies of both my hedgehog books with me. Toni x
I will discuss how to remove ticks at the course.
Good evening, we have found a small hedgehog quite early this evening and it wasn’t moving very much. We collected it up and it is in a box with some food, water and shredded paper for bedding. What shall I do? I haven’t weighed him but he is little.
I live in York, is there a wildlife rescue I should take it to?
Many thanks in anticipation
Jo Doran
Hi Jo what does the hedgehog weigh please? If it is less than 400g and very sluggish it will need help. Please can you phone the RSPCA mainline 03001234999. An inspector will collect it. Thanks very much. Toni
Hi Toni, I really admire your work, my friend and I are keen hedgehog fans. I’d like to purchase both of your books x 2 (one set for me and another as a present for my friend) would you put a encouraging message in one of the books for my fiend Sarah, who is fostering three hedgehogs and is a release site for a local rescue and wants to learn more.
Hi Karen thanks very much for your kind words. You can buy The Disappearing Hedgehog book and Rescuing the Disappearing Hedgehog book from my website http://www.tonibunnell.com. I am very happy to write inside one of them for your friend Sarah. Have you any preference re which book? Thanks Toni
Good Eve!
Would you still like data on weights before and after hibernation or do you have enough now?
Kind regards
Anna
Yes please Anna. Thanks very much for getting in touch. I’ll email you x
Hello Toni ,
I was wondering wether you need any help in your sancturys.I’m 15 and would really like to help you with whatever needs doing.I am hoping to become a veterinary nurse when I am older so this would really help me learn more about that kind of job.
Thanks and hope to hear your reply soon.
Yours faithfully , Cali
Hi Cali thanks for getting in touch. I always assess, medicate, weigh and clean out the hedgehogs in my care, first thing in the morning before breakfast. As such there is nothing that I need help with. I am more than happy to give you any information you might need though and wish you well with your studies. Best Toni
Thank you . It’s good to know your doing well with the hedgehogs and I also wish you luck in caring for these adorable creatures.
Hi I have found a poorly hedgehog in my garden! It’s trying to walk but looks drunk and eyes are clowed is there any advice you could give please!
Hi can you get it to a vet asap as it is very poorly. Thanks very much.
Hi Toni
I’m currently looking after a hoglet found in the local park . She is healthy with nicely formed poop so just trying to get her weight up she was 153 grams and is now 282 had her 9 days . What would be a good weight to put her back as I don’t want to keep her too long . I have been helping hogs by feeding and rescuing for about 5 years now . Thanks
Hi Ellen at this time of year, if it is mild, I tend to release at around 550+g. This allows for any weight loss following release. Hope that helps. Best, Toni
Thank you , will be buying your book on pay day , can’t wait to read it .
Hi, we have a fairly big hedgehog in our garden. What, if anything, should we leave out for him? Should we put water out.
Hi Debra if it is out in the day it needs help asap. Please could you phone the RSPCA mainline and an RSPCA inspector will collect it: 0300 1234999. Alternatively can you look after it yourself with help from me via messenger? Toni Bunnell N.B. If only out at night then no cause for concern.
Hi Toni
I’ve just found a hedgehog asleep in the open. He seems unresponsive. Do you still have your hedgehog sanctuary based in York?
Any advice to make him comfortable appreciated!
Thanks
Ema
Hi thanks for getting in touch. My rescue is full at the moment. Can you take it to a vet first thing in the morning please. Please let me know the outcome. You can message me on Facebook. Thanks Toni
Hi
I found a hedgehog wandering last night. It doesn’t look that big so I’ve got it home.
What she’ll I do now?!
07943585774
Hi Sonya I’ve sent you a text re the hedgehog. Thanks Toni
This summer I bought a hedge hog igloo (British wild life ) one I put it at the top of the garden and have put dry autumn leaves in and around it it is snug . I have been getting hedgehogs in my garden and have a resident it wayes 600g x firt one this page could be helpfull .
Hi Vilma in my experience they tend not to use igloos for nesting. Better to build a house using a paving stone etc as shown in The Disappearing Hedgehog book. https://tonibunnell.com/books-3/the-disappearing-hedgehog/
Hi Toni
I have a hoglet in our garden who hadn’t been out, day or night, for 4 days.
I was worried because this was unusual so I put a wildlife camera in with the hoglet (I say hoglet but she’s more of a small adult now) & found that although she didn’t leave her hedgehog house she was moving around so she wasn’t dead. Phew!
Last night at about 9pm we saw her on our lawn. Her back leg was broken so she was dragging herself along, probably looking for food & water after 4 days 😞
I’ve made a temporary bed out of a recycle box & she’s spent the night in it in our garage (with food & water)
So today I need to find a hedgehog hospital in York & get her booked in so I wondered if you would be able to help at all?
We live in the Heworth area of York. I don’t suppose you’re close by & would be willing to help us?
Kind regards
Paul
Hi Paul thanks for getting in touch. Please could you take her to a vet asap as the leg could be infected at the break site and she needs help. You can tell the vet that I will provide after care. If you message me on Facebook I will give you my contact details. Thanks for looking put for her.
Morning I have been asked to get your advice there has been a shed removed & underneath it are a mum & 3 baby hedgehogs. What is the best course if action to take ?
Hi thanks for getting in touch. Are you able to relocate the mum and babies with all the nest material to somewhere else in your garden? If not what about a neighbour’s garden as the mum will know the area.
Hi. I work at York st johns university as a gardener. This morning there was a hedgehog walking around in the grounds. I picked it up and had a look at it no visible ticks or fleas walking ok. I offered it water it wasn’t that bothered”two licks”. Thinking it may have been disturbed because of building work I released in the front garden. But it’s been seen making its way back to where I picked it up from. What should I do it we see it again ?
Hi William thanks for getting in touch. If you see it again please could you phone 03001234999 and an RSPCA inspector will collect it.
Before they arrive could you place it in a high sided box with a heavy dish of water and some hay to nest in if possible. Thanks
Hi
I found a young hedgehog in our front garden, York city central Street. It was asleep in the sun. Went back 30 mins later and it had moved under the shade. Next door neighbour has seen a large hedgehog at night which ran off down the road. I can’t see any siblings in our garden. What should I do? If anything.
Hi Pauline it sounds as if a nest has been disturbed. Can you keep an eye out. If the young one has not been collected by its mum and is still out in the day in an hour’s time please could you phone the RSPCA MAIN LINE and an inspector will collect it from you. 0300 1234999.
Just rethinking this and I would bring it in right now and take it to York RSPCA. Please tell them that I will collect it from them. Can you let me know if you’re happy to do this. Thanks Toni
I’m not quite sure if I have done it right but could me and my boyfriend book tickets please? Thanks, Alice.
Hi Alice yes that’s great. Are you happy to pay using PayPal and this email address T.Bunnell@hull.ac.uk Thanks Toni x
Hello
I’d like to sign up for your hedgehog course on 4 November.
Amanda Bryant
Hi Amanda thanks for getting in touch. There are a few places left. Are you okay to okay using PayPal and this email address: T.Bunnell@hull.ac.uk. Thanks, Toni
Hi, we have a tiny hedgehog in our garden this evening. It has a few ticks and is so small.
We have given it some cat food and water and popped it in a big box for now. It is happily munching away. I suspect it may be too small to hibernate and survive the winter! Is there anywhere I can take it to be looked after / rescued?
We live in Haxby near York
Thanks Claire
Hi Claire what does it weigh please? Thanks Toni my email: T.Bunnell@hull.ac.uk
Small ones have time yet to build up to hibernation weight. My main concern is the presence of ticks.
Hi,
I wondered if you did educational visits to nurseries? Our children would love this we have recently spotted some hedgehogs in the garden so to learn more about them would be brilliant. Thank you Amanda
Hi Amanda yes I have given several talks to nursery groups. 3 years old and upwards. If you’d like to email me: T.bunnell@hull.ac.uk
Hi Toni. Any chance of a cancellation on Sunday? Got 3 hogs feeding daily. One 450g and slim rear. Was in you A-level marking team. Remember you nipping out to hand feed orphaned hoglets!
Hi Rosemary I’m so sorry you can’t come. I’m afraid it’s too late to do a cancellation .
Toni, I want to come. Please let me know if you can fit me in. Can do a BACS or pay tomorrow. Hog and v small hoglet first timers n video records last night.
Hi Rosemary I thought your earlier message meant that you had booked a place already and wanted to cancel it. The course was booked up within 5 days of me advertising it. Sorry. Best Toni
Is there a waiting list for cancellations? If not, when is the next one?
Hi Ros yes there is a waiting list. Two places became free last week and they have been filled in order of priority. Next course will be March or November next year.
If the March course is mid to late March, please put me down for it. Otherwise, November please. Will pay as soon as I get date.
If I spot tiny hoglet with mum tonight, should I get it to York hedgehog Rescue or Clair in Scarborough? York is closer but I don’t know where it is.
Hi Ros I run York Hedgehog Rescue but won’t be around tomorrow to take one in. Please could you phone the RSPCA mainline: 0300 1234999. If hoglet out with its mum at night no need at all to take it in. Most aren’t hibernating yet so best left alone. Taking them from the wild condemns them to a life in captivity until spring. We advise leaving them alone unless out in the day or obviously injured. As soon as I have a date for my next course I will post it on Facebook: The Disappearing Hedgehog page. Hope that will work for you. Best Toni
Hi my name is Jo I own a coffee shop in York & every year we have a raffle for charity & I would like to choose yours this year .I will be starting it in the next couple of weeks so if you could send me details please
Hi Jo that’s very kind indeed of you to think of me. I have run York Hedgehog Rescue for the past 28 years. It is self funded and run by me alone. It’s not a charity though- just in case that makes a difference. I pay for all the food and medicines etc myself, helped by sales from the hedgehog books I’ve written and talks I give. Best Toni
Shall I leave food out for them, there is quite a few in my area.
Yes please. Cat biscuits under cover and protected from cats as shown in The Disappearing Hedgehog book.
Yes please put out cat biscuits and water under a cat proof container as shown in The Disappearing Hedgehog book. Thanks
I have three days volunteer leave I can take from work would this be something you would be interested in utilising? I’m adaptable and can drive!
Hi Phillip thanks so much for your very kind offer but I am only a small sanctuary and deal with all the hedgehogs first thing in the morning before breakfast. I really appreciate you getting in touch. Thanks Toni
Hi Phil I am only a small sanctuary and sort out all the hedgehogs first thing in the morning. Thanks very much indeed though for your kind offer. Perhaps one of the bigger rescues would be worth contacting. Best Toni
Hi Toni, you sold me your hedghog books earlier this year and very kindly gave me the ode book, which is now doing the rounds! I tried to contact you last week on your Hull email with no success. I have a couple of sick little siblings I’d be extremely grateful for some help with. Is it possible for you to send me an email address so I can set out the problem? I’m currently responsible for 42 hedgies all doing OK, except these 2 who are baffling and worrying me. I dont want to loose them. Thanks very much. Sally
Hi Sally my new email tonibunnell2018@gmail.com
Hi Toni
The Hedgehog 🦔 course on Sunday is it 1 til 4pm?
Thanks
Joan Woods
Hi Joan it’s 1.30 to 4.30
Still
On for today? Joan Arlene and Steve
Yes. See you later
Hi Toni
I wanted to order 4 of your original hedgehog book as christmas gifts.
When I click on the paypal link i can only order 1 at a time but if I order 4 via amazon the postage comes to £16+ (should say I’m in france) is there an easier way to order these?
Thanks
Sue
Hi Sue thanks for getting in touch. I’ll check the postage cost for sending four books to France and let you know. You could always send me the money direct instead of via my website. The postage cost should only be 4 x £1.99 : £7.96, not £16, if I was posting four books within the UK. Best Toni
Just realised that you wanted to pay using Amazon and they dictate the postage, not me unfortunately. Are you able to do a BACS transfer once I know the postage cost?
Hi Sue I’ve just checked and the cost of postage and packing to France for four copies of The Disappearing Hedgehog book is £8. If you’d rather send me the total payment to me directly using your personal PayPal account my email address is tonibunnell2018@gmail.com. The overall cost would be £39.96. Please let me know if you think this would work for you. Thanks Toni
Hi Toni
That’s perfect
Will send paypal later today as out at the moment.
Many thanks (I’m an avid fan of yours on fb)
X
Hello
I want to volunteer at weekends and Christmas, but do not know of any hedgehog establishments in Essex.
Can you advise please, thanks Naomi Knight
Hi Naomi the best way is to phone the British Hedgehog preservation society and they will give you the information. Best Toni
Hi
I’ve just disturbed a mother and 7 babies on my drive, the mother has vanished 1 baby is dead and one very small and weak.
Our neighbourhood is full of cats.
Can you give me some advice?
Thanks
Hi Beth please can you phone me now. 078809 38510. Thanks Toni
Where are you based?
I have a hedgehog, reasonable weight. It keeps coming out during the day and just laying on the grass.
Do you have any room or shall I contact the folks at the RSPCA?
Hi Ronda where are you based? Can you message me please: 078809 38510
Thanks Toni
Hi Ronda just checking that you received message. Did you manage to get help for the hedgehog? Thanks Toni