Care for a recovering hedgehog in your home while it builds weight for release.
We're a small rescue, and space is always tight. When a hedgehog has been treated for its illness or injury but still needs time to build weight before release, that's where foster carers come in.
We have a small team of foster carers helping us do exactly that. Every hedgehog that goes out to a foster carer frees up a bed at the rescue for the next new admission. If you'd like to join them, here's what's involved.
Some of our foster carers have never had anything to do with hedgehogs before. By the time they bring one back ready for release, they're hooked. It's such a rewarding thing to be part of.Steph Malpas, Founder
Fostering isn't just taking a hedgehog home. We make sure you're fully prepared before any hedgehog is placed with you.
Send us a message to let us know you're interested. We'll have a chat about what's involved and answer any questions.
We'll visit your home to see where you'd keep the hedgehog and make sure it's suitable. This isn't a test. It's about making sure the hedgehog will be safe, warm and comfortable.
You'll come to the rescue for some hands-on sessions. We'll cover weighing, cleaning, feeding and what to look out for. You won't be left to figure it out on your own.
When a hedgehog is ready, we'll match one to you. Every hedgehog we send out to foster has already been treated and just needs fattening up before release. How long that takes varies, as every hedgehog is different.
Fostering is rewarding, but it's a commitment. Here's what we need from our foster carers.
The hedgehog needs a quiet room indoors kept at around 18–20°C. Not a shed or garden, as they're not ready to be outside yet. If you have dogs, the room must be completely separate. The sound and smell of dogs can scare hedgehogs and hinder their recovery. Dog owners can foster, but the hedgehog room needs to be off-limits to them.
We need foster carers within about five miles of the rescue so we can do home checks, drop-offs and pick-ups easily. You'll need to be able to drive to and from the rescue.
There's no set timeframe for how long a foster lasts, as each hedgehog is different. If you've got several trips planned in the next few months, the timing might not be right. The odd weekend away we can usually work around.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal, so the routine fits around your day. You'll change their food, water and bedding in the morning and again in the evening. We'll advise you on exactly what to buy and what to feed them before your first foster arrives.
If you think fostering could be right for you, get in touch. We'd love to have a chat and tell you more about how it works.