Medway Hedgehog Rescue

18/02/2024

On the backend of the announcement a few days ago, there have been a lot of questions as to “why”…. Trust me when I say, it’s a truly heartbreaking decision and we have such sadness right now!!

As you know, Kelly who established the rescue 10 years ago, announced last year that she was stepping down. She has still been in the background helping and advising, but hasn’t taken the hedgehogs into her care since. I took over the responsibility of the rescue under Kelly’s continuous support with Julie and Gill.

Family illness, has meant that caring has taken away a lot of my time… I run my own business, keep a home and care for 2 elderly parents with dementia. Then on top of this, suddenly, my sister was taken extremely ill. Rescues are run on a voluntary basis; extremely rewarding but also time consuming… and something unfortunately had to give.

Behind the scenes, theres a lot of work people don’t see… bank account, emails, WhatsApp messages, taking telephone calls organising fundraising, Facebook updates, ordering medication, arranging collection and releasing of hogs… on top of the everyday care, meds, assessment and cleaning out!

We also lost our supporting veterinary practice , and have since struggled to get another one on board.

Although MHR has closed.. Julie and Gill who have, and continue to give their time and dedicated commitment, will now work closely with Lisa at Thorne Hedgehog rescue, creating a Medway “satellite” team. Discussions and meetings are already happening to make sure that the rescue, rehabilitation and release of hedgehogs continues in our local area. We’d like to express our sincere gratitude and thanks to both Julie and Gill for being part of the team and wish them all the best in their exciting new venture with Lisa ❤️.

Please follow Thorne for any updates.

The comments have been truly beautiful from you all. Please continue to look out for our prickly friends - they need your support and will be waking up very soon ❤️

16/02/2024

Firstly we wanted to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for all the support you have shown over the last 10yrs!

We have made the heartbreaking decision to sadly close Medway Hedgehog Rescue..
It’s been an amazing experience and we have saved hundreds of hedgehogs… It’s been so hard at times but so rewarding…
The bank account will also be closing, if you have donated money or food then rest assured the money and food will go to the hogs still in our care..

If you find a hedgehog who needs help please contact the wonderful Lisa who runs Thorne Hedgehog Rescue
07825 952201

https://www.facebook.com/thornehedgehogrescuecentre

Thank you again

Kelly, Michelle & the Whole team x x

Thorne Hedgehog Rescue is a registered non-profit (CIC number 16248690)

24/12/2023

Thank you one and all for your donations and support again this year… without you, our work wouldn’t be possible! Wishing you a Merry Christmas xx

22/12/2023

The “big man” 🎅 is making his final preparations before leaving the North Pole and we all know that the reindeer need sustenance for their long journey!

If you leave reindeer food out, please make sure it’s all natural and contains no glitter or added extras as this can be consumed and harm our wildlife!

You could make your own with the kids on Christmas Eve.. simply with oats and maybe a bit of food colouring (not essential) or bird seed.

If in doubt, I’m sure Rudolph will be more than happy with the traditional carrot

06/12/2023

Well 😍 just look at little Casper!! Isn’t he a beautiful boy now. His fur and quills are all back as they should be and he’s so fluffy!

Ringworm gone ✔️
Mange gone ✔️
Lungworm treated ✔️

Now in an outside pen, waiting for release if we get a window of milder weather… hopefully not for long as he’s eating me out of house and home!!

If you can spare any cat food (meat in jelly) if would be appreciated right now

https://www.amazon.co.uk/registry/wishlist/1E1HRCZDUZJ8T/ref=cm_sw_r_ip_wl_o_sRF1vbBWH4SRG

Medway Hedgehog Rescue
53896439
20-54-25

05/12/2023

Please click on the link and type Medway hedgehog rescue in the comments 🙏

https://www.facebook.com/100064771330746/posts/743284801173891/

Wildlife Rescue Giveaway 😃

NB: Brambles Pet & Wildlife will NOT contact anyone who makes a nomination. If you are contacted saying you are a winner, it will not be us so please DO NOT engage with any such communication.

5 Wildlife Rescues can each win:-
🦔4 bags Brambles 2Kg Crunchy Hedgehog Food
🦔 4 bags Brambles Semi-moist Hedgehog Food
🦔 24 tins of Brambles Meaty Hedgehog Food

Nominate your favourite Rescue to win, competition ends Thursday 7th Dec at 11.59pm. Like and Share to spread the news 😃

30/11/2023

So, this cold snap has started triggering the sleep cycle in our hogs. Whether they snooze or go into full hibernation… time will tell as the cold snap passes! As a general rule, it needs to be 5 degrees or under for 5 continuous nights for this to happen (obviously all hogs are different). We ask that you continue leaving dry kitten biscuits out - there would be nothing worse than a hungry hog waking up and going to their usual eatery only to find it empty! Also, keep a check of their water supply to ensure it isn’t frozen - you can buy microwave hotties to put underneath 😊

You may still see your hedgehog… if at night and they seem to be going about their normal business, leave well alone

27/11/2023

Knit n natter of twydal have given us a lovely surprise today - a wonderfully kind donation of £70 by selling their work. Thank you to all involved in making this possible ☺️.

Every donation large or small is so appreciated. We need to aknowledge that we’ve had lots of Amazon parcels and financial contributions flooding through our door, so again, thank you

You’re all wonderful ☺️

*** this is not milk, it is special baby hedgehog formula****

22/11/2023

With the temperatures due to drop over the weekend, here’s a few tips to action now:

If you have a hog house, put a clay plant pot near it with plenty of dust extracted straw rammed in it. Your hoggies will gratefully take this into their nest to give plenty of warmth as it retains the heat and will not get damp like hay, paper or other bedding.

Make sure you keep those feeding stations topped up. You may not see them for a few nights as temperatures dip, but they will more than likely come back out as it’s only going to last a few nights. Some will still come out to feed.

Keep an eye on the water supplies. You can put a hot water bottle under the bowls to stop them from freezing (don’t think we’ll get a big freeze, but handy info for when we do)

Picture courtesy of a lovely lady looking out for youngsters in her garden