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Dougal's Pet Corner
The place for your pet stories and pictures, let me have them |
Hogs in Winter
Firstly, let's get rid of an old wives tale; Hedgehogs do NOT hibernate all winter. They
do not go to sleep from November through until March.
When a Hedgehog sleeps, it will curl up tightly into a ball, the outward prickles then
keeping it safe from predators. To enable a hog to do this, a very strong muscle, which
runs the complete way around the tummy, will keep the hog shut tight for about 2-3 weeks.
After this length of time the hedgehog will have to uncurl and stretch this muscle, get
the blood flowing through, ready to be able to snap the muscle shut again for protection
or to sleep.
So, even when the weather is really cold, hedgehogs have to awaken every 2/3 weeks right
throughout the winter. If the weather is mild and wet, hogs will not hibernate at all and
will need feeding because there is hardly any of their natural food at all during winter
months. Winter is a very dangerous time for Hedgehogs, when they hibernate their
body functions shut down, the heart will beat perhaps only once a minute and they are very
vulnerable. This is why they need to sleep with their prickles erect, as they would be
easy prey for predators. Because of global warming and the winters getting milder,
most hedgehog carers report that hedgehogs do not hibernate at all some winters and will
feed all through the winter months. Hedgehogs do not hibernate because it is cold, they
hibernate because there is no food around, the cold is just the trigger to tell them to
sleep and they live on their fat reserves whilst in hibernation. If the winter is mild and
the hedgehog is awake most of the time, then it will be using up the fat reserves and if
they cannot find food, by February, they will be starving to death. The rescues are very
busy in winter taking in starving and sick hogs. Put out a mixture of crushed birds
peanuts, sultanas and dried cat food during the winter months and make sure there is
fresh, unfrozen, water to drink. Put some shredded paper or fresh hay under a shed, so the
hedgehog can help itself, will help them make a good nest and keep them warm. For
more details or leaflets on hedgehog care then 'phone the hedgehog helpline on 01379
644988. |
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All the old cats featured last time are still with us.
Tucker, our oldest cat, was tested for thyroid and diabetes because he is quite thin.
Fortunately, the tests came back “negative”. |
| Our vet thought he looked remarkably well for
his age and he will continue to enjoy tender loving care from Sharon until he finds a new
home. Twiggy, the old black girl still looks very frail and has had more medication for
her ear. She is happy to be lying on a heat pad and receiving regular meals. Mickie and
Toby, two of the cats that came in because their owner had died are actually 14 years old
and have been tested for thyroid problems. The tests came back within the normal range but
we need to continue to monitor their health. Toby will however be staying with Jackie, his
fosterer once his problems are resolved. Jamie, the other cat is only 10 years old and in
good health. Because our pens are all full at present, Pippy is still waiting to come in.
Its time again to reflect on what has happened over the year. The cats in care are
looking forward to having special treats for Christmas and hoping to find nice new homes
with loving owners in the New Year. We welcome Helen in Aylsham, Lesley and Vicky in
Hemsby, Sue in North Walsham and Kenny and Pauline in Stalham to our dedicated band of
fosterers. We thank Val and Gillian, who have given up fostering, for all their help in
the past. We now have 10 pens but will never have enough. They are always full, and
there are always cats waiting to come in. At present we have 22 cats and kittens in care
their ages ranging from 8 weeks to 19 years. Last year we re-homed over 220 cats and had
already found new homes for that number by the end of September. Assistance has been given
to feral colonies in Aylsham, Bacton, Cromer, Edgefield, Horstead, Upton, Whitlingham and
Wroxham. At least 30 kittens have been re-homed from these colonies. If you are
looking for a cat or kitten, call Stephanie on 01692 535858. Alternatively you can visit
www.northwalshamcats.co.uk
for a description of the cats before giving her a call. A Pub Quiz was a new venture
for us this year and we welcome new ideas and new volunteers to help with fundraising. The
ladies from Animal Crackers have again provided us with food parcels for the cats. Food
parcels have also been received from Betty and Nora at Cromer. Donations from new owners,
together with items donated by our supporters as prizes or for sale as bric-a-brac, have
all helped to cover our bills for food, cat litter and veterinary care. We would
like to thank everyone who helped us during 2004 for their support and hope they will
continue to support the cats during 2005. We wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and a
Prosperous New Year. Many Thanks, Christine and Olive |
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