‘Living on the Wild Side’ - Part I Words by Lisa Walters RVN of Chapel Vets
E
very year thousands of wildlife casualties are taken to rescue centres or veterinary practices for treatment, some of which have to be euthanised or cannot be released again due to their injuries. Wild casualties may be of a similar structure to companion or domestic animals but they demand a completely different strategy in their care and treatment.
BIRD TABLE HYGIENE
When a large number of birds are attracted into an area to feed, the danger of disease increases and most diseases are transmitted by droppings.
• Decrease amount of food available • Put fresh food out daily • Empty and clean bird baths
• Rotate locations of feeders • Clean feeders regularly • When cleaning dampen any waste first to reduce risk of aerosols
HEDGEHOGS
Hedgehogs are nocturnal and if are found outside during the day, might have a problem so do the following:
• Use gardening gloves to collect it up, bring it indoors and put it in a high sided cardboard box with an old towel or fleece in the bottom for the hedgehog to hide under.
• Fill a hot water bottle so that when it is wrapped in a towel there is a nice gentle heat coming through and put that in the bottom of the box with the hedgehog, ensuring it has room to get off the bottle and making sure the bottle is kept warm
• Put the box somewhere quiet. • Offer meaty cat or dog food and fresh water and call your local wildlife centre for further advice
RABBITS AND HARES
Adult hares are much larger than rabbits and are generally more athletic. They give birth to fully furred young and their eyes are open. Rabbits however give birth underground and are naked and helpless and their eyes and ears are closed. Leverets (baby hares) are often mistaken for baby rabbits and are taken to veterinary practices or rescue centres when they are healthy.
SQUIRRELS
The red squirrel has been native to the UK for thousands of years, whereas the greys were brought here from North America in 1876. Despite common belief, the grey has not been the cause of the decline of the red. Deforestation, habitat loss and disease have decimated the population.
10 | Lifein | February | 01380 734376
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