Just a little light relief

Sylvia · Post by **Sylvia** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 12:26 pm

These are such worrying times, and I am not belittling the situation in any way, but I thought you might like to hear what happened here yesterday evening. I took the dogs for a walk as usual and Ben, one of our Border collies who is so enthusiastic about carry things that I wonder if there is a touch of Retriever in his dim and distant past, disappeared into the undergrowth for some time and finally came trotting down the farm track with something brown and circular in his mouth. It took me a moment or two to realise it was an adult hedgehog. He dropped it at my feet when told to, looking immensely pleased with himself. I moved it gently off the track and waited to see if it would unwind but it wasn't taking any chances. It had gone this morning though. I had a good look round Ben's mouth and it appears to be OK. So no harm done. I wait with trepidation to find out what he will pick up to top that.

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 1:34 pm

Have you found the fleas yet?

Duncan

Sylvia · Post by **Sylvia** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 1:52 pm

What? Welsh hedgehogs have fleas? They are a chippy lot down here and I bet they won't like that. I'll have a close look later on.

Broomcroft · Post by **Broomcroft** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 3:13 pm

We found a hedgehog the other day in our garden. I haven't seen one for years.

stew · Post by **stew** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 8:08 am

dirty flea riddled egg eaters

Issy · Post by **Issy** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 9:37 am

When I was a child our spaniel brought my mum an adder!!!!
He must have known something we didn't as it didn't bite him but he was really crestfallen when no one wanted it :D .

Sylvia · Post by **Sylvia** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 11:34 am

Stew, is that me, Ben or the hedgehog? Let's see now, I wonder what ecological award we can put you foward for? :D

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 12:34 pm

Sylvia, when in a hole do not keep digging. I have no idea of your dietary habits, but I am certain that the hedgehog would have fleas, so your dog will have hedgehog fleas, and being a caring owner you are almost certain to have welcomed your dog home. Never mind, have an omelette for lunch.

Fortunately I don't think hedgehog fleas are too keen on dogs or humans, but we find that if our dogs have been at a hedgehog they always have some running up and down their faces, but they don't seem to create a persistent infestation. One of our Cairn terriers has perfected a method of unrolling a hedgehog and is lethal with them. We have to watch when he is out and do a very quick rescue if he finds one.

The other fact which no one will wish to be reminded of this week is that hedgehogs are FMD susceptible, as are elephants.

Duncan :D

Issy · Post by **Issy** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 12:39 pm

Anyone know of any reliable fencing to keep out elephants? :D :D :D

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 1:37 pm

Practically nothing will stop them, but they will not cross a trunk road.

Duncan

Sylvia · Post by **Sylvia** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 4:04 pm

Scrambled egg on toast for lunch before I read your comments, Duncan.

And I expect you all noticed that the monks who where so keen to save their poor diseased bullock also have an elephant on their premises. I dread to think what our peace loving friends would do if that were threatened.

stew · Post by **stew** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 9:19 pm

the hedgehog is terrible for taking groundlaying birds eggs so is the badger
i know id rather see a covey of wild english partridge or lapwing than a rotten hedgehog or a smelly badger

Jo Kemp · Post by **Jo Kemp** » Tue Aug 07, 2007 12:38 am

No One brought up on Alison Uttley's books could dislike hedgehogs .... remember Fuzzipeg? We need some of everything but not too many of anything ... wonder if that includes humans?
We have fewer Hedgepigs owing to too many dratted badgers!
Jo