A plea has gone out to households from the Pembrokeshire Hogspital to keep feeding the animals as they won’t be going into their hibernation period just yet.

The non-profit making Hogspital located at Sutton West Farm, in Haverfordwest rescues and rehabilitates sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs, returning them to the wild in most cases.

Hedgehogs won’t be hibernating just yet so it’s important to keep feeding them and providing fresh water.

Offer meaty cat or dog food and cat biscuits. Never feed hedgehogs milk as it can cause diarrhoea - instead provide plain fresh water in a shallow bowl.

They will need as much as they can find to start fattening up for when they go into hibernation.

Hedgehogs usually hibernate between November and mid-March and they must have enough fat reserves to survive hibernation.

Juvenile hedgehogs weighing less than 500gms during late autumn will need help to survive the winter. Young hedgehogs found weighing under 300gms may not yet be weaned and may be orphaned if found on their own especially out in the open during the day.

Hedgehogs are sick if they are out in the day in the normal way. If you find a sick hedgehog or one you are worried about for any reason, first, pick it up and put it in a high sided box, cover it with scrunched up newspaper and take it indoors. Keep it warm.

Young underweight hoglets will need specialist care. You can contact Ginny at Pembrokeshire Hogspital on 07974681659 or check out their Facebook page

To donate food for the Pembrokeshire Hogspital local drop off points can be found at:

Narberth - Burns Pet Shop; Tenby/Saundersfoot - Penny Brace, 1, Hawthorn Close, Pentlepoir, SA69 9BZ (collection can be arranged by calling 01834 811515).

If you would like to donate financially - by cheque made payable to ’Pembrokeshire Hogspital’ and send to Sutton Farm, Portfield Gate, Haverfordwest SA62 3LQ.

Alternatively you can donate by electronic transfer to the hedgehogs’ bank account (sort code 535030 acc. no 52070999 acc name Pembrokeshire Hogspital).

Plus remember at this time of year, hedgehogs and other hibernating creatures might mistake your unlit bonfire for a cosy pile to sleep - so make sure to check for any unexpected lodgers before lighting any fires this Bonfire Night.