Dorset: Prickly Prickles to release Pea the hedgehog

A hedgehog who was rescued when it was almost the size of a thumb is set to be released.

Chris Legg took Pea into her care in June this year, when it weighed just 18 grams.

The founder of the Dorchester-based Prickly Prickles Hedgehog Rescue spent the first 10 days feeding Pea with a syringe every hour.

But the hedgehog now weighs 720 grams and Mrs Legg will release it by the end of the week.

Pea was found by Mrs Legg's niece at a farm.

"As soon as I saw him I thought this is going to be a big challenge," Mrs Legg said.

She has explained that hedgehogs as small as Pea are not unusual but are vulnerable, have "wafer-thin skin" and require a lot of care.

"I just dedicated all my time to him and got him to where he is today," she said.

"I feel pretty proud I got him through. He puts a huge smile on my face every day."

But she has stressed that hedgehogs are not pets and need to be released.

She is planning to soft release Pea in a pen in her garden before letting it go.

Mrs Legg launched Prickly Prickles Hedgehog Rescue in 2019 and relies on donations.

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