Helping Wildlife Through Winter
Winter brings stunning snowy landscapes, but it also brings challenges for wildlife, especially as temperatures drop and snow covers food sources. Wild birds, hedgehogs, and squirrels often struggle to find food and shelter during this harsh season. By making a few small changes, you can support these animals and help them thrive.
Feeding Wild Birds
Cold weather increases birds’ energy needs as they work to stay warm. Providing high-energy food can be a lifeline for our feathered friends.
- High-Fat Foods: Suet cakes and fat balls are rich in calories and easy for birds to consume.
- Seeds and Nuts: Sunflower seeds and unsalted peanuts are excellent sources of energy.
- Fresh Water: Keep a water source available and unfrozen for drinking and bathing.
💡 Pro Tip: Sprinkle chilli powder on bird food to deter squirrels—birds are unaffected by the spice, but squirrels will avoid it.
Supporting Squirrels
Squirrels don’t hibernate but reduce activity during colder months, which can make food scarce.
- Food Supply: Offer unsalted nuts like hazelnuts, walnuts, and almonds.
- Fresh Water: Ensure they have access to clean, unfrozen water.
- Provide Shelter: Install squirrel nesting boxes or leave natural debris for warmth and protection.
Caring for Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs hibernate in winter but may wake during warmer spells or if they haven’t built enough fat reserves. Here’s how to help:
- Provide Shelter: Create hedgehog houses or leave piles of leaves in quiet areas of your garden.
- Offer Food: Leave out cat food or specially designed hedgehog food to support them.
- Avoid Disturbance: If you find a hibernating hedgehog, leave it undisturbed to prevent harm.
Create a Wildlife-Friendly Garden
Your garden can be a haven for wildlife with a few simple adjustments:
- Leave It Wild: Allow some areas to remain untidy with leaf piles, unpruned shrubs, and tall grass to provide natural shelter.
- Avoid Turning Compost: Compost heaps can serve as winter homes for many creatures; leave them undisturbed.
Avoid Common Dangers
While helping wildlife, be mindful of potential hazards:
- Unsecured Food: Ensure bird feed is protected from pests like rats and foxes.
- Frozen Water: Regularly check water sources to prevent freezing.
At Smith’s Pets, we have everything you need to support wildlife this winter, including bird feeders, seeds, fat balls, nesting materials for birds and small mammals, and squirrel-proof feeders and shelters. By creating a welcoming space in your garden, you can help local wildlife stay safe, healthy, and happy throughout the cold months. Together, we can ensure our wild neighbors survive and thrive this winter.