Wildlife

Supplementary Feeding for Wildlife in Winter

Providing food for wildlife during winter can significantly improve welfare outcomes for vulnerable species during periods of food scarcity.

Key Facts

Garden birds benefit significantly from supplementary feeding during cold weather
Hedgehogs can be supported with supplementary food before and during hibernation preparation
Providing supplementary food to deer can reduce starvation in severe winters
Inappropriate foods can cause harm including salt toxicity and digestive problems
Hygiene at feeding stations is important to prevent disease spread among wildlife

Welfare Considerations

Winter food scarcity is a significant welfare challenge for many wild animals, particularly during prolonged cold weather or snow cover. Supplementary feeding can prevent starvation, reduce the energetic cost of foraging, and support body condition maintenance. Appropriate food types, clean feeding stations, and sensitivity to wildlife behaviour are important for maximising welfare benefits while minimising harm.

What You Can Do

Provide appropriate supplementary food for garden birds throughout winter
Ensure feeding stations are cleaned regularly to prevent disease
Offer hedgehog-appropriate food such as wet cat food during autumn
Avoid bread, salt, and other inappropriate foods for wildlife
Join local wildlife feeding and monitoring networks to contribute to population data