Feeding wild birds in the winter months

During the colder winter months natural sources of food for wild birds are harder to find. That’s why it’s so important to help out our feathered friends by supplementing their forage feeding and topping up our garden feeders.

An offering of seeds, suet and nuts will provide hungry birds with a high energy source to see them through the winter. Gladwells Pet & Country Stores offer a wide range of wild bird food as well as hanging feeders. So you won’t have to look anywhere else to find everything you need for Autumn & Winter. 

There are so many different varieties of garden birds. The most common found in the United Kingdom include House Sparrows, Starlings, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Blackbirds and Robins. Each bird will have their own favourite foods so it’s important to include a variety of options in your garden to keep every little visitor happy.

How can you get your garden ready for winter?

The Copdock Mill Wheat Free Wild Bird Mix is a great option for attracting birds such as Robins, Blackbirds, Tits, Finches, Sparrows, Thrushes and Siskins. The fine seed mix formulated without wheat deters larger birds such as pigeons from feeders.

It is vital to keep your feeding stations clean and hygienic for birds. Hanging feeders, tables and bird baths should be washed regularly with warm soapy water or veterinary disinfectant. Make sure feeders are rinsed thoroughly and air dried completely before refilling with fresh feed. Dirty feeders can harbour harmful bacteria and any old food should be disposed of before topping up feeders to remove any mould that could build up in damp environments like an unused feeder. Need a new feed station this year? You can order one here!

Peanuts in any form are a fantastic source of protein for wild birds. Gladwells Pet & Country Store stocks only tested and approved quality peanuts to provide birds with plenty of energy. Sunflower seeds are also available and another great high protein option.

Birds also need fresh water to balance their diet of foraged food. Remember to provide a fresh source of water alongside feed and in the particularly cold months watch out for freezing temperatures.

Copdock Mill Suet Pellets are a fantastic addition to seed mixes during winter. Made from 100% natural ingredients and 100% human grade beef suet, these suet pellets are a premium supplementary feed at an affordable price.

Find your local Gladwells branch today or shop online with us at www.gladwellspet.co.uk for quality bird feed this winter.