Preparing wild birds for winter

Cold temperatures, unforgiving storms and little food make the winter the harshest season for wild birds. Feeding the birds is relatively easy, though. And it doesn’t take a big investment to get started. Whatever you do, ensure the food offerings you present are free of dirt and debris as dust can damage a bird’s respiratory system.
 
Your birds are safe with Haith's bird food, however. All of Haith's bird foods are super-clean and blended with great care to help wildlife thrive.
 
There are three main ways that you can do to help the wild birds survive the harshest of winters.
 
Food



Providing the best winter food for your feeders is essential. We recommend High-Energy Extra with Dried Mealwrms as it's packed with extra energy, which can be invaluable when temperatures plummet in a cold snap. It has added calcium for healthier garden birds and contains high-protein  Peanut Granules and oil-rich sunflower seeds.



Water



Water means life for all animals Birds need to drink regularly whether it’s hot or cold. Indeed even in the depths of an extremely cold winter, they must bathe to maintain their plumage. Birds, especially small ones, need to drink at least twice a day and being able to rely on water that we can supply, makes a big difference.
 
To help prevent a bird bath from freezing over this winter, try a tennis ball, cork or ping-pong ball placed in unfrozen water – these can help to prevent water freezing over as they’ll move in the wind and agitate the surface of the water.
 
Shelter




Winter is a challenging time for wild birds finding a snug place to sleep on a cold winter’s night, for more protection, why not help them to become comfortable and secure. Evergreen trees and shrubs are a good natural insulation but also bird boxes and bird nesters and nesting material are essential to protect birds from zero temperatures and driving winds. They’ll provide shelter in winter and a place to breed in spring. Always place the nest boxes out of the way of northern winds or heavy snowfall and rainstorms.
 
By providing these basic needs for wild birds as seasons change, it will be easy to attract birds into your garden and enjoy their company throughout the year.