Pet themes 2009
Winter paradise for wild birds
Bird lovers are once again in demand when the colder months begin and robins, sparrows and other wild birds don’t have it easy. Our hungry feathered friends often search in vain for enough food to replenish their fat reserves and make it through the winter. Start winter feeding early, before frost and snow, so that wild birds have enough time to find these food havens.
It is important to offer food regularly and long enough until nature can provide food sources and birds are self-sufficient again. There is a wide range of ways to feed wild birds in winter. Fat balls and seed bells are popular and peanut dispensers are also easy to hang up. If you want to offer wild birds even more comfort, choose a fixed, mounted feeder. Nowadays, alongside the traditional wooden bird tables, your can also choose from a variety of colourful models with unique designs. Some bird species like the free-hanging variation – seed feeders that spin around for fun. Other feathered visitors prefer to eat from a silo feeder on the ground. Energy blocks are another option. You can find a wide range of feeders at your local Maxi Zoo store, where staff are happy to help advise you on the different alternatives.
In all “bird restaurants”, food should stay dry and the feeding surface needs to be cleaned regularly to avoid disease. Provide a balanced mix of food, as tastes vary – from seed eaters to omnivores (fats, dried fruits and insects). Leftover food, baked goods, pure fat or seasoned food are taboo. Feathered friends also need to be safe at the “dinner table” – feeders should be mounted away from predators such as cats, mice and pigeons (smooth posts, height and distance from trees).
The same goes for bird baths and drinking bowls (water should not freeze and be changed regularly!). These are also a help for birds as soon as the temperature sinks below zero. In this way, animal lovers can give their feathered friends some water fun too. Finches and other birds love this and it also provides a great opportunity for children to observe native birds in their winter play from up close.
