Winter Help for Wildlife
In winter wild creatures need our help to survive, especially with the destruction of their natural habitats by back garden developments, smaller and tidier gardens, more hazardous roads etc. Even hedgehogs are now an endangered species. They are nocturnal, so if you see one in the day, it is probably in need of care. Hedgehogs often have late litters but if the babies don’t weigh 600 grams by September, they’re unlikely to survive hibernation. But don’t make the kindly mistake of putting out bread and milk for hedgehogs - they cannot digest the lactose found in cow’s milk.
Wild birds need to eat up to half their bodyweight daily in order to survive. Foods with a high fat content such as suet or cheese help them keep warm. Birds also need help at this time of year with nesting / roosting materials. If you’ve a dog, empty its grooming brush outside. Birds need to dig deeper for food and have no natural cover from predators in trees and shrubs, so consider putting a bell on your cat. Foxes often find food in bin bags but are prone to mange and skin diseases. A winter fox should have a thick coat and is mainly nocturnal. If you see a thin fox in the day, it may need help.
For advice or practical help in caring for wildlife, or if you have any queries about other animals, fish or birds, contact Councillor Jackie Hawthorn at:
Jackie.hawthorn@birmingham.gov.uk (phone 303-4204)
or
Jenny Hawthorn at: Jenny.hawthorn@blueyonder.co.uk
