Feeding Wildlife During Winter: How You Can Help

Winter can be a tough season for our local wildlife. As temperatures drop and natural food becomes scarce, animals such as birds and foxes struggle to find the nutrition they need to survive. By offering food, water, and safe shelter, you can make a real difference in supporting wildlife through the colder months.

At Chubby Mealworms, we’re passionate about helping you care for the animals that visit your garden. Here are some tips and product recommendations to keep your local wildlife thriving this winter.

Why Feeding Wildlife in Winter Matters

During the warmer months, animals have access to a variety of natural food sources — insects, worms, seeds, fruits, and plants. But in winter, frozen ground, snow, and shorter days make food much harder to find. This can lead to starvation or weakened animals that struggle to survive until spring.

Supplementing their diets with safe, nutritious food is one of the simplest and most effective ways you can help.

Feeding Garden Birds

Birds are among the most frequent winter visitors to our gardens. Providing food helps them maintain energy during the long, cold nights. Offer a variety of foods to attract different species:

• Dried Mealworms – high in protein and energy, a favourite for robins, starlings, and blackbirds.
• Fat Balls and Suet Blocks – excellent for energy reserves.
• Seeds and Peanuts – perfect for finches, tits, and other small birds.

Pro tip: Always provide fresh water, as natural sources may freeze. Check and refresh bird baths daily.

Helping Larger Garden Visitors

Foxes and badgers may also visit your garden. While they are often resourceful, leaving out scraps such as cooked meat, dog food, or fruit can help them through difficult spells of weather. Place food in a consistent spot so they know where to find it, and always offer in moderation.

Make Your Garden Wildlife-Friendly

• Provide fresh, unfrozen water daily.
• Create safe spots with log piles or simple shelters for animals to rest.
• Keep a small area of your garden wild to give insects and small creatures a place to hide.

Shop the Essentials

👉 Browse our full range of feeders to make winter feeding easier, cleaner, and safer for visiting birds.