RANGE REVIEW: PET & BIRD CARE
HELP YOUR CUSTOMERS PREPARE THEIR GARDEN FRIENDS FOR WINTER
As we officially enter wintertime in the UK and the temperature inevitably drops, wild birds and animals often need a little help to get through the colder months.
A
s the weather has started
to become
a little chillier and we head into autumn, several of our garden
friends are preparing themselves for hibernation, searching for somewhere safe and warm to shelter and taking on higher-calorie foods to help maintain body fat throughout the cold months. Wildlife experts Vivara, have a vast collection of shelters and specialist food available to help hedgehogs, bats, squirrels and birds stock up on the food they need and find a safe place to shelter until spring.
Feed feathered friends Winter is often a difficult time for birds to find food, as the cold weather freezes the ground making it hard to find natural food sources, so providing a constant supply of food throughout winter is incredibly beneficial. To prepare for the colder nights ahead, birds will need to take on more fat to
keep them energised and strong, so opt for high-energy food such as Vivaras Ultimate Fat Balls or Suet Logs with Insects. Remember to consider that different birds prefer different types of feeders – the blue tit, sparrow and goldfinch prefer hanging or wall-mounted feeders, while ground feeding birds like the robin, blackbird or wren prefer to rummage on flat areas.
Provide food for prickly guests From October to December, hedgehogs need to build up their fat store by eating as much nutritional food as possible before they enter hibernation, however natural food sources are often scarce and the extreme temperatures this year mean it is even more difficult than normal for hedgehogs to find enough food. Putting out specialist food for your prickly friend will help provide them with the nutrient rich food they need to hibernate right through until March. Vivara’s Organic Pate is similar to a hedgehogs natural food and is easy to digest thanks to its moisture rich formulation.
“Alongside its extensive range of wildlife habitats and food, Vivara also has a range of wildlife friendly plants.”
Place the food in a container along the hedgehog’s walking route or in a safe hedgehog feeder.
Install a bat house Bats typically rely on existing nooks and crannies for shelter, but a shortage of natural spaces can make it difficult to find somewhere suitable when they go into hibernation in November to survive the harsh weather conditions that winter brings. Installing a bat box in your garden in autumn will allow the mammals to become familiar with the space before they go into hibernation come winter. Bat boxes made from a thick wood, like the Falkenstein, are perfect for hibernation as the box will remain at a steady internal temperature during cold weather. This house also features an easy entry point and grooved ladder for easy entry.
Help red squirrels stock up If you are lucky enough to live in an area populated by red squirrels, Vivara’s Red Squirrel House is a great way to support this endangered species. Squirrels don’t hibernate throughout winter, however you do tend to see less of them when the weather is colder and wetter. Squirrels will spend more time nesting alone, only venturing out when they require food, so providing a safe space
18 DIY WEEK OCTOBER 2022
to shelter and a regular supply of food will help them get through the
colder months until spring.
The XXL Squirrel feeder teaches squirrels to lift the lid to access their own supply of food. Fill it with Vivara’s
specialist Squirrel Food Nut Mix, which contains a mix of walnuts and hazelnuts, to provide additional variety to their natural food supply.
Alongside its extensive range of wildlife habitats and food, Vivara also has a range of wildlife friendly plants carefully selected to encourage a whole host of insects and wildlife into your gardens.
About Vivara Vivara is a team of passionate experts in garden wildlife who are on a mission to make nature accessible to everyone. They provide ideas and solutions to create more wildlife habitats in a range of settings, from large green spaces to small urban areas. As an international company with presence across Scandinavia, Netherlands, Germany, Poland, France and Belgium, they’re passion for empowering and providing the tools for people to take action for wildlife on their doorstep, is wide- spread. Join them on their journey, and give the nooks and crannies of Britain and beyond, back to wildlife, visit
www.vivara.co.uk for more information.
www.diyweek.net
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