Feeding Britain’s Wildlife Guests - From Hedgehogs to Swans
Britain’s gardens, parks, and waterways are home to some truly charming wild visitors - and it’s not just birds that benefit from a bit of extra help.
Hedgehogs, squirrels, badgers, swans, and ducks all appreciate a safe, nutritious snack, especially when natural food is scarce. Choosing the right food - and feeding it in the right way - can make a real difference to their health and wellbeing. Haith’s, with decades of experience producing clean, high-quality wildlife food, offers plenty of products that are perfect for these species.
Hedgehogs
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What to feed
- Specialist Hedgehog Food - Haith’s Hedgehog Food is a balanced, crunchy mix containing meat and cereal ingredients to mimic their natural diet and provide essential energy.
- Dried mealworms (in moderation) - A tasty occasional treat, but always offer alongside a balanced food to avoid nutritional imbalances.
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What to avoid
- No bread or milk - These can cause serious digestive upset.
- No salty or sugary snacks - Human food is not suitable.
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Feeding tips
- Put food out at dusk, ideally in a shallow dish.
- Place it in a quiet, sheltered spot to reduce disturbance.
- A shallow dish of fresh water is vital -hedgehogs can easily become dehydrated.
Squirrels
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What to feed
- Monkey Nuts (peanuts in shells) - Haith’s Aflatoxin-Tested Peanuts are safe and ideal for squirrels, either whole or still in their shells for extra enrichment.
- Specialist Squirrel Food - A mix of maize, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and other high-energy ingredients designed for their needs.
- Sunflower seeds - Black sunflower or sunflower hearts are also a firm favourite.
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Feeding tips
- Use squirrel feeders - these are robust boxes with a lifting lid, keeping food dry and giving squirrels a fun challenge.
- Avoid overfeeding - too much can deter them from foraging naturally.
Badgers
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What to feed
- Specialist Badger Food - Haith’s Badger Food contains peanuts, groats and wheat.
- Chopped fruit and vegetables - Apples, pears, and carrots are good additions.
- Unsalted peanuts - Provide protein and healthy fats, but keep portions modest.
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Feeding tips
- Feed at ground level, ideally in the same safe, quiet spot each night.
- Keep water nearby, especially in dry weather.
- Offer small portions to prevent waste and avoid attracting pests.
Swans
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What to feed
- Swan and Duck Food - Haith’s Swan & Duck Food is specially formulated with
- Fresh leafy greens - Chopped lettuce or spinach can be a healthy bonus.
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What to avoid
- No bread - Bread can cause malnutrition and pollute waterways.
- No processed food - Crisps, biscuits, and human leftovers are unsuitable.
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Feeding tips
- Throw small handfuls onto the water’s surface rather than piling food on the bank.
- Avoid feeding in areas with heavy boat traffic or predators.
Ducks
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What to feed
- Swan and Duck Food - A mixture of grains and cereals.
- Grain mixes - Suitable for waterfowl feeding from the shore.
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Feeding tips
- Feed little and often - overfeeding encourages crowding and disease spread.
- Keep an eye out for signs of illness; avoid feeding if there’s an outbreak of avian disease locally.
General Wildlife Feeding Advice
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Keep it clean
Whether you’re leaving food in a hedgehog feeding station or scattering grain for ducks, hygiene is key. Haith’s food is SuperClean™, meaning dust and debris are removed before packing - but your feeders and feeding areas still need regular cleaning to prevent disease.
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Feed responsibly
Wild animals should never become dependent on handouts. Supplement their natural diet rather than replacing it, and always adjust feeding to the season.
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Provide fresh water
All wildlife needs safe drinking water - shallow dishes for hedgehogs, ground-level bowls for badgers, and clean, ice-free ponds or troughs for waterfowl.
Haith’s Wildlife Range at a Glance
Here’s a quick reference for some of Haith’s most popular wildlife products:
The reward of feeding wildlife
