Feeding foxes with leftovers (again)

[chamonix]

You shouldn’t feed any animals.

That goes for other peoples cats you think are hungry, foxes, pigeons, ducks, geese, swans, grey squirrels and even cute parakeets. They’re feral animals and don’t need us to feed them. The only exception I’d say is native song birds because they’re so hard pressed by cats and only inside a squirrel proof feeder.

But as for the fox noise… they congregate where there’s food and are a part of the landscape.

[Suze]

My friend ended up in a&e this week after feeding some squirrels and one bit through her fingernail. Very painful, quite mortifying and she was quite embarrassed about having to go to a&e when they’re so busy… They are wild animals…

[oakr]

The only animal I would possibly add to that list that we should feed (and build shelters for) would be hedgehogs, though I’ve never seen one in SE23 in the 15 or so years we have been here (I think they are around though).

They won’t need feeding now though!

Before we got our cat we had a bird feeder and had all sorts of birds eating from it (it was squirrel proof, though they were clever) - it was fantastic. I’d also add that whilst ducks don’t really need feeding, taking your children to do it can start to build a great relationship with wildlife which has other benefits in later years for all wild animals.

[chamonix]

True I almost added the old hedgehog but like you say sadly no longer really around. And also the issue with feeding hedgehogs is that you’re more than likely feeding the local fox or cat.

I see your point with the kids as long as it’s bird feed and not bread or someone’s left over lunch.