Spring Has Sprung… And The Wildlife Has Opinions About Your Pets
- Pickles Pet Pantry Team
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Spring Has Sprung: Wildlife Is Back (And Your Pets Have Definitely Noticed)
Spring in Britain is a bit like someone flicking the “on” switch for wildlife. One minute it’s grey and quiet, the next minute birds are shouting from every hedge, hedgehogs are wandering around like tiny night-time tanks, and your dog has suddenly discovered that everything moves and must be investigated immediately.
While we love seeing nature come back to life, spring is also when wildlife needs a little extra support — and a bit of understanding from curious dogs, cats and their humans.
So here are some fascinating spring wildlife facts, along with a few ways you can help your garden become a haven for nature.
British Birds Are Extremely Busy
If your garden suddenly sounds like a wildlife documentary, that’s because birds are deep into nesting season.
A few fun facts:
A pair of blue tits can make up to 500 feeding trips a day when raising chicks.
Robins sing almost year-round, but spring is when they become particularly vocal about their territory.
Blackbirds start singing before sunrise, which explains those early morning garden concerts.
Birds burn huge amounts of energy during nesting season, so providing food can make a real difference.
At Pickles Pet Pantry we stock high-quality bird seed mixes tailored to British garden birds, packed with favourites like sunflower hearts, millet and suet pieces.
Unlike some cheaper mixes, good bird food avoids large quantities of filler grains that many birds simply throw out of feeders (which often explains why the pigeons seem to get the best deal).
Hedgehogs Are Waking Up Hungry
Hedgehogs usually wake from hibernation around March or April — and after months asleep they’re absolutely starving.
A few hedgehog facts you might not know:
Hedgehogs can travel over a mile in a single night searching for food.
They can squeeze through gaps as small as 13cm.
Britain has lost around half its hedgehog population in the last 20 years.
One of the best things you can do is make your garden hedgehog-friendly.
Simple steps include:
• Leaving a small gap under fences• Providing shallow water• Avoiding slug pellets• Offering safe shelter
We carry hedgehog houses and hedgehog-safe food in store, giving these prickly visitors somewhere safe to sleep during the day.
Think of it as a tiny countryside Airbnb — just with more snuffling and fewer checkout times.
Cats and Wildlife: A Little Management Goes A Long Way
Our feline friends are incredible hunters — it’s built into their instincts. Unfortunately that means spring wildlife can sometimes be at risk.
A few simple steps can help protect wildlife while keeping your cat happy:
Feed cats well before they go outside — a full stomach reduces hunting behaviour.
Use quick-release collars with bells so birds have a warning.
Bring cats indoors at dawn and dusk, when birds and small mammals are most active.
Even small changes can make a big difference to garden wildlife populations.
And if your cat does proudly present you with a “gift”, try not to react too dramatically — from their perspective, they’re simply bringing home dinner.
Gundog Breeds: Built To Notice Birds
If you live with a spaniel, retriever or other gundog breed, you’ll already know that birds are very exciting indeed.
These breeds were originally developed to flush or retrieve birds, which means springtime hedgerows and long grass can trigger all their natural instincts.
That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy wildlife-friendly walks — it just means a little awareness goes a long way.
Tips for spring walks:
Keep dogs under control near nesting areas and hedgerows
Use leads in farmland during lambing season
Reinforce recall training in wildlife-rich areas
The countryside is a shared space, and a well-managed dog helps keep it safe for everyone.
Baby Animals Aren’t Always Abandoned
Spring also means baby animals appearing in surprising places.
You might see:
Leverets (baby hares) sitting alone in fields
Young rabbits exploring burrows
Deer fawns hidden in long grass
These young animals are often left alone while parents forage, so they may look abandoned when they’re not.
If your dog discovers one on a walk, calmly move away and give the animal space. The parent is usually nearby and will return once the area is quiet.
Turning Your Garden Into A Wildlife Haven
You don’t need a huge garden to support wildlife.
A few simple additions can make a big difference:
Even small gardens can attract a surprising variety of wildlife — and they make fantastic entertainment for pets who enjoy a bit of garden “wildlife television”.
Pop In And See Us
If you’d like to support your local wildlife this spring, pop into Pickles Pet Pantry and we’ll happily help you choose the right bird food, hedgehog shelters, or garden-friendly supplies.
And if you’ve spotted any interesting wildlife on your walks lately, we’d love to hear about it.
Just hopefully before your dog or cat tried to chase it.
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