Feeding animals and birds in Dnipro parks during winter: what you can give them and what should be avoided.
In winter, many people want to assist animals and birds in surviving the cold by feeding them. However, not everyone is aware of the proper diet for birds and what foods are prohibited. In the parks and squares of Dnipro, feeding animals and birds is allowed, but there are specific restrictions. This was explained by Anastasia Petrenchuk, the deputy director of the Parks and Recreation Department of the Dnipro City Council, as reported by "Vidomo".
According to her, one should never give bread, flour, moldy products, snacks, or chips from the supermarket.
"Please leave food for ducks on the shore, do not throw it into the water. Firstly, it clutters the lake's surface. Secondly, decaying food in the water attracts rats and mice, creating unsanitary conditions," Anastasia Petrenchuk noted.
It's best to feed birds with grain mixtures (corn, wheat, millet, barley, oats, grain by-products, crushed beans, peas); boiled crushed eggs with shells; fresh and cooked berries, or pieces of fruits. Additionally, fresh and cooked finely chopped vegetables (cabbage, potatoes, carrots, beets) are suitable.
Taras Shevchenko Park is traditionally a very popular spot for feeding squirrels.
"City dwellers love to come here with their families to feed the squirrels together. Feeding is an opportunity to set a good example for children on responsible and caring attitudes towards animals. However, it is essential to feed them only healthy and appropriate food to avoid causing harm. Squirrels are best fed with treats such as raw sunflower and pumpkin seeds; walnuts; hazelnuts, pine nuts in shells; rose hips or hawthorn; fresh or dried apples and pears; dried fruits (apricots, prunes, raisins, figs, and others)," she added.
One should not feed squirrels chocolate, cookies, chips, salty or sweet snacks, almonds, fast food, rye, mushrooms, or products containing preservatives, colorants, or flavorings," Anastasia Petrenchuk added.