How to Prepare Your Yard for Winter

As the crisp Kansas fall gives way to colder winter days, now is the time to get your yard ready to support our local feathered friends. At Wild Birds Unlimited in Wichita, we’ve got everything you need to help birds survive and thrive during the winter months. Here’s how you can prepare your space and make a difference for the birds in your neighborhood.

Take Stock of Feeders

Winter birds need high-calorie foods to keep warm, especially during those frigid Wichita nights. Use this time to clean, repair, and inspect your feeders—replace any that are beyond repair.

Pro Tip: Use warm, soapy water to clean feeders, followed by a 10% bleach solution to sanitize. Or, simplify your routine with a WBU EcoClean™ Feeder! These feeders are easy to clean and feature special technology that prevents mold, bacteria, and other microbes from growing—no bleach needed! Plus, this protection won’t wear away, making it perfect for long winters.

Provide Shelter from the Kansas Wind

Winter winds strip heat from birds quickly, leaving them vulnerable. Birds will seek cover in dense shrubs, natural cavities, or roosting boxes to stay warm and dry. Installing a roosting box in your yard gives birds a cozy spot to weather those cold winter nights. Add some native shrubs or evergreen plants to create natural shelter and offer additional protection from the elements.

Offer Water

Even during Wichita’s coldest days, birds need water to maintain their feathers for proper insulation. A heated bird bath or a heater for your existing bird bath ensures birds have access to water when natural sources freeze. If you have a concrete bath, swap in a plastic dish with a heater to avoid cracks and damage during freezing weather.

With a little preparation, you can create a warm, welcoming haven for your feathered friends this winter. Stop by Wild Birds Unlimited in Wichita to find everything you need—from EcoClean™ feeders to heated bird baths and roosting boxes. Let’s help our local birds make it through the winter together!