feeding foxes

[amplexus]

Am I doing the right thing by adding left over bread soaked in water to dog food mixer to feed the foxes outside my house. I also add cat food leftovers for added smell and UMPH) !

[Words]

The general rule I apply is very small amounts (I usually just leave a handful of sultanas out). Bread is fine, but don't over-feed them. They are excellent hunters and should be encouraged to do what comes naturally. Cat food will attract cats (!) which may be a problem for the foxes, especially younger ones who are likely to come of worse in scrap. But in small amounts I can't imagine it would be a problem. Enjoy watching them!

[amplexus]

Thanks very much for advice. I only put bread out when I have some, and put a basin full of dry dog food out each night. I seem to be attracting up to 3 foxes which seem to take it in turn to eat. I have noticed now ( been feeding since Jan) that a fox will come and eat some and leave the rest or come back to snack. They commence feeding usually within an hour of my putting it out. They live across on my neighbours land we think. Maybe I am thinking they are altruistic and leaving some for their mates !! They are unfazed by us and on one occassion my husband opened the front door and found one staring at him. He went to get a camera and took a flash photo and it continued eating. Last week my eldery mum was watching and as an experiment I put the outside light on for her. No response at all from the dining fox ! These are only 15 foot from the front door.
During the time of Springwatch we got a "double whammy "as the large window next to our TV, which has views over a valley, produced on occassion a family of 5 cubs and mum for us to watch. I got a cheap scope from Aldi and what a joy it was ! Kate and Bill were outdone several times.
I was bit concerend to about cats as you say and thanks for advice on that
issue.
I did wonder about putting cheap tinned dog food out but from what you are saying dry would be better.
Thanks again.

[wildliferescuer]

Foxes will eat a wide variety of foods so yes, what you are giving them is fine except that bread does not have a lot of goodness in it. It fills them up without providing much in the way of vitamins & minerals.
Bread is fed to a lot of animals, birds in particular & can cause major problems if fed in large quantities. We have dealt with ducks that have died through being fed a lot of bread as it makes them feel full & they therefore don't go looking for other types of food.
Foxes will eat any leftovers you have from your meals plus pet food too.

[galanthus]

At a west wales b and b they feed foxes and badgers every night. They readily eat the scraps left from residents' breakfast and dinner, including fruit.

[amplexus]

Yes thanks I will not overdo the bread, just as a mixer when I have some. I pre soak it.
As a matter of interest I live in West Wales and may have previously stayed at one of these B & B's. The owner was kinder to the animals than their guests and issued an exact number of slices of Tesco value bread to guests out of the packet so you had no doubt of your own value........... I still chuckle when I remember this.