The old man dose this because he is wanting to treat them as his guests. If I am not mistaking, one of the animals were badly wounded, so they had to get treated. The they meet the old man who took them in and fed and treates them. humanly. the old man loves animals and is genuinely worried about them. He feeds them well and puts the food on the table so they can all eat together. This is what I think happens, it has been a long time since I read the book for myself. I hooe this helps a bit.