In the winter months, natural food sources dwindle and birds can struggle to survive. Here’s what you need to know about feeding robins and attracting them to your garden.
During the winter months, natural food sources for wildlife become scarce and birds can struggle to find sufficient nutrients to survive. If you’re keen to assist birds and other creatures, it’s a brilliant idea to provide some food for them.
However, knowing what to offer can be challenging. By researching their preferences, you can ensure that you’re not only keeping them healthy but also making your garden a favourite spot for them.
If you put out the right food, birds will keep coming back, bringing a touch of vitality to your garden in winter.
According to the Woodland Trust, robins are fond of insects and worms, which is why you might spot them rummaging in the garden. However, in winter, these are harder to find, so it’s sensible to supply some.
The Trust states that robins “particularly enjoy” mealworms – either fresh or dried, so these are an excellent choice to offer.
If you opt for dried mealworms, you can hydrate them in water to provide birds with a source of fresh water as well, reports the Express.
If you don’t supply them with mealworms, they also have a taste for nuts, seeds and suet.
Fresh fruit or vegetables and sunflower hearts are also a good shout.
The Trust recommends against giving them bread, as although it does satiate them, it doesn’t provide any of the nutrients they need to stay robust through the winter.
Just ensure that any food you lay out remains fresh.
If there are leftovers at the end of the day, make sure you remove them so birds don’t consume them and potentially fall ill.
To entice robins, it’s advisable to utilise a bird table or ground feeder, as they’re less inclined to use a hanging feeder. Just ensure it’s situated in a sheltered spot so that the food doesn’t become damp.
If food does get wet, it can swiftly turn mouldy, and this can make robins ill.
