August is actually the best time to feed robins as a lot of their natural food sources have dried out
Many gardeners tend to put away their bird feeders once the warmer months arrive, yet right now, in August, robins are in particular need of all the help they can get. While robins predominantly forage for insects on the ground, this summer’s prolonged dry spell has forced worms to burrow deeper into the soil in search of moisture.
This makes it virtually impossible for robins to reach them, while other natural food sources, such as berries, are likely to wither and become increasingly scarce due to the lack of rainfall. Late summer represents a critical period for robins — not only must they consume more food to build up reserves ahead of the autumn chill, but they also typically raise several broods throughout their breeding season.
With robins currently expending considerable energy foraging for chicks, protecting their nests and growing new feathers, leaving food out in your garden could significantly improve their chances of survival.
What can you feed robins from your kitchen?
Fortunately, garden wildlife specialists at Home & Roost have revealed a straightforward way to help feed robins, as the birds can actually consume a surprisingly wide range of leftovers that might otherwise end up in your bin.
They said: “There are lots of things in your kitchen that robins will love, and adding these to your feeding routine adds variety, saves money and saves food waste.”
One particularly easy option that robins will relish is soft fruit such as apples, pears, or bananas — though these should be cut into small pieces before being left outside.
Robins have particularly small beaks and are unable to break down food in the way humans can, meaning large chunks of fruit could pose a choking hazard or prove dangerous to their young.
Grated cheddar cheese and chopped grapes are also suitable options, though these should only be offered as an occasional treat due to their high fat and fructose content.
What else should you know about feeding robins?
It is absolutely vital to highlight that bread, cakes and leftover baked goods should never be given to robins, despite being one of the most commonly offered scraps to garden birds.
Many people across the UK assume birds enjoy bread, largely due to its association with feeding ducks, but it fills them up while providing none of the essential nutrients they require to thrive.
Should robins become accustomed to eating bread, their bodies will struggle to accumulate sufficient fat reserves ahead of the colder months, leaving them far more vulnerable once winter sets in.
It is worth noting that while offering food scraps can be beneficial, robins currently require a high intake of protein and fat to build up their energy stores — so investing in proper bird food where possible is strongly advisable.
What bird food should you buy for robins?
Crushed peanuts are a suitable option for robins, though many supermarket varieties contain salt or added flavourings that can be harmful. Bird-friendly peanuts are always the safer choice.
Birds are unable to process salt in the same manner as humans, meaning salty snacks can prove toxic if consumed in sufficient quantities and may place considerable strain on their kidneys.
The ideal food for robins is mealworms, as these mirror their natural diet closely and deliver many of the nutrients required to build up energy reserves ahead of autumn.
They’re also partial to sunflower hearts, nyjer seeds and suet balls — all of which are rich in fat and will help their bodies get ready for the colder months to come.
That said, exercise caution with suet balls, as they have a tendency to melt rapidly in warm conditions. It’s advisable to steer clear of them during warmer periods, as the grease can soil bird feeders and coat the feathers of visiting birds.
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