Robins starting to nest

[Madaxeman]

Hi - I have noticed a robin has started to build a nest between my dropsaw and a belt sander in my shed. This is not a problem but the shed is attached to the house and there is a tumble dryer in there which is used regulary.

I feel quite privelidged(?) that they have chosen my shed and would like to leave them where they are, however, don't want to scare them off once they have laid eggs. Is it better to move the nest now or do you think they will be ok ?

Cheers
Mad

[RoyW]

I would suggest that if you will be able to avoid using the equipment they are nesting between until they have fledged their young, then you are probably safe to leave them to it.
Moving the nest is not really an option - it is highly unlikely that they will accept a nest that has been moved while they are building it (they may even rebuild in the original spot!). If you are worried about causing them to abandon eggs or young then perhaps you could try going in and out of the shed, and using the dryer, more often than usual while they are still building - if they are not happy with the disturbance then they will abandon the nest site before they lay eggs, and build again nearby. If they continue with the nesting attempt dispite the increased disturbance then they are unlikely to be put off by the reduced 'normal' disturbance once they have invested in laying a clutch of eggs (best to avoid any excessive disturbance such as 'sticking your nose in the nest' though!).

Roy.

PS. Generally I would say that any disturbance of all nesting birds is a bad thing - but Robins are generally accepting of humans and if they chose to nest in your house there is not always much you can do to avoid it!

[Madaxeman]

Thanks Roy,

I really don't use them tools much at all and is a good excuse to dodge DIY that the wife wants doing

How long do they generally take to grow and leave the nest? I want to make sure nothing disturbs them...

[RoyW]

About two weeks for the eggs to hatch after the clutch is laid, then two-three weeks before they fledge.
It's probably best to try and stay clear when they are near to fledging because young birds can sometimes be spooked into leaving the nest too early.

If they do stay and rear young - then I'm sure some people would enjoy reading updates about how they are doing.

[Madaxeman]

if they decide to stay then I will defo post updates, however, I haven't seen him recently

[Madaxeman]

Hi Again,

I have been keeping an eye on the Robin's nest and there are 2 little eggs in the nest but i'm afraid there is no sign of Robin.

Is there anything i can do or is it jusy wait and see?

[Mungo]

I would just let nature take it's course.

[RoyW]

This may not be a problem. Most small birds lay one egg every one or two days until the clutch is complete but do not really start incubating until all of the eggs have been laid. The eggs will all need the same amount of incubation time to develop, so by doing this they ensure that all of the chicks will hatch at around the same time. During the early stages the embryos seem to be able to withstand a larger degree of chilling than they would do later in the incubation period.

If the clutch is completed try and stay away from the nest as much as possible, and remember that while you are nearby the parents are likely to stay away - this could result in eggs or small young being affected by cold.

Roy.

[daffy66]

not always true roy.we had one build its nest in the drawer of our crypton tuner at work. came in after the easter break and there she was sat on the nest.while she was incubating she would more than be happy to be pushed up and down the garage while it was being used. they raised 5 chicks in total.used to get in through a broken window.this year weve got them nesting behind the battery of a scrap transit van that we use as a shed again with 5 eggs.

john

[RoyW]

Yes, some birds (not only Robins) will carry on regardless!

As a rule it's got to be better to play it safe though and stay away as much as possible. It doesn't sound like you had that option at work though - good to hear that the Robins did OK!

Roy.