Old nest in box - what to do now? Littlehampton

[Anty Patty]

Sadly I missed my robins fledging and flying - I now have an empty nest box - should I clear and clean it out now or leave till end of summer and see another pair adopt it? Your advice please

[rossy]

hello anty patty, id leave the nest as it is , as they may use the nest again for a 2nd clutch, rossy

[Elizabeth B]

According to the RSPB:

Nestboxes can be cleared out only between August and January (any infertile eggs remaining must be destroyed). It is also essential to ensure nests are not destroyed when hedge trimming or tree felling in the breeding season.

[Anty Patty]

Thanks Rossy and Elizabeth B - will check out if any unhatched eggs and dispose of. I'm hoping a pair will take up the nest again!

[Anty Patty]

I've checked the nest and found an old egg - opened it outside - boy did it pong!!

Also found seeds in nest - shelled sunflower seeds etc.(they feature in the mix in my feeders) Do robins make a food cache in the nest for times of bad weather etc.?

[Anty Patty]

I've checked the nest and found an old egg - opened it outside - boy did it pong!! light green creamy liquid - unfertilised egg.

Also found seeds in nest - shelled sunflower seeds etc.(they feature in the mix in my feeders) Do robins make a food cache in the nest for times of bad weather etc.?

[rossy]

ok anty patty dont know if robins make a stash with food, but plenty of other birds do. and know what you mean of stale eggs , found 1 when i was a kid down by the river,and put it in me parker pocket, you can guess the rest , endid up throwing me parker after as it made me sick, hope your robins have a 2nd clutch, rossy.

[Anty Patty]

Thanks Rossy.
At least is hasn't put you off our feathered friends!