single parent baby robins

[arnandjo]

Could anyone tell me if it's possible for baby robins to survive with only one parent? Last year we watched five babies successfully fledge and were amazed at the level of food searching and feeding necessary from the two parents.However, this time, although we can see four babies, there seems to be only one robin flying back and forth, and less frequently.If one parent has disappeared is it still possible the babies will survive and can we help in any way?

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by arnandjo

Could anyone tell me if it's possible for baby robins to survive with only one parent? Last year we watched five babies successfully fledge and were amazed at the level of food searching and feeding necessary from the two parents.However, this time, although we can see four babies, there seems to be only one robin flying back and forth, and less frequently.If one parent has disappeared is it still possible the babies will survive and can we help in any way?

He's probably down the pub watching the football.

Seriously, really the only thing that you might do is put a stock of robin-type food (beetles, suet pellets) quite close to the nest so that the solitary parent doesn't have to fly so far. Make sure that it's out of the way of cats and other pests, of course.

[AshLee]

Originally Posted by arnandjo

Could anyone tell me if it's possible for baby robins to survive with only one parent? Last year we watched five babies successfully fledge and were amazed at the level of food searching and feeding necessary from the two parents.However, this time, although we can see four babies, there seems to be only one robin flying back and forth, and less frequently.If one parent has disappeared is it still possible the babies will survive and can we help in any way?

Yes it's definitely for them to survive. The robin in my garden was from a single-parent family. A some point in "his" upbringing "his" parent had to resort to fast-food takeaways (sunflower seeds from my feeder ) but this robin grew up fine, and went on to have a family of his own.

[arnandjo]

Pub theory might be right as second parent seems to have returned suddenly and not doing much! Clearly feels he's giving support of course.Thank you for all food advice too.