Robins building a nest!

[Gaina]

Today I've watched our little Robin couple feverishly going back and forth with nest materials into a little conifer in my garden . I'm worried because we are forecast a cold snap at the end of the month . I know nature will do its thing and I don't want to interfere but I'd like to know if there's anything I can do in terms of giving them some extra shelter from the elements and what kind of extra food I could put out for them to give the adults the best chance of getting through any snow and frosts we might get, because I realise the young will probably die if they hatch out at this time of year.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

[HARIMAU1610]

When I see the Robin in my garden I cant help myself I usually go out and dig or rake over an area. Go back inside and watch the Robin find bits n bobs......That way im not directly putting out food and all Robins love a freshly dug spot and we both benefit

HaRiMaU

[Gaina]

Originally Posted by HARIMAU1610

When I see the Robin in my garden I cant help myself I usually go out and dig or rake over an area. Go back inside and watch the Robin find bits n bobs......That way im not directly putting out food and all Robins love a freshly dug spot and we both benefit

HaRiMaU

I will do that ....when it stops raining and blowing a hurricane.

[mrs fish]

It is very mild, I have been listening to a great tit to-day calling a mate. I expect if it turns cold the hen robin won't lay.
It does seem unbelievable though nest building jan 9th

[Gaina]

Originally Posted by mrs fish

It is very mild, I have been listening to a great tit to-day calling a mate. I expect if it turns cold the hen robin won't lay.
It does seem unbelievable though nest building jan 9th

Yes I am hoping she won't lay either until the proper time of year. But I do hope they use that tree when they decide the time is right because I'll be able to sit in the porch with my camcorder and capture the activity

[rlchew]

This exceptionally warm winter (albeit grey and wet!) is certainly encouraging spring like activity in my part of the world.

On my local patch I saw Magpies nestbuilding before Christmas, Robins are already engaging in territorial behaviour and the Teal and Shoveler are now displaying.

Good luck with your Robins Gaina. Let's hope for their sake and any other early starters that the weather does not catch them out.

Richard

[werdnal]

Funny you should post this, as I threw out some stale bread and butter (left overs from my son's packed lunch) earlier, and a robin immediately started eating it. As I watched, a second appeared and started begging for food. I assume they are a pair and this is courtship behaviour. Robins are usually early breeders but never seen them quite this early!

They love mealworms, which you can get from pet shops - especially those who supply reptile food. Put them in a high sided dish so they can't escape!

Also fat - make up a lard cake with scraps, raisins and seed and put out if it gets really cold.

[Gaina]

Originally Posted by werdnal

Funny you should post this, as I threw out some stale bread and butter (left overs from my son's packed lunch) earlier, and a robin immediately started eating it. As I watched, a second appeared and started begging for food. I assume they are a pair and this is courtship behaviour. Robins are usually early breeders but never seen them quite this early!

They love mealworms, which you can get from pet shops - especially those who supply reptile food. Put them in a high sided dish so they can't escape!

Also fat - make up a lard cake with scraps, raisins and seed and put out if it gets really cold.

Our robins have a fondness for those fat-filled coconuts you hang from trees - to the extent that Mam puts one next to a particular branch they can perch on .

We only get the dried mealworms cos mum was scared they'd escape...and even then I had to convice her than putting the dry ones in warm water wouldn't revive them! *rofl*

[Garden Carpet]

Originally Posted by Gaina

Our robins have a fondness for those fat-filled coconuts you hang from trees - to the extent that Mam puts one next to a particular branch they can perch on .

We only get the dried mealworms cos mum was scared they'd escape...and even then I had to convice her than putting the dry ones in warm water wouldn't revive them! *rofl*

Bless her!...aren't mums wonderful. I can just see mine doing the same.

On a slightly different tack.. Has anyone tried breeding their own mealworms? This link might prove interesting for those who want to.

Breed your own mealworms - The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

[honeybee]

Originally Posted by werdnal

Funny you should post this, as I threw out some stale bread and butter (left overs from my son's packed lunch) earlier, and a robin immediately started eating it. As I watched, a second appeared and started begging for food. I assume they are a pair and this is courtship behaviour. Robins are usually early breeders but never seen them quite this early!

They love mealworms, which you can get from pet shops - especially those who supply reptile food. Put them in a high sided dish so they can't escape!

Also fat - make up a lard cake with scraps, raisins and seed and put out if it gets really cold.

You might find wigglywigglers.co.uk cheaper for live meal worms. Local pet shop does dried cheap but can't beat ww for live ones.

As for birds looking to make nests I've been noticing a pair of collared doves picking up twigs. Supposed to be one of the mildest jans for a good while i think.