Robin's nest in my cycle helmet.

[jurtsy]

Hi, I am brand new to this site and forum but I would appreciate some advice. For a week or so every time I go in the shed a robin flies out past me. I tried looking for a nest but there was no sign of one.
Anyway today I went in to get my cycle helmet which is hanging up in there and inside is a nest ingeniously built on an angle and 5 tiny eggs. I immediately and carefully replaced the helmet and I don't think I've scared off the mother permanently.
What I am concerned about is how will the mother eventually get the young birds out of the shed. She has gained access via a tiny gap at the top of the door but the shed is always locked apart from me taking out or replacing my bike.
Also do you reccomend that I leave any food out for the parents and, if so, what?
Thanks in advance.

[FUDGEY]

That is a great wee story. They should manage to get out where the adults come and go. Keep an eye on them when they are about to fledge and if they are out of the nest and cant get out leave the door open for a wee while until they go.

[Littlesparrow]

I had a little giggle at the nest site, I assume the adult birds have found a gap somewhere in your shed to get in and out of. My garden robins enjoy bird seed and insects, they get very excited when I do any digging and come down to see what they can eat.

[solus]

The chicks when they fledge should find their way out (with Mum's help and encouragement) through the same gap she finds her way in and out of.

Meanwhile, buy a new cycle helmet and keep it in the house!

Fresh mealworms will probably be welcome in the garden as a supplement (preferably not dried ones at this time of year as the chicks need the moisture: the adult birds however won't mind either way, nor will the Dunnocks, Blackbirds... ) In any case always try to ensure there is fresh, clean water in the garden for all the birds to drink from and bathe in - doesn't have to be in anything fancy, a plant pot saucer or an old frying pan will do just as well!

[sunnydale]

Welcome to WAB jurtsy and what a lovely story!

Hope all goes well for your family of Robins!

Tracey

[jurtsy]

Many thanks for the replies and advice, I'll keep you all posted about the robins,
Joe

[Wild-Woman]

Great story. Robins use so many places for nests. When I was a youngster at junior school, we had one nest in the back of the piano in the hall. So no singing for us for a few weeks- which was welcome!

[Bobby D]

A most interesting story giving even more insight into the way our feathered friends manage their lives.As others have said, when the time comes mum will soon show them the way out.

[davecatt]

Hi jurtsy Welcome to WAB.
What a great story: that should give them a good head start to their life cycle
Dave

[Chick]

Originally Posted by jurtsy

Hi, I am brand new to this site and forum but I would appreciate some advice. For a week or so every time I go in the shed a robin flies out past me. I tried looking for a nest but there was no sign of one.
Anyway today I went in to get my cycle helmet which is hanging up in there and inside is a nest ingeniously built on an angle and 5 tiny eggs. I immediately and carefully replaced the helmet and I don't think I've scared off the mother permanently.
What I am concerned about is how will the mother eventually get the young birds out of the shed. She has gained access via a tiny gap at the top of the door but the shed is always locked apart from me taking out or replacing my bike.
Also do you reccomend that I leave any food out for the parents and, if so, what?
Thanks in advance.

I have 5 Robin chicks in my shed just had a look at them and they are all sitting on the spokes on the wheel of my bike. I am also concerned about how they will get out. Asking myself should I leave door open a bit? Parents are still feeding them.