UK households are urged to provide food for robins in their gardens this January to ensure they have enough sustenance during the colder months. Robins are active year-round and rely on live insects and worms for their diet, which can be scarce in winter. Providing alternative food sources like berries, apples, raisins, and a special mix of birdseed, sunflower hearts, and dried mealworms can help them survive the cold.
UK households are being encouraged to feed robins in their gardens this January to ensure the birds have access to food during the colder months. Unlike some species, the red-breasted birds do not hibernate in winter and instead move around in response to changing weather and food availability. With their usual diet of live insects and worms potentially harder to find or frozen over, it is crucial that gardeners provide them with alternative sources of food.
Robins naturally feed on the ground, so placing food on ground feeding trays or bird tables is an ideal solution. Gardening Know How advises: 'Setting up food stations benefits robins as well as any other birds that stay during the cold season. Food is more important right now than anything else for robins, as it helps fuel their metabolism and keep them warm while building fat storage. 'Robins will feed on any berries that remain on bushes and vines. When they can get them, robins will snack on insects and worms. Standard bird seed does not seem to attract them, as these birds prefer a varietal diet of live insects and fruit. Placing fruit outdoors will help sustain robins but may attract other animals. Put any offerings up high where only the birds can access the snacks.' The site continues: 'Outside of providing fruit and nesting space, keep fresh, unfrozen water available. They like to bathe frequently. In extreme cold, there are heated units to put in the birdbath. The water will remain liquid and at a temperature that delights the birds.' The Woodland Trust suggests offering robins a blend of bird seed, sunflower hearts, and dried mealworms mixed with water, as it provides valuable moisture with their food, reports the Express. They are particularly fond of fruits such as berries, sliced apples, and raisins, which you should place higher up, like on a bird table, to deter other animals while attracting birds. If using a bird table, it's vital to routinely clean and move it to prevent contamination build-up, which can lead to Trichomonosis, a disease impacting birds' upper digestive tract that is transmitted via saliva from infected birds and can be caught from contaminated food sources. If the food become wet, it must be discarded due to the risk of mould and bacteria, which can make birds ill. A covered bird table is also advised for keeping food dry and safeguarding smaller birds, including robins, from predators. Lucy Taylor, a bird expert at Vine House Farm, has issued a warning saying: 'Providing garden birds with food on bird tables, ground trays and other small and confined flat surfaces, does carry a particular risk to the health of birds because of the increased chance of disease transmission. 'This is because the disease Trichomonosis – which especially affects Greenfinches and Chaffinches – can more easily be transmitted when an infected bird drops food onto the flat surface, which another bird then picks up. 'The other main problem is bacteria from decaying food and waste from seed husks which builds up on a flat surface, potentially leading to Salmonella – which again can be fatal to birds.
Robins Birds Wildlife Winter Gardening Bird Feeding Trichomonosis Salmonella
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
London's January Foodie Guide: Veganuary, Dry January & MoreThis article explores the best food and drink spots in London for January, catering to Veganuary participants, those embracing Dry January, and anyone looking for a delicious deal. It highlights eateries like KIN, Claro, Nipotina, and offers tips on navigating the month's special promotions and events.
Read more »
Weekly tarot horoscope reading for January 20 to January 26, 2025This week's forecast for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Libra, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces star signs.
Read more »
Elis James and John Robins: A Year of Podcast FirstsElis James reflects on the first year of the 'Elis James and John Robins' podcast, a groundbreaking format where podcast content is then broadcast on live radio. He highlights new features like the 'Cymru Connection' and the revitalized 'Made Up Games', emphasizing the commitment to delivering top-quality content for their audience.
Read more »
Mark Robins Set for Management Return?Former Manchester United striker Mark Robins is being considered for managerial positions at Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion following his departure from Coventry City.
Read more »
Mark Robins Linked with Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion JobsFormer Coventry City manager Mark Robins is in the running for the managerial positions at Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion.
Read more »
Stoke City Appoint Mark Robins as New ManagerStoke City have secured the services of experienced manager Mark Robins on a three-and-a-half-year deal. Robins will be joined by assistant managers Paul Nevin and James Rowberry, forming a formidable coaching team.
Read more »