I haven't identified what bird has made its nest at my back porch yet, but they've laid four blue eggs in the last week, and I want to help them raise all four as best I can. I live in Lexington, Ky, USA, if that helps to identify what bird I'm dealing with here. The best idea I've had so far is to deploy both a seed feeder and an open bowl of worms/mealworms from local fish bait suppliers close to the nest. What all food sources do you recommend putting out for my new friends?
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Feed for Robins raising 4 young? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Toonces2
- Start date
Hi Toonces and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators.
By all means have seeds and mealworms available for them - they'll be very glad of them, but not too close to the nest, as they will attract other species too and that will cause the adults stress.
Also it may attract predators when they see the activity. They also watch humans and will see if you go and check the nest, so don't be tempted to do that either.
I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing about the birds you see around you. Please let us know how this breeding attempt fares.
By all means have seeds and mealworms available for them - they'll be very glad of them, but not too close to the nest, as they will attract other species too and that will cause the adults stress.
Also it may attract predators when they see the activity. They also watch humans and will see if you go and check the nest, so don't be tempted to do that either.
I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing about the birds you see around you. Please let us know how this breeding attempt fares.
Thanks for the responses and information. Unfortunately, the nest is right AT my back door, and I don't have much choice about passing by the nest. I'm hoping they will get used to me. I move slowly when I'm going by, so maybe that'll help.
Oh, I confirmed it's a Robin, although she flew away before I could get a shot—bright red breast.
Oh, I confirmed it's a Robin, although she flew away before I could get a shot—bright red breast.
Don't worry too much then - our Robins are very used to people and quite possibly sized up the situation, noting your regular movements in the area.
You could also speak to them as you open the door.
You could also speak to them as you open the door.
AveryBartels
Well-known member
While you're intentions are to be applauded, there really is no need to help them out. Robins generally do not have any issue finding enough food for their young. It is important that the young get a good diet and are fed what the species is accustomed to eating. For what it's worth, they might go for the mealworms but they don't eat seed.
As has already been covered, they will get used to you. They often build on houses, one potential reason being the added survival benefit of reducing potential predation, in effect using humans as a shield.
So, sit back and enjoy them being with you in the coming weeks.
As has already been covered, they will get used to you. They often build on houses, one potential reason being the added survival benefit of reducing potential predation, in effect using humans as a shield.
So, sit back and enjoy them being with you in the coming weeks.
