Gardeners' World has advised gardeners to put out calorie-rich foods such as peanuts, sunflower hearts and suet products to attract robins to their gardens throughout winter. Robins can find the colder months particularly challenging as insects become scarcer and more calories are required to stay warm ahead of their mating season.
Gardeners' World said: "We should feed the birds all year round, but in winter, garden birds need extra calories, to provide them with the energy they need to survive the cold nights."
Calorie-Rich Foods Recommended
The type of food on offer is equally important, with a focus on nutritious fats and wholesome options. Gardeners' World said: "Choose calorie-rich peanuts, sunflower hearts and suet products, and keep the feeders topped up as the birds will come to rely on them."
This could involve crafting homemade fat cakes for birds. These are simple to prepare by combining melted lard or beef suet, unsalted peanuts, currants and sultanas, along with any leftover breadcrumbs and cheese, reports the Express.
Feeder Hygiene and Placement
Further advice for keeping robins healthy includes cleaning and repositioning feeders on a weekly basis, while ensuring careful hygiene practices are maintained throughout. Where feasible, feeders should be relocated to a fresh location after each cleaning to avoid the accumulation of contaminated waste below.
Replacing bird water daily is likewise vital to stop the transmission of avian disease. It is also advised to steer clear of flat-surfaced feeders as there is a greater chance of disease spreading on flat surfaces, where contaminated food can gather for other birds to consume.
Seasonal Feeding Guidelines
The experts added: "You can leave some food out for birds year-round, but their needs and the risk of disease changes with the seasons."
In autumn and winter, the best bird food is heavy, protein-rich food like suet. In the colder seasons it is crucial that birds find high-energy snacks to feed themselves and their chicks. Seeds and peanuts should only be used between November and April.
