Robins are highly likely to visit your garden this October if you leave out one particular item they love: mealworms. The RSPB has encouraged gardeners to feed birds seasonally and safely to minimise the spread of disease and help support the birds.
The £1 Food Robins Love
To entice robins, the RSPB recommends offering them mealworms. The organisation stated: "Mealworms are especially popular with Robins and Blue Tits and may attract other insect-eating birds such as Pied Wagtails."
A 60g packet of dried mealworms is available at Poundland for just £1, while a one kg packet can be bought from The Range for £7.99.
How to Feed Garden Birds Safely
Bird food and water can be provided regularly throughout autumn and winter. Feeding birds will assist them in maintaining their energy reserves and body temperature.
The experts added: "Always adjust the quantity given to the demand, and never allow uneaten foods to build up. Food in feeders should be eaten in one to two days, and suet balls eaten within seven days. When refilling, remove any old food first."
Feeder Placement and Cleaning
Feeders should be positioned somewhere quiet, secure and protected from strong winds. Bird feeders require cleaning each time you provide fresh food.
Use a mild disinfectant to scrub feeders weekly, and relocate them to different spots in your garden. This will stop droppings from accumulating beneath them and maintain cleanliness in the surrounding area.
Water containers should be rinsed daily and topped up with fresh tap water. Give these a thorough disinfection weekly and let them dry completely before refilling with fresh water.
Monitoring Bird Health
Change the quantity of food you provide according to the birds' appetite so it doesn't remain out for extended periods. Should you discover an unwell bird at your feeder, stop feeding immediately.
Thoroughly clean the feeders and put them away from your garden. Start feeding again once four weeks have passed, but stop once more if you spot any further sick birds. To avoid infections, use gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning bird baths and feeders.
