Wildlife experts have issued an urgent warning to gardeners about feeding robins a specific food this February. The beloved red-breasted birds are frequently spotted in gardens as they search for mates ahead of the breeding season.
Robins do not hibernate but relocate in response to weather and food availability. With their natural diet of insects and worms scarce in winter, households are encouraged to provide food. However, experts caution that bread crusts and kitchen scraps can be harmful.
James Ewens, gardening and wildlife expert at Green Feathers, told Ideal Home: "Bread that is not mouldy can still result in harm for birds. Dry, large chunks can be a choking hazard, and bread can swell in birds' stomachs, causing discomfort and digestive issues."
The RSPB warns that food on the ground can become contaminated with droppings, spreading diseases. They recommend keeping feeders and bird baths clean to reduce transmission.
The Woodland Trust suggests superior food choices for robins include mealworms, suet pellets, and sunflower hearts. Gardeners are urged to avoid bread and opt for nutritious alternatives to keep robins healthy.
