Wildlife experts have issued an urgent and critical warning to gardeners across the United Kingdom regarding the feeding of robins during the month of February. A specific type of common household food has been identified as posing significant and serious health risks to these beloved red-breasted birds, which are frequently observed in gardens as the breeding season approaches.
The February Feeding Challenge for Robins
Robins, unlike some other species, do not hibernate during the winter months. Instead, they actively relocate in response to shifting weather conditions and fluctuating food supplies. With their natural diet of live insects and worms becoming increasingly scarce during the colder periods, British households are strongly encouraged to provide supplementary feeding throughout winter to support these iconic birds.
These birds naturally forage at ground level, making the positioning of food on ground feeding trays or accessible bird tables an ideal and effective approach. However, it is absolutely essential that gardeners offer only appropriate and safe food sources, as certain items commonly left out can prove harmful and even dangerous to robins.
The Specific Food to Avoid
Experts are advising that leaving out bread crusts and other kitchen scraps for robins can spell serious trouble. Many people engage in this practice without proper consideration, often while clearing plates or attempting to minimise household food waste. Wildlife specialists caution that bread fills birds up without providing the necessary nutrients they require for survival and energy.
Furthermore, bread can rapidly become mouldy when left outside in cold, damp conditions. James Ewens, a gardening and wildlife expert at Green Feathers, explained to Ideal Home: "Bread that is not mouldy can still result in harm for birds. Dry, large chunks of bread can be a choking hazard for birds, even when you think you've broken up the bread into small enough pieces."
He added: "Bread can also swell in the stomachs of birds, becoming not only uncomfortable, but harmful. Equally, even in bite-size pieces, birds are not accustomed to digesting bread and can experience significant digestive issues. Ultimately, while the occasional piece of bread may not result in immediate harm to the bird, it's not advisable as it can incur serious consequences for our feathered friends."
Additional Risks and Proper Feeding Practices
Food scattered directly on the ground can become sodden, trampled, and contaminated with droppings, which can facilitate the spread of diseases among garden bird populations. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) cautions that maintaining clean feeders and bird baths is crucial for keeping garden birds healthy and reducing disease transmission.
The Woodland Trust recommends superior and safer food choices for robins, which include:
- Mealworms, either live or dried, which closely match what robins look for naturally in their environment
- Suet products that provide essential energy during cold weather conditions
- Raisins or fruit, ideally soaked first to make them easier to eat, offered in small, manageable amounts
- Sunflower hearts and soft seed mixes, placed in locations where robins feel safe and secure to feed
By following these expert recommendations and avoiding harmful foods like bread, gardeners can play a vital role in supporting robin populations during the challenging February period, ensuring these cherished birds remain healthy as they prepare for the upcoming breeding season.
