Robins and nesting questions

[CaraRose]

We have a robin nesting on our window sill. Three eggs, two of which hatched a few days ago (shots coming soon, I promise!).

I know they have several broods per season, anyone know if they typically reuse the nest or will they always build a new one?

Also, I have some hanging suet cages but am not sure if they'll eat that. If I get a hanging platform feeder, is there anything I could put out that'll make the robins happy and help them fatten up their chicks?

[OldClicker]

I've never seen them go for the suet hangers even in the winter. Try a platform with worm pieces or meal worms (bait shop or pet store) or dead bugs (know anyone with a bug zapper?). Or maybe little suet pieces or rolled up suet 'worms'? - TF

[CaraRose]

My suet seems to mainly be eaten by the house sparrows and the squirrels. I haven't figured out how to attract cardinals yet... maybe they'd want a platform feeder as well. I'm handicapped that my parents don't want a regular seed feeder in their yard, since they're convinced it would attract rats.

I was thinking maybe putting out a few berries and some freeze dried mealworms. Hrmmm... of course I need to find a hanging platform feeder first.

[OldClicker]

Neither squirrels nor house sparrows (and I have tons of both) bother my suet. Do you use the kind with seeds or something else in it? If you use the pre-made blocks, plain suet is hard to find but it exists. If I use the kind with seeds in it, the squirrels will go through a block in 2-3 days leaving all the suet on the ground for the dog. (He likes it!)

Cardinals want seeds so you are going to have a tough time there. Sunflower seeds and cracked corn work well. Try getting a post with a squirrel (rat) baffle and then put a large tray above it to catch the seed trash from the seed feeder.

Robins are carnivores, so mealworms should work.

TF

[CaraRose]

I put in an order at duncraft for some hanging dishes than can be used as hanging platforms or as shallow birdbaths.

LOL, of course, by the time I actually get this stuff the robins will most likely have fledged

[Frog]

I'm definitely no expert but I've never seen a robin at any kind of birdfeeder.
I do see them in bird baths though.

[Loupey]

I'm definitely no expert but I've never seen a robin at any kind of birdfeeder.
I do see them in bird baths though.

Me too. We have 3 different types of feeders in addition to a suet holder and robins ignore them all. They are always on the lawn looking for worms. I don't think they need too much assistance.

Our muhlberry tree is ripening now and the robins are all over that at the moment - chasing away my precious cedar waxwings

[CaraRose]

Me too. We have 3 different types of feeders in addition to a suet holder and robins ignore them all. They are always on the lawn looking for worms. I don't think they need too much assistance.

Our muhlberry tree is ripening now and the robins are all over that at the moment - chasing away my precious cedar waxwings

Once the mulberry trees ripen around here, the robins always have purple stained beaks.

I actually saw a robin eating from my suet cage today. He perched on the pole hook and pecked away. It was a first for me.

[paulnj]

If you ever need mealworms try grubco.com. I am not sure robin's will eat them though, as I have only seen them eat worms and berries in the winter.

[CaraRose]

Well, I was right about my order not coming before they fledge. They fledged an hour ago.... it seemed a little early (it's only been about 10 days). They landed in my neighbor's yard. Hopefully mom and dad will herd them to cover. I'm hoping the neighbors dog doesn't get a hold of either of them. Momma Robin and Daddy Robin are busy still gathering food for them.

Hoping the reuse the nest for their second brood!