Robins desperately need help in winter as their natural food sources disappear, but RSPCA experts say certain kitchen leftovers can help these birds survive
Robins need all the help they can get in winter as most of their natural food supplies are gone(Image: Getty)
January brings a rather bleak period for British gardens, making the sight of robins hopping about all the more delightful – and there’s a cost-free way to encourage their visits. These beloved birds face a tough battle during winter months, with frozen soil preventing access to insects and berry supplies already depleted.
Whilst many households maintain bird feeders, the expense of regularly stocking them with robin favourites such as suet pellets or dried mealworms can mount up considerably.
Fortunately, the RSPCA has revealed a straightforward solution using everyday kitchen scraps that would otherwise be thrown away.
They said: “Birds love to eat food scraps – cooked pasta, rice and boiled potatoes, or mild hard cheese and uncooked and unsalted bacon rind.”
During the coldest months, robins require substantial food intake to build up crucial fat reserves for insulation, and without adequate nutrition they face the genuine threat of perishing in freezing conditions.
Robins can be fed grated cheese, bacon rinds, boiled potatoes, rice and pasta(Image: Getty)
What is the best way to feed robins leftovers?
Grated cheese and bacon rinds rank amongst the most beneficial offerings for robins, delivering essential fats that help maintain body temperature and boost overall strength, significantly improving their chances of weathering harsh conditions, reports the Express.
Meanwhile, boiled pasta, rice or potatoes serve as excellent supplementary foods, providing carbohydrates that deliver rapid energy and satisfy their appetite. It’s crucial to remember that robins should only be given plain food that hasn’t been salted, doused in oils or spiced up with seasoning.
Salt poses a serious threat to birds’ digestive systems, and even tiny amounts can damage their kidneys, trigger dehydration and in the worst scenarios can result in seizures or prove fatal.
Steer clear of offering robins spuds or pasta that’s been boiled in salted water, and keep smoked bacon well away from them as it’s packed with preservatives that can wreak havoc on their liver.
Robins need all the help they can get in winter as most of their natural food supplies are gone(Image: Getty)
Ensure any grub you’re dishing out to robins has been finely chopped, as they’re unable to chew and oversized chunks could cause choking or beak injuries.
After you’ve got the food ready, pop it somewhere peaceful in your garden close to shelter such as a hedge or shrub, as robins feel more secure when they’ve got a bolt-hole within reach.
Kitchen scraps serve as handy supplements to help robins stay toasty during the chilly months, and making the effort to support them now will guarantee these stunning birds remain regular visitors to your garden all winter long.
The expert added: “Helping garden birds can be as rewarding for you as it is for them. By using bird tables and hanging feeders, you can bring wild birds right up to your window.”