16-05-2025
Robins will flock to garden if you use this food that gives them 'extra energy'
Robins are a welcome sight in gardens but how do you attract them and see them return? Feed them their favourite food of course
They are the nations favourite bird and for some people they represent a connection with loved ones who are no longer here. The saying 'Robins appear when loved ones are near' is a comfort for many when they spot the pretty little red-breasted creatures in their gardens.
Aside from the possible spiritual connection, robins are a welcome addition for gardeners as they will feast on insects, worms and spiders providing a natural pest control. But they are discerning birds and need the right conditions to come to your garden and to keep coming back too.
As well as making sure they have bird box they will find enticing, what you feed them is important.
Their favourite grub is mealworms. In fact, they are not keen on eating seeds so steer clear of that if you want them to set up home in your garden.
Matthew Wilson, gardener and CEO of Handy Gardeners, told Ideal Home that if you take one extra step with the mealworms the feathered beauties will appreciate it.
He said: 'Robins are not typical seed-eaters - as ground foragers, they feed on natural proteins that also contain softer fruits.
"Beyond working directly with wildlife specialists and die-hard gardeners, one surprising tip was to provide dried or live mealworms soaked in water.
"This offers more than just hydrating liquid; it also makes the mealworms easier to digest, an important consideration when robins are raising young and benefiting from extra energy."
They are also partial to sunflower hearts and to chopped fruits like apples, raisins or overripe berries.
Sue Morgan, CEO of SongBird Survival agrees. She said: "Mealworms are a key for robins, they absolutely love them.
"But I think if you went with sunflower hearts, and mealworms, that'd be a top sort of two would be good, robins - they would really like those.'
Matt said to avoid hanging feeders if you want to attract robins to your garden. He added: "Unlike some birds, robins like these fruits spread across the ground rather than hanging feeders.
"This is somewhat similar to their natural feeding habit and enables them to feel more protected from predators."
Simply scatter the mealworms across your garden but be sure to clean up old feed. And do not use bird tables as per guidance from the RSPB as there are fears that they can spread a deadly disease, Trichomonas.
Bird boxes for robins should have the right shaped entrance. They won't nest in it otherwise.
Experts recommend avoiding classic bird boxes with round holes. Instead they prefer a more open aspect with a wide view.
That's because robins like to keep an eye on their surroundings.
