Can You Relocate a Robin’s Nest With Babies? A Risky Undertaking
Relocating a robin’s nest with babies is generally not recommended due to the high risk of abandonment, but it can be done in very specific circumstances and with extreme care. Consider all other options first.
Understanding the Challenges of Nest Relocation
Robins are fiercely protective of their young, but they are also easily stressed. Relocating a nest, even a short distance, can disrupt the complex process of raising baby birds. Understanding the risks and potential impact is crucial before considering such a drastic step.
- Abandonment Risk: Adult robins may abandon the nest if they perceive the relocation as a threat or if they cannot locate the nest after the move.
- Environmental Stress: Baby robins are highly sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity, and overall environment. A relocation can expose them to harmful conditions.
- Predator Exposure: Moving a nest can inadvertently place it in a more vulnerable location, increasing the risk of predation.
Assessing the Need for Relocation
Before even considering moving a robin’s nest, meticulously assess the situation to determine if it’s truly necessary. Is there an imminent threat to the nest’s safety? Consider these factors:
- Immediate Danger: Is the nest directly threatened by construction, tree removal, or a predator?
- Timing: Nests with eggs are more easily abandoned than nests with chicks closer to fledging.
- Alternative Solutions: Are there ways to mitigate the threat without moving the nest? For example, can you prune a branch instead of felling the entire tree?
The Process of Relocating a Robin’s Nest
If relocation is unavoidable, proceed with extreme caution and follow these steps meticulously:
- Observe: Monitor the nest from a distance to ensure the parents are still actively feeding the chicks.
- Prepare the New Location: Choose a spot as close as possible to the original location, ideally within a few feet. The new location should offer similar sun exposure, protection from the elements, and concealment from predators.
- Build a Replacement Nest (Optional): If the original nest is damaged or difficult to move intact, construct a replacement nest using similar materials (grass, mud, twigs). You can purchase commercially made nests designed for robins.
- Move the Nest Carefully: Gently transfer the entire nest (or the chicks, if using a replacement nest) to the new location. Avoid touching the chicks directly; use gloved hands if necessary.
- Monitor Continuously: Observe the nest from a distance for several hours to ensure the parents return and resume feeding the chicks.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Several common mistakes can lead to nest abandonment. Awareness and prevention are key.
| Mistake | Prevention |
|---|---|
| ————————————– | ———————————————————————————————————————————————————- |
| Moving the nest too far | Keep the new location as close as possible to the original – ideally within a few feet. |
| Disrupting the scent | Avoid touching the nest or chicks directly. Use gloves if necessary and try to transfer the nest with as little disturbance as possible. |
| Exposing the nest to predators | Choose a new location that is well-concealed and protected from cats, dogs, and other potential predators. |
| Relocating during inclement weather | Avoid relocating the nest during rain, extreme heat, or cold. |
| Frequent disturbances after relocation | Minimize your presence near the relocated nest. Observe from a distance to avoid stressing the parents. |
What to Do If the Parents Don’t Return
If, after several hours, the parents haven’t returned to the relocated nest, the situation is critical. The chicks will need immediate care.
- Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator: The best course of action is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They have the expertise and resources to care for orphaned baby birds.
- Temporary Care (Until Rehabilitation): If professional help isn’t immediately available, keep the chicks warm and safe. Use a heating pad set on low or a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel. Do not attempt to feed the chicks without guidance from a rehabilitator. The wrong food or feeding technique can be fatal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you relocate a robins nest with babies? The answer depends on the specific circumstances, but relocation is generally discouraged. It should only be considered as a last resort when the nest is in imminent danger.
Why is it so risky to move a robin’s nest? Robins are highly sensitive to disturbances and can easily abandon their nests if they perceive a threat. The relocation process itself can be stressful for both the parent birds and the chicks.
How close is too close to move the nest? Ideally, the new location should be within a few feet of the original. Moving it further increases the risk of the parents not being able to find it.
What if I accidentally disturbed a robin’s nest? Observe the nest from a distance. If the parents are still around and tending to the nest, leave it alone. If the nest is damaged or the parents are gone, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
What do I do if a baby robin falls out of the nest? If the baby is feathered and hopping around, it is likely a fledgling and should be left alone, unless it is obviously injured. If it is unfeathered or injured, try to gently place it back in the nest. If that’s not possible, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
Can I move a robin’s nest before the eggs hatch? Moving a nest with eggs is slightly less risky than moving one with chicks, but the risk of abandonment is still significant. Again, only consider this as a last resort.
What materials can I use to build a replacement nest? Use natural materials such as grass, mud, twigs, and leaves. Avoid using synthetic materials or anything that could trap the chicks.
How long will robins stay in their nest? Robins typically stay in their nest for 13-14 days after hatching, but this can vary depending on the circumstances.
What if the mother robin stops feeding her babies after I move the nest? This is a critical situation requiring immediate intervention. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately, as the chicks need to be fed every few hours.
Is it legal to move a robin’s nest? Robins are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It is generally illegal to kill or possess robins, their eggs, or their nests without a permit. Moving a nest should only be done as a last resort and with the intention of preserving the birds’ lives.
How can I prevent robins from nesting in an undesirable location? To prevent robins from building in undesirable locations, make the area less attractive to them. This can be achieved by pruning dense shrubs, removing potential nesting materials, or using bird deterrents. Do this before they begin to build.
What are the best ways to help robins in my yard? Provide robins with a source of fresh water, such as a birdbath. Plant native trees and shrubs that offer food and shelter. Avoid using pesticides, which can harm robins and their food supply.