On Wed, 12 Dec 2012 12:29:03 -0000, "john stone"
wrote:

I've been moving the pots around on the patio the last few days in this
frosty weather since there are often worms underneath. He is so keen he is
just pushing me out of the way. After moving these pots a few times there
seems to be no more worms though.

Would it be worth while just having a little dig into the top soil, or would
that be a waste of time bearing in mind the earth here almost solid due to
the near minus temperatures.

I'm told freeze dried mealworms are the way to do, but at a local store they
are £3.50 for a very tiny tub which would not go very far. Grateful for
advice on where to buy them more economically. Thanks.

When the soil chills, worms stay alive by going deeper - the pots
provided warmth of course but once you moved them, any worms the robin
didn't take will be a few inches down. If you did dig down a bit,
unless the robin was around, any worms you uncovered would soon burrow
deeper.

Here, the local robins have adapted and happily visit the bird
feeder/table and take sunflower hearts (they won't touch sunflowers in
shells).

Other feeding options which robins like are sweet fruits (chop up
things like apples, strawberries and the like) though these need to be
changed daily. Or you can try canned dog/cat food which is a source of
protein for them. Again, needs changing daily - if you don't have a
dog/cat from which you can filch a bit of food, maybe a neighbour with
one would give you a spoonful each day. IIRC, dog food is better.

Cheers, Jake
=======================================
Urgling from the East End of Swansea Bay where sometimes
it's raining and sometimes it's not.