Robins will keep coming to your garden if you feed them these key items

It’s always a special occasion when a robin redbreast decides to nestle in your – luckily, there’s a way to keep them coming back. Experts say there are some foods that these little can’t resist.

Robins are considered Britain’s favourite bird according to the . Beloved for their distinct red coats and intelligent eyes, these creatures have long been associated with good luck and fortune. In folklore they’re even believed to be message-carriers for lost souls. As the saying goes: ‘When robins appear, loved ones are near’.

But robins can be notoriously picky about where they set up shop. These little birds prefer north-east facing bird boxes and will be more likely to stop in gardens that offer them rich sources of food.

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So, what should you feed them? While suet and nuts are popular foods to leave out for birds, you will be more likely to attract robins if you offer them something extra.

According to , the best way to feed robins is to create a mixture from bird seed, sunflower hearts and mealworms. Robins have a particular affinity for mealworms, as they are rich sources of protein.

They’re also fans of their five-a-day. Robins love the taste of apples, cherries and juicy grapes. They will also eat some types of dried fruit, like raisins.

But be warned, how you feed robins is equally as important. While hanging feeders are a popular bird feeding method, robins will be less likely to come to these unless they have a platform to perch on.

Instead, you will have better luck setting up a ground feeding tray. Robins prefer to pick food from the floor, so this feeding method is the ideal way to attract them to your home.

Similarly, they also like to feed from bird tables. These are easy to set up, as all you have to do is spread mealworms and fruit across the table to catch a robin’s eye.

Although, be warned. Leaving food out on a table for too long can actually be harmful. This is because as food gets damp, it risks becoming mouldy – which can make birds sick.

If you’re wondering how else to attract robins to your garden, you can try hanging a birdhouse. Though, you should make sure it’s the right kind of make.

Robins don’t like birdhouses with small openings. Instead, make sure you buy an open-fronted bird house, which will allow them to come and go far more easily.