Q: I’d love to get my robin to eat from my hand—how can I encourage it?
A: Robins are famously curious and bold, so with patience, it’s definitely possible! Start by feeding your robin regularly from the same spot at the same time each day so it becomes familiar with you and your routine. Use high-value treats like live mealworms or dried mealworms—they’re irresistible to robins.
Next, try holding out a handful of mealworms a short distance away, gradually moving closer over several days or weeks. Keep calm and quiet—any sudden movements or loud noises will scare your robin off. Eventually, the bird’s curiosity and hunger will win, and it’ll hop right onto your hand.
Remember, trust-building takes time, but with consistent feeding and gentle behaviour, you can enjoy some truly magical moments with your wild robin.
