Good evening all,
We have a resident young robin in our garden but we are a little worried about him, he has his red breast now so not too young, but hes always puffed up so not sure if hes got mites, up close he look like he has a hunch back , be looks so sad always, and he isn't very good at flying a bit too flappy , we've named him alan, alan eats and drinks all day well enough but he just sits around watching the world go by him, we dont want him to get hurt and he is safe in our garden but hes really quiet and sad looking, any advise on how we can help alan is greatfully recieved , thanks
Hi Sazzle and welcome to the community forum. No need to worry about the young robin (Alan) as it sounds like it is all natural behaviour and it is doing what is called "sunning" ; in this weather they will cool off by fluffing up to allow air in between their feathers and you may see it with its beak open which also allows it to cool off too during the hot weather. It may look strange but completely natural; you can read more about sunning HERE. I have also added a couple of photos here for you of robins (one is juvenile) in our last garden all puffed up and sunning. they hunch their back to expose a preening glad at the base of their tail; the oil they use to place amongst their feathers which helps rid them of feather parasites,
this is probably similar to your robin ..... just getting a red breast This bird is also trying to cool off by fluffing out its plumage.
so enjoy watching your young robin carrying out all its natural behaviour actions but if they are "sunning" then its best to keep a distance so they can stay relaxed to carry out this essential task.
Hi Sazzle, it would be better with a photo if you think the robin is not right and someone will advise you; HERE'S A LINK to help you upload photos in case you are not sure.
Hes in this puffed up state all the time so dont think hes sunning, from sun rise to sun set. Thanks for any advise