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has any one got any ideas how to stop magpies , raiding a robin`s nest ,the nest is in a nest box which is hidden in a climbing plant but our local magpie`s keep raiding it. There must still be eggs there because the robinsare still useing the nest .
you can't really interfere with the nest. I think I would be tempted to cage or wire the area round the nest. You need large mesh so the robins can get in and out but too small for the magpies. If not this year maybe next
Bill Oddy did this for birds in his garden.
Ray
a good laugh is better than a tonic
Good idea Ray we did that round a Robins nest in Pampas Grass we used 2inch mess chicken wire.Very successful.
Thanks ray will try that, not sure if the robins have left the nest box ,havent seen them for a few days so we will have to wait to make sure it empty. Thanks again
I had installed a robin nest box 6ft up a trellis fence dividing my garden. There was quite good cover (climbing roses), but unfortunately next doors cat is very agile and was able to find a path to climb though and paw at the box. After several of it's attempts the parents abandonned their four newly hatched chicks. I've now removed the box and need to have a rethink on protecting the area or finding a more suitable site.
However, is it true that Robins usually fledge before the are able to fly? I'm loathe to try again only to feed the cat as that would be cruel. I have plenty of shrubs etc, but the cat spends most of the day prowling my garden and just can't be deterred.
Hi John, the advice above is worth considering, it might keep the nest out of reach of cats paws, we have more advice on cat deterrents here. Robins and most other garden birds young are very vulnerable when they leave the nest and are usually poor flyers for the first few days. If your garden has a dense array of shrubs then the young birds may be able to find adequate shelter, prickly shrubs can be added to areas where cats are likely to stalk so if you do put your box up again, plant some berberris, pyracantha and gooseberry underneath or around it.
Warden Intern at Otmoor.