We went from about a dozen robins to about 35 robins in the last several days. Everything froze over, then multiple inches of snow, freezing rain, sleet, and repeat. Robins were doing pretty well on worms. Now they eat a lot of seeds. The problem seems to be they are not digesting those seeds. Sunflower hearts come out in the stool intact. At this point I'm not sure what they are getting but they do seem to be suffering even though my bird feeding has ramped up astronomically so birds could get enough to survive the low temps and frozen foodstocks. They either don't have effective crops for seeds or don't have enough grit. So, I added another bag of crushed oyster shell to the yard for grit.
Sunflower and other seeds intact from robin stool
I've been noticing them sitting on both feet to cover them and even not wanting to budge just inches from me. I figured they were struggling.
Today while downtown, I noticed a robin doing the same and hunkered down. It wasn't moving but was sitting there. I jumped out and with a little effort scooped her up and put her in my car. I have a bird cage but had to run by the pet feed store. They are out of a lot. Anyway, after spending more than I'd planned, I rushed home, got her in the cage and put in food and water with Lafeber's Avi-Era Bird Vitamins. Unfortunately she went to sleep almost immediately when I got her inside and the live mealworms and water are untouched. Fingers crossed she makes it through the night. The room she is in is about 65F which she hasn't seen for a while.
Rescued American robin female in the holding cage. She tucked her head and went to sleep within just a couple of minutes after placing her in the room. I was still putting in food and water about an inch from her and she never even woke up. Hoping she's stronger in the morning.
