Expert: Roger Lederer - 7/6/2007

Question
I have a nest on my deck with 4 eggs, my Grandson just called me at work and said that 1 hatched, it is been about 12 days since last egg was laid as I have setup a Camera on the deck to wathc from inside and not open the door to disturb them, I prviously raised Canaries, is the time to them being on their own the same as Canaries around 10 to 20 days? Also am I able to feed them to get them used to me or should I just leave them alone, I was going to have a walkway and 10x10 put in my yard, but that is on hold now don't want to bother them

Answer
Robins and canaries have about the same nesting, incubation, and fledging period. Do not try to feed them or get them used to you. It is not appropriate to try to feed or tame them as they are wild birds. Any wild bird that gets used to humans will not likely survive long - cats, dogs, pesticides, kids with bb guns, or something will get to them. They will leave the nest in about 10-14 days and you can put your walkway in.