Can you relocate a robins nest with eggs?

Quick Answer

It is generally not recommended to relocate a robin’s nest that contains eggs. Robins are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which means it is illegal to move or disturb their nests while they are actively nesting. The best course of action is to wait until the chicks have fledged before removing the nest. However, if the nest poses an immediate threat or danger, you may be able to apply for a permit to relocate it. This should only be done by an experienced wildlife rehabilitator. Improper relocation risks abandoning the eggs and loss of the nest.

Can You Legally Move a Robin’s Nest?

Robins are migratory birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, a federal law in the United States that makes it illegal to disturb or relocate active nests of protected species. This law covers the intentional taking, killing, possession, transportation, and importation of migratory birds, their eggs, parts, and nests.

According to this law, it is illegal to move an active robin’s nest, including one with eggs or baby birds (chicks). Violating this law can result in fines and even potential jail time. The law aims to protect bird populations during critical reproductive stages when they are most vulnerable.

However, you may be able to legally relocate a robin’s nest if you apply for and obtain a special migratory bird nest relocation permit. This involves filing an application stating why the nest must be moved. Reasons may include:

• The nest is in a dangerous location where chicks may fall.
• The nest blocks necessary repairs or reconstruction.
• The nest causes health/safety issues for humans.

If approved, the permit will spell out how to relocate the nest safely under the supervision of a wildlife rehabilitator. Even with a permit, relocation should only be done as a last resort if the nest cannot be left undisturbed.

Dangers of Relocating a Robin’s Nest

Relocating a robin’s nest with eggs comes with serious risks and dangers to consider:

• Stress to the parent birds – Parent robins may abandon the eggs if the nest is moved.
• Disturbing the eggs – Improper relocation may jar, rotate, or damage the eggs.
• Exposure to elements – Eggs need stable temperatures and humidity while incubating.
• Difficulty re-adapting to new site – The birds may have trouble adjusting to a new nesting spot.
• Increased vulnerability to predators – New site may be more prone to predators.
• Human scent deterrence – Handling can leave human scent that scares away parents.
• Legal violations – Relocating or disturbing nests violates federal law.

These risks highlight why relocation should be avoided if at all possible. Eggs are fragile and require dedicated parents for warmth and turning. An improperly relocated nest has little chance of survival.

When Can You Relocate a Robin’s Nest?

The best time to relocate a robin’s nest is when it is no longer active and the chicks have fledged (left the nest). This is usually 3-4 weeks after the eggs hatch. At this stage, the parents are less likely to be distressed by removal, and the chicks have outgrown the nest.

Here are some guidelines on appropriate timing:

• Egg stage – Do not relocate. Eggs require consistent incubation temperature and humidity. Moving risks damage and loss.
• Hatchling stage (0-5 days) – Do not relocate. Hatchlings rely fully on parent care for warmth, protection, and frequent feedings.
• Nestling stage (5-13 days) – Do not relocate. Nestlings still depend heavily on the nest for shelter, food, and care.
• Branching stage (13-20 days) – Avoid relocating. Chicks are building strength but still use the nest. Relocation can prematurely force fledging.
• Fledgling stage (20+ days) – Relocate carefully once chicks can fly. Parents will still feed for 2-3 weeks out of the nest.

The healthiest option is always to let the chicks fledge fully before relocating an empty or inactive nest.

Can You Move Robin Eggs to a New Nest?

It is not advisable to move robin eggs to a new nest. Robin parents choose nest sites and build nests specifically to meet the needs of their eggs. The female bird puts effort into forming the nest to the right shape, depth, and size. Eggs moved to a different nest may not have the correct temperature, humidity level, sunlight exposure, or security from predators.

Additionally, robins bond closely with their nest site and may reject eggs in a new, unfamiliar area. Some key risks of moving eggs include:

• Temperature shock – Eggs need consistent warmth around 98-100°F while incubating.
• Disruption of embryo development – Moving can impact the growing chick inside.
• Hatch failure – Hatching issues arise if humidity and warmth are incorrect.
• Nest abandonment – Disturbing scent or site changes may cause rejection.
• Predation – New nest may be more vulnerable to predators.
• Legal violations – Nests/eggs cannot be disturbed without permit.

If relocation is absolutely necessary, the process should only be done under the guidance of a professional wildlife rehabilitator. The new nest site must mimic the location, structure, and environment of the original nest as much as possible. Even minor differences raise the chances of abandonment or hatching problems.

Can You Move a Robin’s Nest With Babies?

It is illegal and extremely dangerous to move a robin’s nest containing hatchlings or chicks. Newly hatched robins are called nestlings or hatchlings and are featherless, blind, and completely dependent on parental care. Moving nests with babies almost always leads to death of the chicks.

Here are some key dangers if relocating a robin’s nest with babies:

• Stress, injury, or death of chicks – Rough handling or moving can directly harm babies.
• Chilling – Babies need constant warmth that is lost if moved.
• Disruption of feeding – Parents won’t find or recognize babies to feed in new nest.
• Predation – New nest may be more exposed or unsafe.
• Nest abandonment – Parents may desert babies left in disturbed nest.
• Illegal without permit – Directly violates protections for active nests.

Additionally, hatchlings imprint on their nest location in the critical first week after hatching. Moving the nest elsewhere can hinder bonding and cause rejection.

The only exception is if the original nest site becomes unsafe due to tree removal or damage. In this case, an experienced rehabilitator may relocate babies to a secure artificial nest only as a last resort. All other methods like building scaffolding should be tried before attempting relocation.

Can You Move Robin Eggs to an Artificial Nest?

It is challenging but possible to move robin eggs successfully into an artificial nest in rare cases when the original nest is lost or destroyed. This should only be done by a trained wildlife rehabilitator and requires replicating natural nest conditions as closely as possible.

Key tips for moving eggs to artificial nests:

• Choose a basket or cup lined with soft grass and mud to mimic real nests.
• Adhere eggs with cotton or tissue to keep stationary.
• Move nest to the same location and height as the original.
• Maintain incubation by placing in direct sunlight or using a heat lamp/heating pad.
• Monitor humidity and avoid condensation buildup inside.
• Allow parents to acclimate several hours before reintroducing eggs.
• Release eggs back once artificial site is accepted.

Even if these steps are followed, the adult birds may still reject or abandon the foreign nest. Hatch rates in artificial nests are often lower. Relocation to artificial sites should only be a last resort if natural options fail. Leaving the eggs with parents in the original nest is best if it remains intact and stable.

Can You Make a Robin Nest Box or Ledge?

If robins build nests in hazardous locations, nest boxes or shelves can provide safer alternatives. These manmade structures mimic natural nest sites to encourage relocation.

Some tips for creating robin nesting structures:

• Use a wooden box or plastic tub at least 8 inches deep.
• Add drainage holes and fill with nesting material like grass, moss, fur, or hair.
• Install mud ledges on windowsills, eaves, or beams 3-10 feet high.
• Ensure a wide opening for easy access and drainage.
• Face the entrance away from prevailing winds.
• Mount the nest box securely on a tree, post, or under an overhang.
• Keep the area shaded and concealed from predators.
• Clean out old nests after fledging to prepare for reuse.

Providing appealing nest boxes or ledges nearby may entice robins to relocate out of harm’s way naturally. Avoid relocating eggs or disturbing adults. With patience, parents may move the clutch voluntarily to the safer manmade site.

How to Discourage Robins From Nesting in Bad Locations

To gently deter robins from nesting in problematic areas without harming active nests:

• Remove and trim away potential nesting spots like dense ivy or overgrown branches.
• Install obstructions like wire mesh, hardware cloth, or plastic sheeting to block access.
• Use harmless repellents like hair clippings, citrus oils, or predator decoys in the area.
• Add metallic flash tape, old CDs, or balloons that move in wind.
• Use pipe covers, spikes, or slope modifications so birds cannot land.
• Apply non-toxic pest control gels or sprays made with methyl anthranilate.
• Discourage perching or gathering of nest materials with gentle hosing.
• Use humane ultrasonic deterrents that activate by motion detection.

The key is taking preventive action before nest building begins in spring. Avoid disturbing active nests with eggs/chicks and only use harmless exclusion techniques. Nesting elsewhere on the property should be welcomed, just not in hazardous locales needing protection.

Can You Safely Prune Trees With Robin Nests?

Pruning trees with robin nests requires caution:

• Delay pruning until chicks fledge if nests are active.
• Watch for nesting signs like carry nest materials or hunting worms by parents.
• Prune problem branches first thing in spring before nesting begins.
• Prune in late summer/fall after nesting and migration ends.
• Check for nests directly before pruning, even outside breeding season.
• Wear gloves and avoid jostling branches with nests.
• Monitor nests disturbed by accident for signs of abandonment.

While it’s safest to prune before or after nesting, if emergency tree work can’t wait:

• Prune other parts of the tree first to allow birds to flee if present.
• Have a rehabilitator or arborist remove close nests using proper safety gear.
• Move nests directly onto an anchored platform on a neighboring branch.
• Only prune the minimum branches needed to complete required tree work.

With care, pruning can be done legally by following guidelines to detect and work around active nests on site. Completely avoiding nesting seasons is ideal to allow birds to safely raise their young.

Conclusion

Relocating a robin’s nest with eggs is generally illegal and unsafe without proper permits and protocols. While it may seem helpful to move an endangered nest, improper relocation often does more harm than good by disturbing parents, damaging eggs, or moving chicks prematurely. Contact wildlife professionals before taking action and focus on long-term solutions like removing nest attractants or adding deterrents and alternative sites out of harm’s way. With some clever techniques, robins can successfully redirect nest locations without risky relocation or destruction of active nests and eggs.