Hi Trish,
During winter the RSPCA receives quite a
few RWBs that are suffering from Vit B deficiency. They are
uncoordinated, unable to feed themselves (by the time they are taken into care)
and contort their heads back. It is commonly called Stargazers disease
because of the head movement.
With artificial nectar and added vitamin B
and careful nurturing they soon begin to feed themselves and recover.
It is an indication that there is some
blossom (nectar) around in the winter but not always enough. RWBs readily
eat insects but there are also fewer of those in winter.
Cheers,
Marg Peachey
