There is much debate about feeding wildlife. Unfortunately, when doing this, people don’t think of all the other people doing exactly the same thing. Usually the food being fed is inappropriate and harmful to the native birds, marsupials and reptiles.
WILVOS are seeing an increase in debilitated birds suffering because of incorrect diet. It is tragic to see so many magpies suffering from metabolic bone disease. Research conducted in the local area often points to food such as bread being thrown out for the birds by numerous people. I’m sure it is no fun for the birds to be anaesthetized and xrayed.
The problem of feeding bread is exacerbated when it is thrown into water. Duck ponds in parks have well-meaning people throwing bread into the water, not realising the harm they are doing to all the animals that utilize the water. Bacteria levels in the water rise and the resulting cases of botulism appear. Birds are found dead and dying, which is very sad as this is so preventable.
After wet weather there is an increase in the number of seed eating parrots requiring veterinary care. When seed is put out for birds it should be left out for a limited time and then taken in. If seed becomes wet, it then becomes mouldy and toxic. Again, this kills birds.
Another disaster-in-the-making happens when our wildlife feed on dried cat and dog food left out for the animals. This can cause serious health issues, and it is not only the adult that is affected when unsuitable food is consumed. The young are then fed this food and can suffer very early in their lives.
Birds love fresh water, so it is easy to attract them to your yard with a terracotta, or some other cool material, tray of water. On really hot days ice cubes than be thrown in during the day to keep the water cool.
Plant native seeding, fruiting and flowering understorey and bushes. There are very good reasons to live by the motto “Let wildlife feed itself!”
Donna Brennan Wildlife Volunteers Assoc Inc (WILVOS) PO Box 4805 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Q 4560 PH 5441 6200 www.wilvos.org.au