Magpies & Feeding: What’s Important to Know

This educational sample pack put together by Hills Wildlife Guardians and sponsored by Petstock Mount Barker to inform the community about the dangers of feeding raw mince.

Do magpies need to be fed?

No. Wild magpies are skilled foragers and naturally meet their nutritional needs through insects, larvae, worms, and other invertebrates found in the environment.

Regular feeding is not recommended as it can alter natural behaviours and unintentionally cause health problems.

Why is feeding a concern?

Many commonly offered foods such as bread, mince, pet food, or processed scraps — are nutritionally inappropriate for magpies.

Over time, these foods can lead to calcium imbalance, particularly in growing birds.

What is calcium deficiency?

Calcium is essential for:

• Strong bones

• Beak and claw development

• Muscle and nerve function

When magpies receive food that is low in calcium or high in phosphorus, their bodies can’t absorb calcium properly. This may lead to:

• Weak or brittle bones

• Fractures from minor falls

• Deformed legs or wings

• Reduced ability to fly or forage

These conditions are often permanent and preventable.

Beak showing signs of softening and deforming

Why does this sample exist, then?

We recognize that some people choose to feed magpies despite recommendations.

This insectivore mix exists as a harm-reduction measure only a safer option if  food is offered and not as an endorsement of feeding.

Our priority is reducing the risk of serious nutritional harm when feeding does occur. If people choose to offer food

The least harmful approach is:

• Infrequent and minimal amounts

• Nutritionally appropriate options

• Never replacing natural foraging

Feeding should never be relied upon by wildlife. What helps magpies the most?

The best ways to support magpies are:

• Preserving natural habitat

• Avoiding pesticide use

• Providing shallow water dishes

• Allowing leaf litter and insects to thrive

Healthy environments support healthy birds.

*Disclaimer videos of Calcium deficient magpies below* Learn more about living alongside wildlife responsibly →https://www.facebook.com/HillsWildlifeGuardians

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/5d3afe_e580c5c8ff584bb494f7467c176da2d4/480p/mp4/file.mp4

Magpie was found in Mount Barker, SA and was humanely euthinaized by the vets due to the severity of being unable to walk

🖤 Education over judgement 🖤 Wildlife welfare first 🖤Reducing harm where possible

Thank you for taking the time to learn and care responsibly.