Magpies

[asdabird]

We have magpies that visit our garden and almost always, when we put out whole slices of bread, they drop it in the bird bath...as if to soften it....I wonder why they do this, it makes a right mess of the water

[Gill Catton]

well they can't chew it and mix it with saliva very well can they I suppose, I bet it sticks in their throat if they don't wet it.

[cherrybee]

Originally Posted by asdabird

We have magpies that visit our garden and almost always, when we put out whole slices of bread, they drop it in the bird bath...as if to soften it....I wonder why they do this, it makes a right mess of the water

It is always best to soak the bread before you put it out for the birds.Dry bread can swell when they eat it and it is not good for them.The magpies are obviously a very clever bird as they soak it for themselves

[djackso]

Originally Posted by cherrybee

It is always best to soak the bread before you put it out for the birds.Dry bread can swell when they eat it and it is not good for them.The magpies are obviously a very clever bird as they soak it for themselves

I was wondering the same thing

[witham]

soft bread can kill wild birds as they often think mmmm this is yummy and gulp it down then it can ferment because of the yeast content and as been said it swells up inside them which can be fatal particularly for small birds. dried toast is a better option although none at all is best it just shows that while I don't like Magpies especially at this time of year because of the harm they do to baby birds they really are very intellegent

[Jez]

I usually add a little sunflower oil to the toast.

Just thought I'd share that with you!

[ron1863]

I always make sure there is water available, especially for the Mallards who visit.

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by ron1863

I always make sure there is water available, especially for the Mallards who visit.

Very funny Ron, When there is a River in your garden.

[ron1863]

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

Very funny Ron, When there is a River in your garden.

I know, but the ducks walk up the slope from the river, hop over the little wall and eat in the garden. The water bowl saves them having to go back down for a drink and the crows and magpies scoffing the food

[Bouncytigger]

Yep all bread should be dampend down first

I put grapes out for our Magpies

they sort of skewer their beak into them and then its sort of stuck there and they don't know what to do with it? lol