Magpie nutrition

["F. Walkerden" <>]

My partner and I are very fond of the magpie families that live
nearby, and we enjoy feeding them. We've heard that cheese is
ok for them in small quantities - fatty, but at least it contains
some calcium. We've also read that soaked dog kibble is ok.

We're concerned about the young magpies' diets though. A couple of
them have painful, nubbly growths on their feet and legs. Can
anyone tell us what this might be, and whether it could be caused
by dietary deficiencies? The young maggies are only a few months
old.

I doubt we are the only people feeding these magpies, so I don't
know what their diets are really like. If junk food is harming
their health, we'll have to start discouraging them, much as this
will spoil our fun.


Fiona Walkerden.