Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Better Life

Why you shouldn't feed kookaburras mincemeat

It's the equivalent of 'a late night cheeseburger'. - by Livia Gamble
  • 15 Oct 2021
Why you shouldn't feed kookaburras mincemeat
Getty Images

Leaving food for kookaburras could be damaging their health. While it’s common to leave mincemeat for the laughing bird, it doesn’t provide the nutrients kookaburras need. 

In an article published on Australian Geographic, mincemeat is described as being similar to “a late-night cheeseburger.” 

Kookaburras are carnivores, so feed on mice, snakes and small reptiles. Becoming reliant on other sources food left by humans means they could be missing out much-needed calcium.

“Kookaburras are adapted to eat whole prey items and that prey package includes everything. When you feed them mincemeat you’re missing all of the bones that provide the kookaburra with calcium,” Michelle Shaw, a nutritionist at the Taronga Animal Nutrition Centre told the publication.

“Metabolic bone disease is typical in urban kookaburras. If they don’t get calcium from a food source they’ll pull that calcium out of their bones in order to use it for other functions,” she adds.

So what can you feed a kookaburra?

Well, Michelle advises against feeding carnivorous birds altogether. Instead, she says providing fresh water is more beneficial for birds. 

You might also like

Is it really okay to feed wild birds?

How to attract wild birds to your garden

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

Is it really okay to feed wild birds?

Is it really okay to feed wild birds?

11 expert tips for first time home buyers

11 expert tips for first time home buyers

How to season a cast iron pan

How to season a cast iron pan

The best EOFY stick vacuum sales to take advantage of this year

The best EOFY stick vacuum sales to take advantage of this year

{headline}

{headline}

12 of the best-rated non-stick fry pans in Australia

12 of the best-rated non-stick fry pans in Australia

The best microwave ovens that'll defrost and reheat your food in no time

The best microwave ovens that'll defrost and reheat your food in no time

The best dehumidifiers to use on wet and muggy days in Australia

The best dehumidifiers to use on wet and muggy days in Australia

{headline}

{headline}

Amazing home: Mystery Bay

Amazing home: Mystery Bay

How to use technology to make your home safer in winter

How to use technology to make your home safer in winter

All about basset hounds

All about basset hounds

A new study found that 1 in 2 Aussies experience FOMO when they get sick

A new study found that 1 in 2 Aussies experience FOMO when they get sick

How to tell the difference between a cold and the flu

How to tell the difference between a cold and the flu

The best electric, stove and temperature variable kettles for making a cup of tea

The best electric, stove and temperature variable kettles for making a cup of tea

How to improve the air quality in your home

How to improve the air quality in your home

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription