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Kookaburras are an Australian native bird that’s loved by people both young and old. It’s also common to see (or hear) them around houses, which makes it tempting to feed them. But just what do kookaburras eat?
While mincemeat is a common choice, not everyone realises that this particular food doesn’t provide the nutrients kookaburras need. It can also contain bacteria, and the soft and sticky texture can be difficult for birds to swallow. So before buying some premium treats for your feathered friends, here’s what to know.
What do kookaburras eat?
In an article published in Australian Geographic, mincemeat is described as similar to “a late-night cheeseburger.”
Like magpies, kookaburras are carnivores that feed on mice, snakes, and small reptiles. Becoming reliant on other sources of food left by humans means they could be missing out on 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 Taronga Animal Nutrition Centre nutritionist, told the publication.
“Metabolic bone disease is typical in urban kookaburras. If they don’t get calcium from a food source, they’ll pull it out of their bones to use it for other functions,” she adds.
Can you feed kookaburras bread?
Like mince, bread should not be given to birds, especially kookaburras. While they may eat it, it does not provide the proper nutrition they need and can harm their health. Bread lacks essential nutrients and can lead to malnutrition in birds.
What can you feed kookaburras?
It’s best to leave the birds alone and not feed them altogether. Instead, providing fresh water is much more beneficial.
However, if you have kookaburras coming to your home that you want to feed, there are some options. In his book Feeding the Birds at Your Table, Darryl Jones says you need to find a suitable insectivore supplement, such as:
- Native insectivore mixes
- Homemade dry porridge
- Rolled pet food meat, aka dog sausage
- Dry dog food soaked in water
- Garden worms and mealworms.
How to attract kookaburras to your garden
To attract kookaburras to your yard, plant native shrubs and trees, like bottlebrush, golden wattle, and paperbark.
Additionally, installing a bird bath or water feature will help attract birds. Like many birds, kookaburras are attracted to water for drinking and bathing. Just make sure you keep the water source clean and regularly filled.
Are kookaburras friendly?
Kookaburras are wild birds, and their behaviour towards humans can vary. In general, they are not considered fully domesticated or “friendly” in the way some pets are. However, they may become accustomed to humans, especially in urban or suburban areas where they encounter people regularly.
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