Baby magpies - what to feed, how to look after?

[wishingonastar]

Hi everyone,

We've been given two baby Australian magpies whose nest had been destroyed. Does anyone know what we should be feeding them? We've given them earthworms for now, but don't know if we should be giving them something else. They're not very old (still getting their feathers - they have down, but are growing their other feathers) and to be honest, we're surprised they survived through the night. We've got them wrapped up in an old towel in a box under a light but aren't sure if there's anything else we should be doing.

If anyone has any advice, that would be great.

thanks

[Abby]

Where in SA are you located? PM me to keep your privacy just so I can direct you who to see. Small amounts of kangaroo mince with a calcium or insectivore or proper animal protein powder added is a good start but you really need to chat to someone in the know. The calcium is really important at this age for development. If we're not too far away from each other I have some powders so can give you a bit of to get you started.

[Abby]

Just found this on the SA fauna rescue site that may help as well.

Fauna Rescue of SA Insectivores

I've got insectivore powder and calcium powder on hand.

[Ashling]

Just a note: you shouldn't feed them wild worms cause these can contain parasites and you'd need to treat the babies for worms and other nasties. You can buy 'meal worms' from most good pet shops which are free from parasites.

For a bit of info, this site helped me with my Raven, and I noticed it could be helpful for magpies, as they are corvids too.
The Raven's Aviary - Close Encounters of the Corvid Kind

[maggy]

Good on you rescueing this little one. I rescued a magpie who we called Spike, I fed Spike breadcrumbs, red meat and lots of slater bugs, and a pinch of course polenta. I rolled it into small balls and popped them down his little gob. The local wildcare member may be able to give you more advise, they will also be able to help you find a group that can help set him free later in a way that will prevent the local magpies (maggies--hence my name!)killing him for invading their territory. If I can help please send a e-mail.

[kali]

Wow, how coincidental! Someone just bought a magpie into my shop today that had fallen out of the nest. They found it on the road and it had another dead baby next to it. I fed it mealworms while waiting for the wildlife people to come pick it up. if you are feeding mealworms make sure you cut off their heads, otherwise they are alive in the belly!

Also, not sure about there, but in vic you need to be a licenced wildlife rehabber otherwise you are not allowed to have magpies in your possession. If you aren't sure about them, prob best to find someone who knows what they are doing. I know a fair bit about birds but even i wasn't confident enough to look after it!

it was REALLY cute though, and i was so worried about it i forgot to get a pic to show everyone :(

[kali]

How are the birds? Did they live?