DIY Foraging Tray
Posted by The Magpie Whisperer on
Foraging trays are an essential tool for wildlife carers who are caring for fledgling magpies. These trays serve to promote the development of vital skills in young birds, preparing them for their eventual release back into the wild. By teaching magpies how to find and catch their own live food, foraging trays encourage independence and prevent the birds from becoming reliant on humans for handouts.
Magpies are highly intelligent and inquisitive birds, and providing them with a foraging tray can help to keep them both mentally stimulated and physically active while in care. These trays create a natural environment for the birds to forage in, allowing them to develop their natural foraging skills. Through spending time digging around in the tray to find their supper, magpies receive the stimulation they need to maintain their mental and physical health.
It is important to be cautious when collecting live insects to feed the birds. It is essential to ensure that no pesticides or other harmful chemicals have been used in the area where the insects were collected. This is to avoid any possible poisoning of the magpies or other wildlife.
Creating a Foraging Tray: Materials Required
- A shallow container such as a cat litter tray
- Live insects
- Natural garden soil
- Materials such as leaf litter, grass, small rocks, bark, and twigs.
The tray should be filled with the soil, and the materials such as leaves, grass, and twigs should be scattered over the top. The live insects or other small prey should be added to the tray, and the magpies can then start to forage for their food.
In summary, foraging trays are an essential tool for wildlife carers who are caring for fledgling magpies. They help the birds learn vital skills, keep them mentally stimulated and physically active, and help prevent boredom while in care. However, caution must be taken when collecting live insects, to ensure that no harmful chemicals have been used in the area.
