Keep magpies out of the garden
Magpies have unfortunately become a nuisance and they can hardly be kept away from gardens or permanently driven away. But you can make it difficult for the magpies.
Do not feed magpies
The most important thing is that you do not accidentally feed magpies, then you will hardly get rid of the birds. As omnivores, magpies find everything interesting that humans like, as well as that which we humans sort out in terms of food.
- The leftovers from the barbecue evening are a festive meal for magpies and kitchen waste of all kinds is an invitation. Do not throw leftover food in the compost and consistently collect food scraps from meals you have enjoyed outdoors.
- In the case of rubbish bins, watch out for damaged containers, closed lids and do not store any waste in bags next to the bin.
- When feeding birds, be careful not to feed the magpies. Compact food packages such as tit dumplings that magpies simply take with them are very popular. Feed silos are better, from which only a few grains slide into a bowl that is suspended on strings so that it can swing freely.
- Nest boxes can also be feeding stations for magpies if the entrance opening is so large that magpies can steal the eggs or young birds.
- Cats- or dog food is also a source of nutrition for magpies. Never leave such food unattended outdoors.
Very few gardeners are happy about a magpie population in their garden. That …
Drive corvids out of the garden
Loud noises, stones thrown, water pistols or ultrasound scarers are of little use. These things amuse esters rather than drive them away:
- Cats, dogs, Martens and larger birds of prey are the natural enemies of magpies. You will always have the greatest success if you can establish these enemies of magpies in your garden or nearby. Get yourself a dog or a cat. Invite dog owners with their dog and let them play in the garden.
- Record dog barking or the hissing of cats and play these noises loudly from time to time. This works best in combination with dog visits, of course, because magpies learn quickly when there is only barking but no dog appears.
- Clumps of dog, cat or marten hair can also really frighten magpies if you put them out in the garden in addition to barking.
- Birds of prey are very useful, as are warning calls from other crows or crows. from magpies are very well suited to drive away magpies, but only if the garden is laid out in such a way that a bird of prey could fall into it. Thinning out the undergrowth, create free flight paths by pruning trees, then the magpies will feel less safe in your garden.
You will never get rid of magpies completely, which is a good thing, because as a destroyer of carrion you are important for the environment. But in this way you can prevent too many magpies from spreading to you.
