Bird flu (H1N5) is not yet in Australia and youâll know when it is because itâs not gonna be great for our wildlife - it will hit chickens or migratory species first though, IM <semi-informed> O. And magpies are âcatholicâ feeders; as long as you arenât going overboard or being silly and feeding them rubbish they will be fine with a little treat. And good enough hygiene is ok - even with your and Melbcatâs health concerns.
Can lightning strike - yes. Are you significantly increasing that risk by carefully connecting with wildlife - no.
I put out water on a hot day but when itâs not summer thereâs tons around.
source: Iâm not a biologist but I work with and hang out with birdos.
SpinMeAround@aussie.zone â¨4⊠â¨days⊠ago
I say this with absolute kindness - I understand your worry for Melbcat, but if feeding the magpies is bringing you a little bit of joy, I donât think you should let your fear get in the way. Iâm sure youâre incredibly diligent with giving her treats and wouldnât give her one from the floor if you thought someone might have tracked something inside.
melbaboutown@aussie.zone â¨4⊠â¨days⊠ago
I did give her some on the floor yesterday because she wouldnât come get on the bed⌠slack.
I like feeding them but hope Iâm not giving them too much or attracting disease.
Carpet is so gross especially at times she keeps being sick⌠and collects dust. I kind of wish I had a hard floor to mop clean and machine washable rag rugs (though those might be a trip hazard)