03/03/2025
With the cyclone heading our way, I thought I'd just do a quick post regarding wildlife during this event. It is highly likely that there will be animals (mostly birds) displaced due to the wind and rain, if you happen to find an animal in need of help please note down exactly where you found it and if needed pop it in a box in a dark quiet spot away from people and other animals. Please do not try to hand feed any animals as this can lead to aspiration which potentially is deadly. Offer a small shallow dish of water and allow them to do this themselves. Please be aware that we may not be able to get to you straightaway due to possible flash flooding and unsafe conditions, but we can give advice in the meantime. Depending on the type of animal/bird, their food needs will vary. Here is a quick list for common birds:-
Parrots-Galahs/cockatoos/grass parrots/king parrots etc:- these guys are seed eaters, so a shallow dish with bird seed is suitable.
Lorikeets:- these guys are nectar eaters. Please do not feed them seed or bread as this clogs up their crops and potentially leads to their death. If you don't have access to nectar, then bottlebrush or wattle flowers are great in an emergency.
Black & whites- this includes magpies, crows, peewee, currawongs etc:- these guys are insectivores. They can in an emergency be given lean mince or cat/dog food (dry needs to be soaked in boiling water till mushy and cooled). This is only for emergencies not long term.
Pigeons/crested pigeons/spotted doves/bronze wing doves:- these guys are grainivores so they can be offered small sized seed.
Ducks/ducklings- young ones will need some sort of chick starter, usually soaked in boiling water and allowed to cool before giving. Adults can have gamebird food or if an emergency bird seed can be given. Ducklings will require heat source to keep them warm.
Possums and Kangaroo joeys- these babies will need to be kept warm (a pillowcase makes a great pouch). They need formula such as di-vetelact via a bottle. These guys should go directly to a carer/vet wherever possible as they are tricky to feed without aspirating.
Lizards- need heat! They eat meal worms.
Koalas- let us know asap and we will try to get someone to you asap.
Anything else please take a quick photo and send through to us and we can advise further.
