How can I stop magpies from eating my bird food?

Answer 1

We have cat's so we let the magpie's 'steal' the food from the dish on a regular basis, and we talk to them. Never chase them, never bang a window or yell or wave your arms. Give them names too, and try to recognize when their feeding babies and can't stay to 'chat' with you. Because they'll sit and call back to you once you get a friendly relationship going.

Answer 2

I don't actually how, but I would suggest that you attract one by placing food, eg, bread, rabbit food... Or shiny objects, as magpies are known for liking shiny things. When one comes (if it does), try to approach it, offer it a price of bread from your hand. Don't rush to do this because magpies are clever birds and can tell one person from another, if you frighten it it will always recognise you and won't go near you. If you get this far, keep putting things out for it, best to put them on a bird food hanger to prevent hedgehogs and other creatures eating it's food. Consider that the bird might have a family to care for, so don't make it live in you house with you. It will keep coming to you if you provide it with food and drink. My other suggestion Is that if you find an injured magpie by the side of the road, or a fledgling that is in difficulty flying, you could take it in and care for it. Also if you have a cat and it brings a magpie that isn't dead you could look after that

Answer 3

look, magpies are birds and you hve put out bird food. So maybe try a different type of bird food?

Answer 4

With a shotgun.