Do you ever wonder what birds eat? I know I do! And sometimes, the answer is a little surprising. For example, do you know that some birds actually eat dog poop? Yes, it’s true! Read on to learn more about this interesting topic.
While it may be gross to think about, birds are not above eating dog poop. In fact, there are a number of reasons why they might do so. Many in the dog community have seen birds trying to eat their dog’s fresh poop and wonder if it is common. A user even recorded a video of a Magpie trying to clear our their dog’s poop from their backyard!
There are a few reasons why these birds might eat dog poop. First of all, it can be a source of food. Dog poop often contains bits of leftover food, which can be appealing to birds. Additionally, dog poop may contain parasites or other organisms that the bird finds tasty. Finally, some experts believe that birds may eat dog poop to gain certain nutrients they need.
Table of Contents
Do Birds Eat Dog Poop?
No, birds do not typically eat dog poop. Birds are mostly attracted to seeds, fruits, and insects. Dog poop generally does not contain any of these things.
However, some birds will eat dog poop if they are desperate for food or if the poop contains something that the bird finds appealing, such as bits of leftover food. Additionally, some birds may eat dog poop in order to gain certain nutrients that they need.
Some birds may be curious about dog poop and want to investigate it further.
What Birds Eat Dog Poop?
The following bird species are known to eat dog poop:
- Magpies
- Seagulls
- Crows
These birds will usually target dog poop that has content such as:
- Worms
- Undigested food
- Larva
- Beetles
- Insects
- Seeds
However, most birds avoid dog poop if they can. Magpies are the only birds that have been documented frequently eating dog poop. However, there is video evidence of Seagulls and a few other birds, but they are not as common as the Magpies.
Here is a video of a Magpie eating dog poop:
Why Do Birds Eat Dog Poop?
Dog poop contains bits of leftover food that the digestive tract could not digest. This is especially true for dogs with shorter digestive tracts that cannot digest low-quality dog food. Additionally, dog poop may contain worms that the bird finds tasty. Finally, some experts believe that birds may eat dog poop to gain certain nutrients they need. Younger dogs and puppies cannot digest their food entirely, and their fecal matter contains nutrients and food that these birds like to feed.
Not all birds eat dog poop. The most common species that have been documented include crows, magpies, and seagulls. Usually, these birds try to find some nutritious leftovers in the poop that attracts them. However, few users have shared that birds do not try to eat the entire poop but rather target specific undigested items to consume it.
Also, it is known that birds tend to eat cat poop and their own poop as well. Birds eat the poop of their newborn babies in order to keep the nest clean. Also, newborn baby birds cannot digest all their food, so their excreta contains nutrients that the mommy bird can digest.
The most common explanation is that the dog poop may contain essential nutrients and food items which the birds regularly consume. For example, if the dog could not digest part of the worm, then the birds would swoop in and eat the worm in the poop giving an appearance that it is eating dog poop, but in reality, it is trying to eat the worm. Likewise, some crows try to find fly larva and beetles in the poop. So, generally speaking, it is the content of the poop that attracts the birds and not the poop itself.
As a pet parent, you might be worried about your bird’s safety if it eats dog poop. Do not worry; as long as your bird is healthy and has a balanced diet, occasional consumption of dog poop will not harm them.
How Do I Make My Pet Bird Stop Eating Dog Poop
Address the underlying cause, such as nutritional deficiency, and seek a vet’s help. Dog poop is not a regular diet for your pet bird, and if it’s happening, there is an underlying cause that you should address.
Additionally, you can take the following steps to make your pet bird stop eating dog poop:
- Keep your bird’s cage clean and free of feces
- Remove any feces from your bird’s environment immediately
- Provide your bird with a balanced diet and access to fresh water
- Take your bird to the vet for a checkup to rule out any health problems
If you follow these steps, you should be able to stop your pet bird from eating dog poop. However, if the problem persists, it is best to consult with a veterinarian. They will be able to help you identify the underlying cause and provide you with the best course of action.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Do birds eat dog poop? The answer is yes, but not all birds do, and most will avoid it if they can. So, don’t be too alarmed if you see a bird eating dog poop – it’s just nature at work! Occasionally, you will find the birds feeding on dog poop if the food is scarce.
Dog poop often contains constituents that can sometimes be harmful to birds, so they will avoid it if at all possible and go for other sources of food. In addition, dog poop is usually quite large in comparison to the small size of most birds’ mouths, making it difficult for them to eat. So, while birds may sample a wide variety of foods, dog poop is not something that they will typically eat unless they are Magpies who love to explore the poop.
While it’s not a common practice, there are some birds that will eat dog poop if they find it. Usually, these birds are looking for something specific in the poop, like undigested food or worms. If you have a pet bird, you should take steps to keep their environment clean and provide them with a balanced diet. If the problem persists, consult with a veterinarian. They will be able to help you identify the underlying cause and provide you with the best course of action. Thanks for reading!
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