The following is provided to assist with frequently asked non-emergency questions relating to our native wildlife.
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BATS, FLYING FOXES, FRUIT BATS, MICROBATS
HOW DO I GET BATS OUT FROM MY CEILING? FRW does not remove bats from ceilings simply because they are a nuisance. Bats naturally live in the area and are an important and natural part of the ecology.
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BIRDS
HOW DO I DETER BIRDS FLYING INTO THE WINDOW?
HOW DO I DETER SCRUB TURKEYS DIGGING MY GARDEN?
FRW does not trap healthy scrub turkeys merely because they are considered a nuisance. There are some things you can do to potentially deter them in your garden and, as a bonus - work with them for mutual benefit - they keep bugs down, aerate the soil and are master compost makers.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT WILD DUCKS EATING MY VEGIES IN THE GARDEN?
I FOUND A LOST RACING PIGEON - WHO DO I CALL?
Call general racing pigeon enquiries 1300 766 622. You will need to give them the colour and numbers of the bands on the leg of the Pigeon. The club will then organise to have the bird collected.
I'M BEING SWOOPED BY BIRDS - WHAT SHOULD I DO?
The three main bird species that display this behaviour are the Magpie, Pied Butcherbird and Masked Lapwing (Plover).
This occurs during the breeding season, usually in spring and can last up to six weeks before the swooping stops.
Aggressive Magpies are likely to swoop at people who come within 30-50 metres of the nest. The parent birds are only trying to protect their eggs or young chicks. Once the chicks have fledged, the problem will stop.
Action you can take:
A KOOKABURRA IS ATTACKING MY WINDOW - WHAT CAN I DO TO STOP IT HURTING ITSELF?
Kookaburras are territorial birds and when they see their own reflection in the window they attack it.
I HAVE FOUND SOME BIRD EGGS ON THE GROUND, THE PARENT BIRDS ARE STILL AROUND. SHOULD THE EGGS BE THERE?
If they are plover or curlew eggs, then it is a natural occurrence. These birds lay their eggs on the ground. Leave the eggs where they were found.
THERE IS A COCKATOO WITH A LOT OF FEATHERS MISSING AND LOOKS SICK - WHAT SHOULD I DO?
It could be a bird that has Beak and Feather Disease or otherwise known as psittacine circoviral disease (PCD). There is no treatment at this time. Sometimes the bird can be caught by placing a cage on the property and placing feed in the cage. When the bird has been caught, call the hotline to organise and take to a carer or vet.
HOW DO I DETER COCKATOOS FROM EATING MY HOUSE?
Galahs and Cockatoos usually start eating verandas when bored. This is caused by these birds being fed by the public and therefore they do not occupy their time in finding food for themselves.
I WANT TO RELEASE MY PET COCKATOO - HOW DO I GO ABOUT IT?
If you no longer want the cockatoo and you cannot find a good home for it with a reliable person, it would be far better and kinder to have it euthanased by a Veterinarian than to release it in the hope that it will be able to live out a natural life in the wild. A bird kept as a pet for that length of time would be unable to fend for itself and would slowly die of starvation. It is also illegal in QLD to release a captive raised animal back to the wild.
HOW DO A STOP MY PET COCKATOO FROM PLUCKING HIS FEATHERS OUT?
This can be a physical or psychological problem. To determine which of these it may be you need to take the bird to a vet for an accurate diagnosis. The physical causes include dietary problems, skin parasites, hormonal imbalances, bacterial or viral infections or allergies. If it’s a psychological problem, then it is more than likely suffering from boredom or frustration. Birds kept in small cages with no variety to their surrounds are most susceptible to this.
Birds need room to move around and exercise freely, a varied diet, things to chew, companionship and security. Some female cockatoos will feather-pluck in the breeding season due to sexual frustration. Supplying a male will often stop this.
Some ways to relieve boredom:
· transfer the bird into a large aviary.
· give the bird the company of another bird of the same species
· allow the bird to wander around the house (supervised of course)
· give the bird native branches, gum-nuts or Banksia cones to chew
· place the bird near a radio or television
· most importantly - give the bird more attention
BIRDS KEEP GETTING TANGLED IN MY TREE NETTING - WHAT SHOULD I DO?
The netting needs to be stretched tight, not hanging loose. Hailguard is a good product and is stocked by Fernland Agencies, who are happy to post anywhere in Australia. Call (07) 5441 1711 or email [email protected]. Auspacific Trading also make netting bags in three sizes which can be used – contact (03) 9801 4830 or email [email protected].
THERE IS A BIRD TRAPPED IN OUR BUILDING - HOW DO WE GET IT OUT?
THERE IS A BIRD BEING ATTACKED BY ANOTHER BIRD - WHAT CAN I DO?
This is natural behaviour; Nature taking its course. There is nothing FRW can do in this situation. Monitor the situation and if there is an injury contact FRW on 07 4947 3389 for further advice.
I FOUND A MAGPIE WITH A BAND ON IT'S LEG - WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?
It is likely that the bird was banded under the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Schemes. This is performed by professional banders, and each band has a unique number embossed on it. If the bird is dead, the band should be removed, flattened and sent to The Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme, P.O. Box 8, Canberra 2601 or phone (02) 6274 2407, email [email protected] . The following details should accompany the band
· date and location where bird was found.
· your name and address so they can let you know where and when the bird was banded.
· any ideas you may have on the cause of death.
If the bird is alive, the band should be left on the bird, and the number on the band recorded and sent to the above address with all the necessary information.
Any banded or tagged animal should be reported to the appropriate Species Liaison Officer ASAP.
HOW DO I DETER BIRDS FLYING INTO THE WINDOW?
- Hang shade cloth or hanging baskets strategically on the outside of the window
- Install anti-glare screens over the windows
- Hang strips of aluminium foil on windows which will move in the breeze
- Apply transfers or stencils to the windows - hawk shape is very effective
HOW DO I DETER SCRUB TURKEYS DIGGING MY GARDEN?
FRW does not trap healthy scrub turkeys merely because they are considered a nuisance. There are some things you can do to potentially deter them in your garden and, as a bonus - work with them for mutual benefit - they keep bugs down, aerate the soil and are master compost makers.
- Making a compost heap away from your garden can sometimes keep them out of the garden beds and your vegies. Usually scrub turkeys scratch in the garden mulch looking for bugs as well as raking up leaves and mulch to build their mounds. By keeping the decoy compost heap moist and putting some worms in it, the scrub turkey may be attracted to it as they scratch around for food. At the same time you too can make good use of the compost material.
- Cover garden beds with chicken wire (on the ground) or mulch using rocks.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT WILD DUCKS EATING MY VEGIES IN THE GARDEN?
- Get a Wonder-Bird Scarer (plastic Hawk) and hang it near the vegetable garden.
- Cover garden beds with chicken wire (on the ground) or mulch using rocks.
I FOUND A LOST RACING PIGEON - WHO DO I CALL?
Call general racing pigeon enquiries 1300 766 622. You will need to give them the colour and numbers of the bands on the leg of the Pigeon. The club will then organise to have the bird collected.
I'M BEING SWOOPED BY BIRDS - WHAT SHOULD I DO?
The three main bird species that display this behaviour are the Magpie, Pied Butcherbird and Masked Lapwing (Plover).
This occurs during the breeding season, usually in spring and can last up to six weeks before the swooping stops.
Aggressive Magpies are likely to swoop at people who come within 30-50 metres of the nest. The parent birds are only trying to protect their eggs or young chicks. Once the chicks have fledged, the problem will stop.
Action you can take:
- Avoid the nesting area if possible during the incubation and raising of the chicks.
- You can put a sign at the site to warn people to be aware of the nest.
- Wear a hat or other headgear to eliminate the risk of injury during attacks. Paint eyes on the back of the headgear. The bird will think that it is being watched and will not swoop.
- Carry a stick or umbrella at head height to prevent the attacker from getting too close. It is not necessary to wave the stick about as you may hit or harm the birds.
- When on a bike, wear a helmet and/or have a flag attached to the rear of the bicycle when riding through an area where birds are swooping.
A KOOKABURRA IS ATTACKING MY WINDOW - WHAT CAN I DO TO STOP IT HURTING ITSELF?
Kookaburras are territorial birds and when they see their own reflection in the window they attack it.
- Cover the window with flyscreen, paper or something similar to stop the mirror effect usually caused by the sun shining on the window just at the right angle.
- Try hanging something in the window, such as old cds or a bird of prey cut out will deter them too.
- Kookaburras are more territorial during the breeding season which is from September to January.
I HAVE FOUND SOME BIRD EGGS ON THE GROUND, THE PARENT BIRDS ARE STILL AROUND. SHOULD THE EGGS BE THERE?
If they are plover or curlew eggs, then it is a natural occurrence. These birds lay their eggs on the ground. Leave the eggs where they were found.
THERE IS A COCKATOO WITH A LOT OF FEATHERS MISSING AND LOOKS SICK - WHAT SHOULD I DO?
It could be a bird that has Beak and Feather Disease or otherwise known as psittacine circoviral disease (PCD). There is no treatment at this time. Sometimes the bird can be caught by placing a cage on the property and placing feed in the cage. When the bird has been caught, call the hotline to organise and take to a carer or vet.
HOW DO I DETER COCKATOOS FROM EATING MY HOUSE?
Galahs and Cockatoos usually start eating verandas when bored. This is caused by these birds being fed by the public and therefore they do not occupy their time in finding food for themselves.
- Install a strip of fine wire along the top of the railings to discourage perching.
- Attach (near the eaves or where the birds are chewing) strips of aluminium foil, fabric, old cds or feathers from feather dusters that will flutter in the wind. This may give a scarecrow effect.
- Attach a silhouette model of a bird of prey, made from black cardboard or plywood to the eaves or you can purchase one from your local nursery.
- Painting woodwork with a crib spray available from an equestrian produce store can be effective as it gives the wood a nasty taste.
- Use a water pistol every time the birds land.
I WANT TO RELEASE MY PET COCKATOO - HOW DO I GO ABOUT IT?
If you no longer want the cockatoo and you cannot find a good home for it with a reliable person, it would be far better and kinder to have it euthanased by a Veterinarian than to release it in the hope that it will be able to live out a natural life in the wild. A bird kept as a pet for that length of time would be unable to fend for itself and would slowly die of starvation. It is also illegal in QLD to release a captive raised animal back to the wild.
HOW DO A STOP MY PET COCKATOO FROM PLUCKING HIS FEATHERS OUT?
This can be a physical or psychological problem. To determine which of these it may be you need to take the bird to a vet for an accurate diagnosis. The physical causes include dietary problems, skin parasites, hormonal imbalances, bacterial or viral infections or allergies. If it’s a psychological problem, then it is more than likely suffering from boredom or frustration. Birds kept in small cages with no variety to their surrounds are most susceptible to this.
Birds need room to move around and exercise freely, a varied diet, things to chew, companionship and security. Some female cockatoos will feather-pluck in the breeding season due to sexual frustration. Supplying a male will often stop this.
Some ways to relieve boredom:
· transfer the bird into a large aviary.
· give the bird the company of another bird of the same species
· allow the bird to wander around the house (supervised of course)
· give the bird native branches, gum-nuts or Banksia cones to chew
· place the bird near a radio or television
· most importantly - give the bird more attention
BIRDS KEEP GETTING TANGLED IN MY TREE NETTING - WHAT SHOULD I DO?
The netting needs to be stretched tight, not hanging loose. Hailguard is a good product and is stocked by Fernland Agencies, who are happy to post anywhere in Australia. Call (07) 5441 1711 or email [email protected]. Auspacific Trading also make netting bags in three sizes which can be used – contact (03) 9801 4830 or email [email protected].
THERE IS A BIRD TRAPPED IN OUR BUILDING - HOW DO WE GET IT OUT?
- Birds that are caught in large factories or houses may fly out naturally if left quietly and the doors or windows are open.
- If the roof is very high and the doors and windows small then the bird may have to be caught. This can be very difficult. If the building is dark and quiet it may be caught with a long handled catching net.
- Some birds such as parrots may come to ground for seed. If the bird is not able to exit or is becoming distressed, contact FRW on 07 4947 3389 for further advice.
THERE IS A BIRD BEING ATTACKED BY ANOTHER BIRD - WHAT CAN I DO?
This is natural behaviour; Nature taking its course. There is nothing FRW can do in this situation. Monitor the situation and if there is an injury contact FRW on 07 4947 3389 for further advice.
I FOUND A MAGPIE WITH A BAND ON IT'S LEG - WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?
It is likely that the bird was banded under the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Schemes. This is performed by professional banders, and each band has a unique number embossed on it. If the bird is dead, the band should be removed, flattened and sent to The Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme, P.O. Box 8, Canberra 2601 or phone (02) 6274 2407, email [email protected] . The following details should accompany the band
· date and location where bird was found.
· your name and address so they can let you know where and when the bird was banded.
· any ideas you may have on the cause of death.
If the bird is alive, the band should be left on the bird, and the number on the band recorded and sent to the above address with all the necessary information.
Any banded or tagged animal should be reported to the appropriate Species Liaison Officer ASAP.
KOALAS
Our koalas need your help! Due to the increasing number of koalas coming into care one of the projects we have initiated is the collection of data on koalas, both those in care as well as the wild populations.
Koalas in Queensland are listed as ‘vulnerable’. To date, there has been no major research on our local koala populations. Therefore, we are now collating data for our Koala Mapping Project so we can identify the main colonies of koalas in our areas, which in turn will assist us in returning koalas to their natural environment after rescue and rehabilitation.
We also hope this will help us to identify koala movements in our region and assist with the overall conservation of our local koala populations.
Everyone can make a difference to the conservation of this unique species. By protecting koala habitat we are also ensuring a safer future for all wild life.
You can help us by reporting any koala sightings to us. Ring our hotline on 4947 3389 or email us direct at [email protected]
Our koalas need your help! Due to the increasing number of koalas coming into care one of the projects we have initiated is the collection of data on koalas, both those in care as well as the wild populations.
Koalas in Queensland are listed as ‘vulnerable’. To date, there has been no major research on our local koala populations. Therefore, we are now collating data for our Koala Mapping Project so we can identify the main colonies of koalas in our areas, which in turn will assist us in returning koalas to their natural environment after rescue and rehabilitation.
We also hope this will help us to identify koala movements in our region and assist with the overall conservation of our local koala populations.
Everyone can make a difference to the conservation of this unique species. By protecting koala habitat we are also ensuring a safer future for all wild life.
You can help us by reporting any koala sightings to us. Ring our hotline on 4947 3389 or email us direct at [email protected]
POSSUMS AND GLIDERS
FRW do not trap healthy possums or gliders which are considered nuisance. Possums are protected by law, and territorial and cannot be relocated as it generally ends in one possum dying while fighting for a new territory. You can call a licensed possum trapper who will assist in repairing roofs and also supply a possum box. See our BUDDIES IN THE BACKYARD page for more information on installing a nesting box.
CONSTRUCTING A POSSUM BOX
If possums are a problem in your roof place a suitable weatherproof possum box in a tree closeby so the possum has an alternate home to shelter in.
- The box should be approximately 300mm x 600mm.
- Cut a hole approximately the size of a saucer in the front of the box to allow entry for the possum.
- Holes should be drilled in the base to allow drainage of rain water.
- Fix the box securely in the fork of a tree at least 4 metres high.
- Placing some fruit in or on the box should attract the possum to the box.
SNAKES
- If a snake is found inside the house, leave a window or door open as an avenue of escape, while blocking off further entry to the rest of the house (rolling towels and wedging them under the door). Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake. It will move away when ready. Most snake bites are received by people trying to capture or kill the snake.
- If you do have a problem with a snake in your house or yard you can call a licensed snake remover such as Kylee on 0424 456 254. There are several people, including Kylee, who are licensed to remove snakes and a fee is charged for this service.
- If bitten by a snake, apply a pressure bandage, immobilise the limb and call emergency 000.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
- Be a responsible pet owner and keep your dogs and cats supervised.
- Restrict the use of pesticides, fungicides and herbicides on your property. Wildlife can be poisoned by chemicals.
- Teach your children to respect and appreciate our wildlife.
- Retain and plant native vegetation on your property. These provide food, shelter, nesting sites and safety. Tree hollows are very important.
- To prevent wildlife drowning in pools and ponds attach a thick rope securely outside the pool and put the other end of the rope in the water to help animals climb out safely.
- Instead of feeding wildlife - plant food trees for them. If you must feed them - give them a small amount of their natural diet on an irregular basis.
- In the dry months supply fresh water in a safe place, away from cats and predators.
- Drive slowly and carefully, especially at dusk, dawn and night.
- If you find an injured animal please stop to render assistance if safe to do so.
- Carry a rescue kit in a box in your car (blanket, towel, pillowcase, scissors and safety pin).
- Always check the pouch of dead marsupials. If you find orphaned or injured babies place them in a pillowcase and keep them warm.
- Never relocate an animal out of it's natural area - many are very territorial.
- In all cases of animal rescue please ensure your own safety when rescuing.
- Remove dead animals from the road when possible to reduce the possibility of further injury to humans or wildlife.
- PLEASE keep all DOMESTIC PETS and YOUNG CHILDREN away from a sick, injured or orphaned animal or bird.
