Spending time in nature for many is a balm for the soul. Also those times when we are lucky enough for a native bird, animal, or reptile to pay us a home visit, on the balcony or backyard. 

As tempting and innocent as it seems, feeding a cockatoo or giving a treat to one of our friendly water dragons is in fact harmful to their health.

Why feeding native animals causes problems 

• Processed seeds, bread and other foods that are not part of an animal's natural diet can make them very sick.
• Birds and mammals have highly specialised diets that differ from season to season.
• Animals expecting to be fed by people can become aggressive and harass people for food when they are hungry. They may lose their natural fear of people resulting in them being injured by cars or domestic pets.
• Handfeeding can transfer illnesses such as the highly infectious Beak and Feather disease seen recently in parrots and cockatoos. 
• Animals fed by humans may lose their ability to forage for natural foods, so when you go on holidays or move home, they could suffer or even die.
• When fed inappropriate food, certain animal or bird numbers may increase unnaturally. This may cause the decline of other species due to competition for food, shelter, and nesting sites.

What you can do

1. Take photos and videos
2. Invite your housemate, family or neighbours to share these special moments
3. Keep a record and name your visitors

Concerned about an animal? 

If you are concerned about a local animal, please contact a local wildlife group. 

Sydney Wildlife Rescue (24/7) 
9413 4300 

WIRES 
1300 094 737