Australian brush turkeys are a protected species as are all native animals. Brush turkeys are generally wary of humans and they feed mainly on insects, seeds and fallen fruits. They find food by raking the leaf litter or breaking open rotten logs with their large feet. The majority of food is obtained from the ground, with birds occasionally observed feeding on ripening fruits among tree branches.
Temperature regulation is the only assistance the parents provide to their offspring. The young brush turkeys hatch after about seven weeks, fully feathered and able to run and fend for themselves. They dig their way through the layers of the mound and into the open air and they are able to fly just a few hours after hatching.
People with carefully planned and landscaped gardens can find brush turkeys difficult at breeding time, as they remove vegetation, earth and mulch to create their incubation mounds. In a few hours, the birds can strip away closely planted natives and light, moist mulch used frequently in landscaped gardens. Heavier ground coverings (such as river gravel) and tree guards can reduce the impact on valuable and vulnerable plants. Once a male brush turkey has started to build its mound, it is extremely difficult to prevent it from continuing its efforts. No single method of deterrence has proved effective in all situations, but you can try:
If you find a sick or injured brush turkey please call WIRES Rescue Office 1300 094 737 or fill in the Rescue Form.
If the bird is sick or injured it will need to see a vet before coming into care, if you are able to safely contain it, you can keep it in a quiet, dark, warm place e.g. wrapped in a towel in a ventilated box or carrier with a lid while you transport it to the nearest vet. If you let WIRES know which vet you’ve taken the bird to, we will follow up with the vet directly to bring them into care after they have been vet assessed and received any necessary treatment.
Much of this content has been sourced from the OEH website: www.environment.nsw.gov.au
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