[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1/5 vc_col-md-1/5 vc_col-xs-1/5″][us_image image=”86546″ size=”thumbnail” align=”left” style=”circle” has_ratio=”1″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-4/5 vc_col-md-4/5 vc_col-xs-4/5″][vc_column_text]By Karlene Brummer[/vc_column_text][us_post_date][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Australian Brush Turkey, also known as the Bush or Scrub Turkey is prevalent in most areas of both the Hornsby and Hills Shires. Sightings of this often maligned bird are everywhere this year, and although it may be viewed as a destructive pest, it is important to know that it is a Protected Species. Recent fox baiting may be a possible reason for the large increase in numbers of birds being seen out and about.
If Brush Turkeys are wreaking havoc in your garden, here are some tips from “Backyard Buddies” to try and mitigate the damage:
• To discourage a Brush Turkey from building a mound in a particular spot, remove some branches from above the target area so it is less shady. By increasing the amount of sunlight in that spot, it will become less attractive for the Brush Turkey as it will be harder for it to control the temperature of its mound there.
• Try creating an open compost heap in an area of your garden that you don’t mind the Brush Turkey building a mound in. Make sure it’s in an area 80 to 90% shaded – so near trees is best.
• To deter Brush Turkeys, try planting low growing native plants to provide thick ground cover. • Put some tree guards around small or newly-established plants to protect them until they get big enough, and spread some river gravel around the base of trees and plants to protect the roots.
• Peg chicken wire over your mulch pile as Brush Turkeys dislike the feeling of scratching it.
Brush Turkeys are bold and cheeky and will even come inside your house through an open door. Cat and Dog food left outside is an irresistible snack for them, so consider moving pet bowls inside. Here are a few snaps of BT’s from some of our readers:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
