You can safely feed magpies small amounts of foods that mimic what they already eat in the wild, mainly insects and a few suitable extras, and you should avoid bread, processed meats, and too much mince or pet food because these can cause nutritional problems and weak bones over time.

Natural foods they can eat

Magpies are omnivores , so the best things to offer are close to their natural diet.

  • Insects: mealworms, crickets, beetle larvae, and other bug larvae (including curl grubs) in small amounts.
  • Other invertebrates: worms and small snails (not from areas sprayed with chemicals).
  • Occasional extras: a few pieces of fresh fruit like apple or berries, or a little cooked plain egg, as an occasional treat rather than a staple.
  • Specialised mixes: commercial “insectivore” or omnivorous bird rearing mixes can be added in small amounts to boost nutrition, especially if mixed with insects.

What to avoid feeding

Some popular “treats” can quietly harm magpies if used often, even if they seem to love them.

  • Bread and baked goods: low in nutrients and can cause digestive issues.
  • Raw mince or lots of meat scraps: often too fatty and low in calcium, which can lead to weak bones and beaks.
  • Pet food (dog or cat food, kibble, rolls): convenient but can cause serious nutritional imbalances if used regularly.
  • Processed meats: sausages, ham, bacon and similar products are too salty and fatty and should be avoided.

How to feed them responsibly

Feeding should be a small bonus in their day, not their main food source, so they stay wild, fit and able to look after themselves.

  • Keep portions small and not every day, so they still spend most of their time foraging naturally.
  • Offer food on the ground or in a shallow tray, not from your hand, to reduce aggression and dependency.
  • Vary what you offer: rotate insects, a little egg, and small amounts of a good insectivore mix instead of just one food like mince.

Simple safe “snack” ideas

If you want easy things to toss to your local magpies while still being kind to their health, focus on a few reliable options.

  • A small handful of dried or live mealworms.
  • A couple of crickets or other feeder insects from a pet shop.
  • A teaspoon or two of insectivore mix, sometimes combined with insects.
  • Very occasionally, a small piece of boiled egg or tiny bits of lean meat mixed with a calcium-rich supplement or eggshell powder, not as a daily habit.

TL;DR: Give magpies mostly insects and natural foods in very small, occasional amounts, and skip bread, lots of mince, pet food, and processed meats to avoid long-term harm.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.