The Acceptance of Dyed Grain by Feral Pigs and Birds I. Birds

Abstract

There is a risk that birds may be poisoned during feral pig poisoning programs. Experiments in a field plot adjoining an urban area were conducted to assess the acceptance of dyed wheat, maize and sorghum by free-ranging birds. All colouring agents depressed the acceptance of grain by birds. This suggests that dyeing feral pig baits should reduce the hazard of bird poisonings. Observations of birds on feed trays were of limited value in predicting intake.