Problems Magpies may cause:

Magpies can cause substantial damage locally to crops such as almonds, cherries, corn, walnuts, melons, grapes, peaches, wheat, figs, and milo. Their damage is probably greatest in areas where insects and wild mast are relatively unavailable. Magpies are often found near livestock where they feed on dung- and carrion associated insects. They also forage for ticks and other insects on the backs of domestic animals. Perhaps the most notorious magpie behavior is the picking of open wounds and scabs on the backs of livestock. If they find an open wound, they may pick at it until they create a much larger wound. The wound may eventually become infected and, in some instances, may kill the animal. Magpies, like ravens, may peck the eyes out of newborn or sick livestock. They frequently can be found coming into calving pens. Magpies can do a lot of damage to newborn calves, picking on feet, fresh umbilical cords, pecking out the eyes and even killing calves. Magpies have a tendency to smell open wounds and blood and are attracted to the smell. Magpies rob wild bird and poultry nests of eggs and hatchlings. They can be very destructive to poultry, especially during the nesting season when magpie parents are gathering food for their young. Magpie roosts can be a nuisance because of excessive noise and the odor associated with droppings. They often roost in farm buildings where food stuff, vehicles and machinery are stored. Their droppings are corrosive and can damage paintwork and buildings as well as contaminating large amounts of hay, silage and stored grain.