Translated by Nick R
Having a crow seems like a tempting idea considering their intelligence, imposing nature, and voracity. But before deciding to adopt one, you should know that in most countries it may be illegal to keep them due to their status as wild animals and migratory birds. Also linked to the international agreement to which they belong in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Have in mind that in this blog we don’t recommend or suggest having crows as pets due to the complexity of their care, instead, we recommend some alternatives to have them close to you.
Table of Contents
Why keeping a crow can be difficult?
As you already know, crows are wild birds which means they have specific needs much more complex than other birds we usually have at home, here are some of them.
They require a large living space
If you are thinking of adopting a crow, forget about the typical bird cages, they need a lot of space to fly as they are migratory birds and scavengers.
An aviary is not an option either unless it is designed for the bird to rest or shelter in rainy, winter, or sunny weather.
They need a lot of attention
Crows have a brain complexity similar to that of a 7-year-old child so they need a lot of attention and social interaction involved in problem-solving; using new tools and solving puzzles for children is a way to maintain their well-being and keep them entertained.
Lack of this type of attention can make the crow feel stressed or anxious.
They are very territorial birds
Crows, due to their wild condition, are very territorial and jealous. If you get one with which you manage to establish a good coexistence, you should be careful with other people or pets because they could attack them if they don’t recognize them.
Did you know that…
Crows have the ability to recognize and remember faces, to the point of recognizing themselves in front of a mirror.
Their beaks can fracture a finger
The beaks of crows are strong enough to fracture a finger, although they would only try to attack you for invading their territory or feeling threatened. In such cases, it’s good that you know how to recognize the bird’s body language to know how it feels and avoid accidents.
They need specialized veterinary care
The veterinary care we usually see is focused on common pets such as dogs, cats, hamsters, and a bird or two. However, in the case of crows, it is recommended that they be attended by a specialist in wild birds.
What better way to appreciate crows than in their natural environment. It has been proven that bird watching helps reduce stress.
What to do in case you find a crow chick?
Ravens are distributed throughout most of the northern hemisphere of the planet, in regions of North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
They are found in all types of open spaces except tropical forests, although some prefer wilderness areas and other places with humans.
Recognizing crow chicks is simple, all their skin is black and they have a very long and strong beak. Offering it help and care to keep it as a pet may be a tentative idea, but I don’t recommend you do so for the following reasons:
- Their status of wild and not domestic bird.
- How difficult its care can be, requiring an expert most of the time.
- You’ll need complete time availability to assist with everything it may need.
Don’t try to return it to the nest
For the same reason that crows are territorial birds, the first option would not be to return it to the nest as you could be attacked and cause a more serious problem.
Call animal services
Calling animal services in your city or region is the smartest option, although chick drops in nature are more common than you think: they may be able to help you by picking up the bird and taking care of it while they return it to its habitat.
Animal sanctuaries may also help you
These places commonly support the conservation of the flora and fauna of the area they are in, and reaching out to them can be another way to ensure that the crow is in the care of expert hands that can help it grow and return to its natural habitat as soon as it is ready.
Ways you can approach crows from your yard
Feed them frequently
Creating a bond or at least showing a wild crow that you can be trusted can be done through food, since being scavenger birds almost anything can please their beaks, although there will always be foods that they may prefer.
You can stimulate the bird’s liking by leaving food in your garden such as:
- Raw meat.
- Fruits
- Nuts.
- Berries.
- Eggs.
You want to make this a habit that you can repeat at the peak hours of bird activity, which are early in the morning and late in the evening.
Remember to be careful with some animals that may also have an appetite for the food you leave in your garden.
Try to have a tree or two around
Having trees in your garden is favorable for any bird. In the case of crows, they can stay there or at least wait for you to serve them their food. Remember they are very intelligent and may devise ways for you to feed them, such as bringing an item into your garden to receive food.
Make your garden a safe environment for crows
Crows are rarely hunted by other animals and are even good at protecting their nests and young, although they are the easiest prey for predators such as eagles, owls, and coyotes. In any case, keeping your garden free of such animals will make it easier for them to visit you or prevent them from attacking others because they consider it their territory.
Add a fountain for bathing
Obtaining water, especially on hot days, can be a difficult task for many animals, whether for drinking or cooling off for a while. So, leaving a water fountain in your garden can be very attractive to them, although make sure it’s big enough, as crows are large birds (69 centimeters long).
Try volunteering in pro of wildlife
If what you want is to learn more about crows, you can try volunteering in places dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation or wildlife protection. You will surely not only learn about crows but also about other fascinating and unique species.
Reflection
Having a crow has been compared in some cases to having a dog or a cat, not only for their size but for their behavior, intelligence, and the complexity of their care, which is different from that of other domestic birds.
Adopting must be an act of responsibility and not just an act of whim or fashion.
