Crows are beautiful birds with incredible levels of intelligence. They’re also one of the most mythologized creatures in the western hemisphere. It’s not surprising that many people feel an affinity with this wonderful species and all its varieties. Some folks even dream of keeping a crow as a pet.
Unfortunately, this isn’t a good idea for several reasons. Let’s look at why keeping a crow as a pet is a massive no-no. We’ll also check out some alternatives to keeping a crow, so you can connect with them.
Crows Are Too Intelligent for Captivity
There is no ethical justification for keeping a crow as a pet. These birds are too smart for captivity. Scientists compare their intellect to that of a seven-year-old child. The corvid family, which includes crows, ravens, magpies, and jays, is remarkable. They’re also one of the few species that use and make tools. Their sharp minds mean that they require constant mental stimulation—meaning a pet owner would need to provide an endless stream of toys and puzzles to entertain them.
This is one of the main reasons why crows don’t function well in captivity. Some people assume that keeping a crow is like keeping a parrot, but that’s not true. Caged crows are likely to engage in destructive behavior. They will also probably suffer from depression and stress. They are not a domesticated bird and belong in the wild. There’s even a chance that they could escape depending on the type of cage. Crows are superb problem solvers and would be capable of opening a simple latch.
Keeping a Pet Crow Is Illegal
Another major issue is that it’s illegal in every U.S. state to keep crows as pets. It’s also against the law in the U.K. under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). You cannot keep one in captivity without a special permit. Typically, only wildlife protection and rehabilitation services will receive permission. Don’t try to secretly keep a crow, either. Technically, it’s a felony in the U.S. with serious legal consequences. You’re likely to face a fine, and what’s more, law enforcement will confiscate the crow.
The other legal issue with adopting a pet crow is that it’s impossible to find veterinary care. Most legitimate vets won’t want to risk their license for an illegal pet. A well-meaning vet may help an injured wild bird. But crows are common birds, and sometimes, it’s right to allow nature to take its course. Typically, they won’t want to get involved. Owners illegally keeping crows could face the trauma of their sick pets suffering without help.
Crows Need a Very Specific Habitat
Crows are wild animals, and they have a very specific habitat. It’s unethical to cage a crow because they need wide-open spaces to fly. They’ll fly for up to 40 miles in a day as they range from their roosts to feeding sites. American crows and ravens can also reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. This is impossible in even the biggest cage, so it’s a terrible idea to contain them.
The Corvid family of birds are omnivores, so they eat a very diverse diet. They’ll consume everything from seeds and nuts to smaller birds and frogs. These avians enjoy the hunt and searching for food. Experts even discovered that they’ll drop nuts on roads for cars to drive over and crack the shells. That’s the level of intellect that these birds have. Keeping them in captivity is a terrible idea, even if you have the best intentions.
Crows Have Complex Socialization Needs
Crows are extremely social animals and have complex community systems. It’s impossible to replicate this by keeping them in captivity. They crave company and unlike other birds, they even accept fledglings from other pods. Crows have social groups of up to 15 in a flock (known as a murder). They interact with each other and form lifelong connections. Typically, they mate for life and form intense bonds with their partners. Humans shouldn’t keep crows because they need constant company.
Rescuing a baby crow may seem like a noble idea, but it’s very risky. Crows imprint on humans and will have a strong emotional dependency. Some rescuers intend to release the crow into the wild after raising it. But this is usually the worst outcome because the birds haven’t gained the skills to survive in the wild. Crows learn from other birds and transfer knowledge to each other. Always contact Wildlife Protective Services if you find a baby bird because these professionals have the training to rescue it correctly.
Befriend Crows, Don’t Keep Them
The easiest way to bond with crows is to feed your local populace. You can leave food outside for them or scatter seeds. Crows often respond well to this, but take care; they could have an overly enthusiastic reaction and swarm your garden. You also don’t want them to be a nuisance to the neighbors. Check your area’s local regulations because it may be illegal to feed crows.
Befriend crows by giving them high-value treats like scrambled eggs or even dried meat. The best thing to do is find a location where you know they’ll gather. Don’t feed crows at home in case you accidentally attract pests like rats, raccoons, or mice. Crows also have long sharp beaks, so be careful getting too close to them. Sometimes, they can spread transmissible diseases through their droppings, including histoplasmosis.
Advocate for Crows Through Volunteer Work
Another great way to work with your favorite wild animals is to join your local wildlife protection service. Many will accept volunteers. It’s not always going to be fun because you’ll be dealing with injured animals. Also, there’s no guarantee that you’ll encounter crows regularly. This path won’t be for everybody because there will be some very emotional moments. But it’s extremely rewarding and nothing beats the high of releasing a rehabilitated animal back into the wild.
