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Can you own a pet crow?

Owning a pet crow is possible, but it comes with unique challenges and requirements. Crows are highly intelligent, social birds that require specialized care and lots of interaction to thrive in captivity. While crows can potentially form strong bonds with their owners, they do not always make ideal pets for everyone.

Is it legal to own a pet crow?

The legality of owning a pet crow depends on where you live. In the United States, laws regarding pet crows vary by state. Some states allow owning crows with proper permits and licenses, while other states ban private ownership completely. Often, native crow species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and cannot be kept as pets even with permits. However, some non-native crow species like Pied Crows may be legal to own without licenses in certain states.

What are the basic requirements for keeping a pet crow?

Crows have complex needs that require large, secure housing with ample space to fly. The Association of Avian Veterinarians recommends an absolute minimum enclosure size of 8 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft for one crow, with additional space needed for multiple crows. Crows are highly social, so owning more than one crow is ideal. The enclosure should contain plenty of perches, toys, and activities to prevent boredom and promote natural behaviors. Proper permits and knowledge of local laws are also required before obtaining a pet crow.

What kind of food do pet crows eat?

Crows are omnivores and require a varied diet. A nutritionally complete commercial bird food can form the base of their diet along with appropriate fruits, vegetables, proteins, and calcium sources. Mealworms, cooked eggs, meat, cat or dog food, berries, seeds, peas, and corn are typically relished. Careful addition of limited amounts of raw meat, fish and bones can also be beneficial. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times. Avoid avocados, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and excess salt, fat, and sugar.

How much care and interaction do crows need?

Crows are highly social, intelligent, and active birds who require several hours per day of direct interaction and supervised time out of their enclosure. Their intelligence necessitates mental stimulation through toys, training, games, and social bonding. Without adequate interaction and activities, crows can become stressed or engage in destructive behaviors. Crows form lifelong pair bonds and may pine without a companion crow. An owner who works long hours away may struggle to meet a crow’s complex social needs.

What are the training and handling considerations?

Crows can be trained using positive reinforcement to do various behaviors and tricks. However, they may become demanding or territorial and need proper discipline and manners training. Careful gradual desensitization is necessary so they become comfortable being handled for medical care. Even friendly crows can deliver painful bites, so handling requires caution. Their powerful beaks can damage property and injure humans and other pets if not properly managed.

What is the lifespan of a pet crow?

In captivity, crows often live 15-30 years with proper care, though 40+ year lifespans have been reported. Crows are a lifelong commitment due to their longevity.

Do crows make good apartment pets?

Generally no, crows do not make ideal apartment pets. They are loud, messy, destructive, and need adequate indoor and outdoor flight space. Neighbors will quickly complain about loud crow calls. Their droppings can damage property. Crows will enthusiastically shred books, clothing, furniture, and more with their powerful beaks if bored indoors.

What health problems can pet crows have?

Like other birds, crows are susceptible to a variety of infectious diseases. They should be purchased from reputable sources and quarantined appropriately. Stress and poor diet lead to feather picking and other behavioral problems. Obesity, cardiovascular disease, and foot problems can occur from inadequate exercise space. Annual exams, vaccinations, and deworming are imperative for pet crow health.

Do pet crows talk?

While crows vocalize constantly with a wide vocabulary of calls, they do not mimic speech like parrots. However, crows are excellent mimics of other natural sounds like car alarms, squeaky gates, ringing phones, and animal noises. With time, some may learn to mimic a few words or phrases on a limited basis but have nowhere near the talking capabilities of parrots.

How much does a pet crow cost?

If purchasing a pet crow from a breeder, expect to pay $1,500 to $3,000 depending on species. Reputable crow breeders tend to be rare. Adopting from a rescue can be significantly cheaper but may come with unknown health histories. In addition to the initial purchase price, expect to spend hundreds of dollars per year for a proper crow enclosure, enrichment items, veterinary costs and high quality foods.

Conclusion

Owning a pet crow can be feasible for knowledgeable owners able to provide for their extensive physical, mental and social needs. Crows require specialized housing, veterinary care, handling experience and almost constant stimulation and interaction from their owners. They are long lived and form intense bonds with their human families. However, crows are not a good impulse purchase and inappropriate caging or neglect can lead to damaging behaviors and poor health. Crows are messy, destructive, noisy, demanding birds who require an extreme commitment. Yet for the right owner willing to invest time, money and care in meeting their needs, crows can thrive and bring immense joy as unique avian companions.