Are Crows A Problem????

[Chick CJ]

I have a backyard flock made up of 4 bantams and 4 full size chickens, all different breeds. They have been in the backyard since February. We have always had an abundance of crows in the neighborhood but it seems the last few weeks they are flying lower over mine and my neighbors houses and even landing in my backyard and on fences around me. They don't seem to do anything, just sit and look for a few minutes and then fly off to the neighbors yard or off to a distant tree. I don't know if this is coincidence (maybe they've got a nest really close right now) or if this is because of my chickens. My neighbors were inquiring and I don't want to upset anyone so I'd like to be able to tell them that it isn't my chickens attracting them. I didn't think crows would bother chickens necessarily, but wasn't sure if they were attracted for different reasons. Like maybe the food, treats I throw out for them or maybe they just feel safer here because there are chickens and the chickens aren't being bothered by any other predators. The chickens are in a fenced off area in the way back of my yard and the crows actually don't seem to land out there, they land on my grass. The chickens only pay attention when and if the crows are making a racket. They don't run or even look up when the crows fly into the yard.
Any ideas?
CJ

 

[SillyChicken]

They're probably enroute to breeding areas.

Some folks think they're good to have around because they harrass hawks and may help keep them at bay.

The only thing they may be looking for is food. Your birds aren't attracting them, unless there's alot of uneaten food available for the crows to be attracted to.

Otherwise they're harmless.

 

[Imp]

I don't know where you are at, but around here (Seattle) we get the crows congregating in the winter. A couple months ago I'd see flocks of thousands at dawn. Very cool in a scifi/horror sort of way.
I like them, and have watched them chase away hawks and eagles.

Imp

 

[brendapa]

I also like the crows hanging around. If I hear a loud warning from them there is usually a hawk in the area.
Nature's "hawk" alarm system.

 

[Kittymomma]

I like the crows because they work so well as hawk alarms. They can steal eggs and food though and also may spread disease so make sure you don't have a lot of food out where it will attract them. I figure as long as they're patrolling the area it's a good thing, I just don't want them wandering around the coop and run.

 

[Chick CJ]

Quote:
Yes, this was my issue as well. My food is in a covered run area and the crows don't seem to be going into the fenced off yard where the chickens/run are just my grass area and maybe the garden and my girls lay their eggs in the coop nest boxes so no problem there. But I was concerned with them bringing diseases to my girls. Does it usually come in their poop, on their feet? I mean it may be a long shot but if we are walking around the yard we could potentially carry something to them and if they are flying overhead and drop poop in the yard then that could be dangerous as well. Perhaps I am worrying for nothing as most of you seem to have them around with no problems.