How to attract crows to stay?

[theFox]

Quote:
Not exactly correct caspernc.

In most states there is a crow season, having seasons on birds governed by the Migratory Bird Act and treaties is both common and perfectly legal. Just be certain that you understand all of the laws.

For example Maine has a split season on crow.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

I spread corn to attract the crows, but I also hang a cut-out of a hanging dead crow on my coop door so they won't go in & steal my eggs. It works!

 

[caspernc]

Maybe the federal part makes the states inforce seasons, like deer season? I had no idea there were any restrictions on crows. I know song birds are protected, but crow? I do like them and don't know if we will still get along when I get my chickens. I'm thinking they will be the least of my worries, right?

 

[WillieBoy]

I'd have to agree with that one Caspernc, crows being the least of your problems.Your more likely to have problems with four legged predators..!

 

[desertdarlene]

Crows generally like corn. However, at least where I live, you won't see them if there's a Cooper's hawk hanging around. I've actually seen crows change direction if they spot a Cooper's perched nearby. They'll mob other hawks, but leave that one alone. Ravens aren't afraid of any raptor it seems, but they're more dangerous to keep around.

I think, one time, I read in the Migratory Bird Treaty that crows can be removed or dispatched if they are an agricultural pest with no penalty. I think it said that they didn't even need a permit to take them and grackles, too.

Crows bully and attack a lot of "friendly" birds and their babies, too, including ducklings and chicks.

 

[SeattleChickenHead]

when you say "federally protected" it makes it sound like your talking about Orca whales or eagles.

here in WA state :: crows in the act of depredation may be killed at any time.

also Oct 1st thru Jan 31st is crow season, as long as you have a small game hunting license, there is no bag limit.
That being said, as a hunter, I have no idea who/why someone would go crow hunting. ever heard the expression "eat crow"?

ewwwwy and gross or so Ive heard...

My neighborhood crows seem very friendly since I got chickens, they peck around where the tractor was the previous day, and they now let me get within 4ft of them and Im not trying to be nice or mean to them, unless theyre in the garden, then I "bark" at em

....its like they know im a bird person now or something, they must have seen me hand feeding them treats

 

[crawfordmama]

Quote:
Common ravens are HUGE, as in over two feet from head to tail! I can only imagine what their wingspan is. They have a call that I can only describe as chilling. This past summer I had few of them set up shop in some trees by my house, and I honestly thought what I heard was one of my neighbors screaming. I came flying out of the house looking around, and realized it was them having a grand time up in the tree canopy. I believe ravens and crows are in the same family. My Peterson Field Guide describes their flight pattern to be hawklike, as they alternate between flapping their wings and gliding.

 

[Lorilyn Farms]

I thought the crows were eyeing my chickens, but they instead go for the chicken feed and water. I've seen them chase away the hawks, but the hawks are terrible the last couple of days. I need more crows....

 

[Kyonarai]

so I take it that crows do not bother chickens and keep the hawks at bay?
I've wondered if the crows I see are eyeing my chickens, so no?
Also, how can you tell the difference between crows and ravens, as I'm not sure which we have flying around here?

They have a saying down here: If you have to ask, it's not a raven. Raven are huge birds on par with a large parrot or hawk. They also have a much thicker, curved beak. Crows are smaller and have a more pointed beak.