Crows, with their striking plumage and remarkable intelligence, are a common sight across the globe. These social birds are known for their complex group dynamics in the wild, leading many to wonder if they could be kept as pets. If you’re asking “Can I Buy A Crow As A Pet?”, it’s crucial to understand the legal and ethical implications before considering bringing one of these fascinating creatures into your home.
Legal Landscape: Owning Crows in the US and UK
The legality of owning a crow is not straightforward and varies significantly depending on your location. In both the United States and the United Kingdom, laws are in place to protect native wild bird species, and these laws often directly impact the ability to keep crows as pets.
United States: The Migratory Bird Treaty Act
In the United States, most native crow species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA). This federal law makes it illegal to own a crow as a pet. The MBTA prohibits the possession, harm, or harassment of migratory birds, which includes many crow species native to North America. This means taking a crow from the wild to keep as a pet is a federal offense.
The MBTA does allow for temporary care of crows under specific circumstances, primarily for rehabilitation purposes. If you find a sick, injured, or orphaned crow, you may be permitted to care for it temporarily while seeking professional help or obtaining a rehabilitation permit. However, these permits come with strict requirements and are intended for temporary care with the goal of releasing the bird back into the wild.
United Kingdom: Wild Bird Laws
Similarly, in the UK, laws protect wild birds. The government states that “You must not keep any wild bird (or its egg or nest) unless you can prove it was taken or killed legally.” This legislation effectively prohibits keeping native crows as pets in the UK.
The primary exception in the UK is when a wild bird is taken in because it is unfit to be released back into the wild. Even in these cases, proof of the bird’s condition and legal acquisition is necessary. Acceptable reasons for keeping a wild bird might include:
- Being taken under license.
- Being rescued from the wild due to injuries preventing release.
- Being found deceased or accidentally killed (like roadkill).
It’s essential to consult the UK government’s website for the most up-to-date guidance on keeping wild birds and whether a license is required in specific situations.
Are There Legal Pet Crows? Exploring Non-Native Species
While native crows are protected in the US and UK, there are a few non-native crow species that are not covered by the MBTA in the United States. These species can be legally obtained as pets in the US, although their availability and suitability as pets are still important considerations.
Pied Crows and White-Necked Ravens
The most commonly mentioned non-native species that can be legally kept as pets are the Pied Crow and the White-necked Raven. These birds share similar intelligence and personality traits with native crows but originate from different parts of the world and are not subject to the same legal protections in the US.
However, finding breeders for Pied Crows or White-necked Ravens can be challenging. These birds are not typically found in pet stores and are usually sourced from specialized breeders. The rarity of these species as pets also contributes to a higher price tag.
The Challenges of Crow Ownership: Why They Aren’t Ideal Pets
Even if you can legally acquire a non-native crow, it’s crucial to consider whether keeping one as a pet is truly a good idea. Crows, despite their captivating nature, present significant challenges as pets due to their wild instincts and complex needs.
Intelligence and Captivity Stress
Crows are exceptionally intelligent birds, often considered among the most intelligent in the avian world. This high intelligence, while fascinating, can make them poorly suited to captivity. Crows can experience significant stress when confined, especially if they lack the space and stimulation they require. Unlike domesticated birds, crows retain strong wild instincts, and being caged can be detrimental to their well-being. Stress in captive crows can manifest as destructive behaviors and aggression.
Housing and Space Requirements
The ideal environment for a captive crow is far from the typical birdcage. Crows need substantial space to fly and move around. A large aviary is generally considered the minimum acceptable housing, providing enough room for flight and ground exploration. Building such an aviary can be expensive and space-consuming, and even in a spacious aviary, a crow may still struggle to adapt to captivity.
Vocalization and Social Needs
Crows are highly vocal and social creatures. Their natural communication involves a wide range of calls and vocalizations, which can be charming in their natural environment but potentially overwhelming in a domestic setting. Frequent and loud crow vocalizations can become disruptive for owners and neighbors.
Furthermore, crows are highly social animals that thrive in flocks. While they can form bonds with humans, they ideally need the companionship of other crows to live fulfilling lives. Keeping a single crow in isolation, even with human interaction, may not fully meet their social needs.
Rehabilitation Permits: Caring for Wild Crows Legally
While owning a crow as a pet is generally discouraged and often illegal, there are circumstances where you might encounter a wild crow in need of help. If you find a sick, injured, or orphaned crow and wish to provide care, it’s essential to do so legally through proper channels.
To legally care for a native crow in the US, you typically need to obtain a Federal Migratory Bird Rehabilitation permit. However, these permits are not easily acquired by individuals without prior experience. They are primarily intended for established wildlife rehabilitation centers or individuals with significant experience in crow rehabilitation.
Obtaining a permit usually requires demonstrating at least 100 hours of hands-on experience with crow rehabilitation and having a facility that meets specific requirements. The application process involves providing detailed information, including facility blueprints and photographs. Permits also have time limits, typically allowing care for up to 180 days, with potential extensions. State-level permits may also be required in addition to federal permits.
Given the complexity of obtaining permits and the specialized care crows require, it is generally more helpful to take an injured or orphaned crow to a licensed bird rehabilitation center rather than attempting to care for it yourself without proper authorization and expertise.
The Cost Factor: Price and Long-Term Expenses
For those considering legally obtainable non-native crows, the cost is a significant factor. Purchasing a Pied Crow or White-necked Raven from a breeder can range from $2,000 to $6,000 or even higher. This initial purchase price is just the beginning of the financial commitment.
Beyond the bird’s price, you must also factor in the cost of constructing a suitable aviary, which can be substantial. Ongoing expenses include specialized food, enrichment items, and potential veterinary care, which can be more costly for exotic birds like crows.
Taming vs. Domestication: Understanding Crow Behavior
While crows can be tamed to some extent, particularly for rehabilitation purposes or potentially for keeping non-native species as pets, it’s crucial to understand that crows are not domesticated animals like parrots or parakeets. Even crows bred in captivity retain their wild instincts and behaviors.
Taming a crow requires significant patience, expertise, and understanding of crow behavior. Even experienced bird trainers acknowledge the challenges of keeping crows content in captivity. Their wild nature remains a dominant aspect of their personality, making them fundamentally different from domesticated pet birds.
Crow Intelligence: Smarter Than You Think (and your cat!)
Crows are renowned for their intelligence, often exceeding that of many common pets, including cats and even some dog breeds in certain cognitive areas. Crows exhibit remarkable problem-solving abilities, tool use, and social learning. Their intelligence is a key reason why they are so fascinating but also why they are challenging to keep in captivity. Their complex minds require constant stimulation and enrichment that can be difficult to provide in a domestic setting.
In conclusion, while the idea of owning a crow as a pet might be intriguing, the reality is far more complex. Legally, owning native crows as pets is prohibited in the US and UK. While non-native species might be legally obtainable in some areas, their suitability as pets is questionable due to their complex needs, wild instincts, and the challenges of providing appropriate care. For most individuals, appreciating crows in their natural environment is the most ethical and rewarding way to experience these intelligent and magnificent birds.
