Have you ever wondered if you can have a pet crow in the UK? I certainly did, and I embarked on a quest to find out.
As I watched this clever bird, I couldn’t help but wonder: Can a crow be a loyal companion, like the dogs and cats we invite into our homes? My journey began with exploring the legal and ethical aspects of having a pet crow in the UK
Yes, you can have a pet crow in the UK, but it requires obtaining the necessary licenses and adhering to legal and ethical considerations.
So, let’s start the journey together.
Guidelines for Keeping Crows as Pets in the UK
![Guidelines for Keeping Crows as Pets in the UK](https://topfacts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Can-You-Have-a-Pet-Crow-in-the-UK1-1024x576.png)
1. Legal Acquisition and Handling: Individuals are prohibited from keeping any wild bird, including crows unless they can substantiate that the bird was acquired and handled in accordance with legal requirements. This entails strict adherence to regulations governing the possession of wild birds.
2. Circumstances for Keeping Wild Birds:
- Legally Authorized Possession: One legitimate scenario is when it is acquired under a valid license that permits its captivity or care. This license is typically granted by the appropriate authorities based on specific criteria.
- Incapable of Release: Another situation arises when it, initially taken from the wild, cannot be safely returned due to physical or behavioral reasons that render it unfit for release.
- Found Deceased or Accidental Fatality: they discovered deceased or accidental victims, such as roadkill, can be preserved for educational, scientific, or conservation purposes.
3. Licensing Requirements: Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), it is illegal to take, kill, or possess wild birds or their eggs without the appropriate license, including for crows. Those seeking to keep them as pets must apply for a license from the relevant authorities, such as Natural England in England, Natural Resources Body for Wales, Scottish Natural Heritage in Scotland, or the Northern Ireland Environment Agency in Northern Ireland.
4. Ethical Considerations: It’s important to recognize that they are highly intelligent and social birds with complex social structures. Keeping them as pets can pose challenges, as they may not thrive in captivity. The welfare of the bird should be a primary concern when considering ownership.
5. Expertise Required: Keeping them as pets demands a thorough understanding of their specific care requirements, encompassing diet, housing, and the need for mental stimulation. Owners must ensure these needs are met to maintain the bird’s well-being.
6. Noise and Disturbance: they are known for their loud calls, potentially causing disturbances to neighbors. Prospective crow keepers should assess whether their living situation is suitable for accommodating these vocal birds to avoid potential noise complaints.
7. Conservation Considerations: Depending on the species, there may be conservation concerns associated with keeping crows as pets. Certain ones may be protected due to declining populations, necessitating careful consideration of their conservation status.
How much does it typically cost to acquire a pet crow?
Acquiring a pet crow can be quite expensive. Purchasing one from a breeder may range anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000. Additionally, it’s essential to factor in the cost of building a suitable aviary and ensure you have the time and capacity to provide the bird with a fulfilling and socially enriched life.
Is it possible to tame crows, and what should one keep in mind when attempting to do so?
No, Crows can be tamed for rehabilitation or as potential pets, but it’s crucial to understand that they don’t undergo domestication like parrots or parakeets. Even they bred in captivity retain their wild instincts. This means that even experienced trainers may face challenges in keeping these birds content when they are in captivity.
What crow species are legal to have as pets in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, it is generally legal to keep certain species of crows as pets, but you must adhere to specific regulations and obtain the necessary licenses. The exact species that are legal to keep can vary depending on your location within the UK, as different authorities may have slightly different rules. However, common species like the Carrion Crow (Corvus corone) and the Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix) are among those that might be considered for pet ownership.
Considerations When Contemplating Keeping a Crow as a Pet
1. Crows Are Wild Creatures
Crows are inherently wild animals. If you contemplate keeping it as a pet, you must capture one from the wild, which raises profound moral concerns. Think about it this way: would you want someone to seize you from your free life in the world and confine you to a cage for the rest of your days? The answer is likely no.
Similarly, it’s not any different for a crow. In their natural habitat, they enjoy boundless freedom under open skies, an experience impossible to replicate in captivity. Removing a crow from the wild and confining it to a cage is deemed cruel.
2. Sunbathing Necessity
They relish sunbathing, but it’s not just for pleasure; they require vitamin D, much like humans. Absorbing sunlight during sunbathing is the optimal means for them to obtain this vital nutrient. While you could position a cage by a window to expose it to sunlight, it’s not quite the same, potentially leading to vitamin D deficiencies and health issues for the bird.
3. Legal Restrictions in Many Nations
Further, they are migratory birds, protected by laws like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States. This legislation makes it illegal to capture, kill, trade, sell, or transport migratory birds, including crows.
Even if they are possible, exceptions are rarely made, especially when raising them as pets. In addition to being prohibited, attempting to domesticate a crow is a serious crime that carries criminal penalties, large fines, and possible jail time.
4. Social Nature
They like humans, are highly social beings. Separating a crow from its family or social group can lead to a life of solitude and profound depression, akin to the loneliness and mental suffering a human would experience under similar circumstances.
5. Mental Health in Captivity
In addition, they are exceptionally intelligent creatures that require both mental and physical stimulation. Keeping a crow is akin to caring for a perpetually two-year-old child who will never mature.
However, it’s more challenging for them, as their mental health deteriorates significantly if they don’t have the opportunity to engage their intellect, solve problems, and think critically. Consequently, they can become distressed and exhibit erratic behavior when kept in captivity.
6. Extensive Space Requirements
Crows are birds and inherently built for flight. Restricting it to the ground or a small perch without the ability to fly is detrimental to their well-being. To provide adequate space for it to fly, you would need a substantial aviary, a considerable undertaking both in terms of space and cost.
7. Limited Medical Care Options
It is quite difficult to get your crow professional medical attention because it is prohibited from possessing them as pets. Since veterinarians are required to notify authorities in such cases, you are left in charge of health without access to professional assistance, which can be challenging and potentially harmful to the bird’s welfare.
Exploring Alternatives Idea to Keeping Crows as Pets
1. Get to know the crows in your area
Crows are known for their sociable nature. It’s entirely possible to form bonds with entire flocks of crows that inhabit your vicinity. Building trust with these birds requires patience and adherence to local laws.
By consistently providing them with nourishing offerings like dried pet foods and peanuts, you can gradually cultivate a rapport with these intelligent creatures. Over time, they will come to recognize and trust you, leading to the development of a meaningful friendship.
2. Contribute to wildlife protection organizations
Wildlife Protection Services operate in most major jurisdictions and play a crucial role in assisting and rehabilitating wild animals in need. Volunteering with your local chapter affords you the opportunity to engage with various wildlife species, including crows. While your interactions with crows may not be constant, when they do require care or assistance, you will be well-placed to engage with and contribute to their well-being.
3. Obtain training as a wildlife rehabilitator
For those seeking a profound and dedicated involvement with them and other wildlife, pursuing accreditation as a wildlife rehabilitator is a compelling path. It is even possible to specialize exclusively in the care of crows if that is your passion. Embarking on this journey constitutes a significant life choice and demands substantial effort and commitment.
Nevertheless, if your heart is set on establishing a close connection with them, and becoming an accredited wildlife rehabilitator represents a meaningful and ethical way to achieve this goal.
Why are crows not suitable pets?
![Why are crows not suitable pets](https://topfacts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Can-You-Have-a-Pet-Crow-in-the-UK2.webp)
Crows are not suitable pets due to their high intelligence, stress in captivity, and complex needs. They require large aviaries for mobility, they require spacious aviaries that allow for both flight and ground movement. Constructing and maintaining such accommodations can be financially burdensome, and even with this generous space, also may not fully adapt to life in captivity.
Furthermore, they are also renowned for their vocal nature, which serves various purposes in the wild. While their calls may hold fascination when heard sporadically outdoors, living with a pet crow can become overwhelming due to their frequent and sometimes boisterous vocalizations. Additionally, they are highly social creatures, thriving in the company of their own kind.
Attempting to keep it as a pet may result in a stressed and unhappy bird. It is more ethical to appreciate these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat.
FAQs
1. Can I keep a wild bird in a cage?
It is generally illegal to keep a wild bird in a cage in the UK without the proper permits and under specific circumstances.
2. What if I break the law in the UK and take a crow as a pet?
Keeping a crow as a pet without the necessary permits is illegal and may result in legal consequences.
3. What if Animal Protection Services doesn’t help?
If Animal Protection Services are unresponsive, consider reaching out to local wildlife rescue organizations or authorities for assistance with wildlife issues.
4. What if I find an abandoned crow that needs help?
If you find an abandoned crow, contact local wildlife rehabilitators or organizations with expertise in caring for orphaned birds.
5. What if I find an injured crow and nurse it back to health?
It’s admirable to help an injured crow, but it’s essential to involve trained professionals to ensure proper care and rehabilitation.
6. Is Crow harmful to humans?
Crows are not inherently harmful to humans, but maintaining a safe distance and not attempting to handle or feed them is advisable.
7. What happens if Crow touches the left hand?
There are no specific consequences if a crow touches your left hand; crows are not known to transmit diseases through casual contact.
8. Is it safe to touch a crow feather?
It is generally safe to handle crow feathers, but it’s essential to avoid disturbing their nests or harming the birds.
9. What happens if Crow touches the shoulder?
There are no specific consequences if a crow touches your shoulder; they may land on people’s shoulders out of curiosity.
10. What happens if a crow bites you?
– Crow bites can cause minor injuries, including puncture wounds, and may require cleaning and medical attention to prevent infection.
11. How smart is a crow?
– Crows are highly intelligent birds, known for problem-solving abilities and complex social behaviors. Their intelligence is remarkable among avian species.
Final Words:
To sum up, having a pet crow in the UK is a complicated matter. The law and regulations are strict, and there are ethical concerns to consider.They are intelligent and social creatures, and owning one as a pet may not be in their best interest. It’s essential to respect their wild nature and consider their welfare above all else. Instead, appreciating crows from afar in their natural habitat is often the best approach.