Question 1

I want to befriend crows! How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

My experience is limited to befriending urban crows in a public park, so start somewhere crows already live. 
 
✦✦ Top tip: Crows learn fast, so be predictable in how you look and behave, and unpredictable only in your arrival.
 
The predictable bit:
✦ Be a safe, boring presence. Move slowly, don’t stare or approach head on, and avoid sudden arm movements
✦ Be recognisable: wearing similar clothes helps, as does letting them hear your voice
✦ Let them watch you drop a snack. Over time they’ll learn “safe human, occasional treat”
 
The unpredictable bit:
✦ Vary your timing. I visit on irregular days, at irregular times and through different park entrances, so they never rely on me for food

Question 2

What do you feed the crows?

Accepted Answer

✦✦ Top tip: a small handful is enough - this is a snack, not a meal. You don't want to create reliance or fights.
 
TOP PICKS: 
✦ Plain, unsalted cashews. I'm in the UK (London) and Aldi does 200g bags for £1.69. That usually lasts me 1 week, which is 2-3 visits
✦ Shelled peanuts from Sainsbury's; a 500g bag costs £2.50 (but avoid these during nesting season, as parents can give them to chicks whole, and they can choke)   
 
A few other things they've enjoyed: 
✦ Almonds, walnuts and pecans (Aldi, price varies)
✦ Plain, roast sweet potato 
✦ Plain roast chestnuts (Aldi, £2.99)
✦ Cut up green grapes (so they don't choke) and watermelon
 
AVOID: 
🚫 Bread 
🚫 Avocado, chocolate, onions & garlic, fruit pits 
🚫 Anything salted, seasoned, processed, old or mouldy

Question 3

Is this illegal or harmful?

Accepted Answer

✦ It isn’t illegal to feed crows in the UK, but do it responsibly, and check for local rules, as some parks and councils have their own, plus environmental and anti-social behaviour laws.

✦ Done badly, yes, it can be harmful: the wrong foods, too much of it, feeding in one spot every day, or encouraging them to get close to people. 
✦ Done lightly, it’s a snack, not a meal. I bring a small handful, at varying times and entrances, and they’d carry on fine without me.

Question 4

Can you train them to attack people / steal money / bring you gifts / commit crimes?

Accepted Answer

No, and I'd never want to. These are wild animals, they don't owe us anything and I expect nothing in return from them. I've no interest in training them, using them, hand-feeding, or causing them any kind of stress.

Question 5

Aren't these ravens?

Accepted Answer

These are carrion crows.

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