Crows are members of the corvid family and are considered one of the most intelligent birds in the world. They are native to North America and can be found anywhere from urban settings to open woods. Crows are known for their signature all-black appearance and their hoarse, "cawing" voices. Because crows are such a common bird, it is not unusual to stumble upon an orphaned one. Choosing to rear an orphaned crow requires effort and time, but can be rewarding. Orphaned crows are often discovered fully feathered, yet unable to fly.
Instructions
1. Create a shelter for the crow by placing a plastic sheet at the bottom of a laundry basket. Add layers of newspapers and paper towels. Replace the newspapers and paper towels whenever they become highly soiled or wet.
2. Set up twigs that are high enough so that the crow's tail will not touch the bottom. The crow will use these twigs as a perch. Place a fiberglass screen or sweater-dryer screen on top of the laundry basket to will act as a lid. Make sure the crow is out of direct sun and that its home is kept at room temperature.
3. Feed the crow a high-protein diet. Mix 2 parts high-quality dog or cat food with one part cooked, high-protein baby cereal. Add one boiled egg with shell for every 2 cups of the mixture.
4. Feed the crow with blunt tweezers by placing small amounts of the mixture in the back of its mouth, past the windpipe. This should be done every 30 minutes for the first day. Extend the time between meals by 15 minutes each day. After 10 days, meals should be 3 hours apart. Add small dishes of chopped mealworms or crickets when the crow begins to perch. By 4 weeks, you should not be assisting in feeding.
5. Add a small dish of water with clean rocks to the shelter. The rocks will prevent the crow from drowning. Mist the crow twice a day when it reaches 4 weeks of age. Add a shallow water dish for bathing. This promotes preening, which waterproofs its feathers helps with its ability to fly and stay warm.
6. Allow the crow to fly around freely for at least two hours a day.
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