How to Feed a Pet Crow: Smart Nutrition for a Smart Bird
How to Feed a Pet Crow: Smart Nutrition for a Smart Bird
Crows are known for their intelligence, curiosity, and playful nature. If you’re caring for a crow — whether as a rescued wild bird or a long-term companion (where legal) — proper feeding is essential to keeping them healthy and mentally stimulated.
This guide covers what to feed a pet crow, what to avoid, and how to create a balanced, enriching diet.
1. Are Crows Omnivores? Yes!
Crows are omnivores, which means they eat a wide variety of food:
-
Fruits (grapes, apples, berries)
-
Vegetables (peas, corn, leafy greens)
-
Grains (rice, oats, unsweetened cereal)
-
Proteins (boiled eggs, cooked meat, dog food, insects)
They love variety, and a healthy diet should mix different food types — just like in the wild.
✅ Tip: Fresh water should always be available for drinking and cleaning food.
2. Best Foods for Pet Crows
Here’s a list of safe, nutritious foods:
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Apples (no seeds), berries, melon |
| Vegetables | Corn, peas, spinach, carrots |
| Protein | Cooked chicken, scrambled eggs |
| Grains | Cooked brown rice, oats, quinoa |
| Other | Mealworms, nuts (unsalted), kibble |
You can also use high-quality dog or cat kibble as a protein base — many wildlife rehabbers use this.
3. Foods to Avoid
Some foods are toxic or dangerous for crows:
-
Avocados
-
Chocolate
-
Caffeinated drinks
-
Alcohol
-
Raw or moldy food
-
Salty or sugary snacks
Also avoid processed food or fried food, which can cause long-term health issues.
4. How Often to Feed a Pet Crow?
Crows do well with 2–3 feedings per day when young or recovering. Adult crows can eat twice daily or have free access to food.
You can:
-
Offer meals in the morning and late afternoon
-
Leave small enrichment snacks hidden around their enclosure
They enjoy foraging, so hiding food under leaves or inside toys can simulate natural behavior.
5. Enrichment Feeding Tips
Feeding is also an opportunity to stimulate their brain! Try:
-
Puzzle feeders
-
Food hidden in small boxes
-
Chopped fruits inside paper rolls
-
Rotating food variety every few days
Keeping feeding unpredictable and fun helps avoid boredom — which crows hate.
Conclusion: Feeding a Crow Takes Care and Creativity
Crows are not like regular pets — they’re wild at heart and brilliant. Giving them a balanced, fresh, and mentally stimulating diet is key to keeping them healthy and happy.
Whether you're rehabilitating a crow or living where it’s legal to keep one, always remember: a well-fed crow is a clever, playful companion.
