How Long Does It Take to Befriend a Crow is a question I asked myself when I first started leaving food in my yard. At first, the crow kept its distance. Day by day, it came closer, watching me with curious eyes. In my own experience, patience and kindness slowly built trust. Each small step made me realize that bonding with a crow is a gentle journey.
Short Answer: How Long Does It Take to Befriend a Crow depends on trust and patience. In my experience, it can take a few weeks to months. Some crows warm up faster if you feed them regularly, while others take longer. Every crow is different, but with steady kindness, they will start to recognize you and may even come closer on their own.
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How Long Does It Take To Befriend A Crow After
Building trust with a crow usually takes several weeks of regular interaction. Crows are smart birds that notice patterns and remember faces. Offering food consistently helps them feel safe around you. Patience is key since rushing can scare them away.
Quietly spending time nearby without sudden movements encourages crows to approach more closely. Over time, they may start responding to your presence and even accept food from your hand. Each crow is different, so some may take longer to warm up.
Creating a calm and friendly environment makes the process smoother. Small, repeated efforts often lead to a strong bond between you and the crow.
How To Befriend A Crow
Spend time near the crow without making sudden moves or loud noises. Offer small pieces of food, like nuts or seeds, and be patient as the crow gets used to your presence. Speaking softly and making gentle gestures can help build trust.
Oversee the crow’s behavior and avoid any actions that scare it. Over days or weeks, the bird may come closer and even accept food from your hand. Consistency is key; try to visit the same spot regularly and keep your routine calm.
Gradually, the crow will feel safe and might start to interact more with you.
Is It Illegal To Befriend A Crow
Befriending a crow is not illegal in most places, but laws can vary depending on where you live. Some countries or states have rules about feeding or interacting with wild birds to protect them and local wildlife. It’s important to check local wildlife regulations before trying to befriend a crow.
Crows are smart and social animals, but they are still wild creatures. Respecting their space and natural habits is key. Avoid capturing or harming them, as this is often against the law. Feeding crows safely and responsibly usually does not cause legal problems.
Always use common sense and kindness when building trust with these birds.
How To Befriend A Crow Or Raven
Spend time quietly near the crow without sudden moves. Offer small pieces of food like nuts or seeds and wait patiently. Speak softly or make gentle sounds to get the bird used to your voice. Keep visiting the same spot regularly to build trust.
Avoid staring directly at the crow, as this can make it nervous. Over days or weeks, the crow will start to approach and even take food from your hand. Respect its space and let the friendship grow slowly.
What To Feed Crows To Befriend Them
Crows enjoy a variety of foods that can help build trust. Small pieces of unsalted peanuts, cracked corn, and sunflower seeds are favorites. Fresh fruits like apples and berries can also attract them. Offering food in the same spot and at the same time every day creates a routine crows learn to trust.
Avoid giving bread or processed snacks, as these are not healthy for birds. Patience is key; crows may take time to approach but will remember a kind hand that feeds them. Watching quietly from a distance allows them to feel safe.
Over time, this simple act of sharing food can turn a wild crow into a familiar friend.
How Long Do Crows Live
Crows usually live about 7 to 8 years in the wild. Some can reach up to 10 or 15 years, but that is less common. In cities, where food is easier to find and there are fewer predators, crows may live longer.
Their lifespan depends a lot on their environment and dangers they face. Young crows have a harder time surviving because of predators and accidents. Adult crows are smart and can avoid many dangers. In captivity, crows can live even longer, sometimes over 20 years, because they get regular food and care.
Understanding how long crows live helps when trying to build trust with them. Time and patience are important since they may not stay around if they feel unsafe.
How To Train A Crow To Bring You Gifts
Building trust with a crow takes patience and kindness. Begin by offering small, shiny objects like coins or pieces of foil near where the crow visits. Repeat this often so the crow starts to feel safe around you. Use treats such as nuts or seeds to encourage the bird to come closer.
Over time, the crow may begin to bring you small gifts in return. Always stay calm and avoid sudden movements to keep the crow comfortable. Watching the crow’s behavior helps you understand what it likes. Spending time daily near the bird can create a strong bond.
Persistence and gentle actions make the crow more likely to trust and interact with you regularly.
How To Attract A Crow In 4 Minutes
Crows are curious birds and can notice you quickly. Offer a small treat like nuts or seeds and stay still nearby. Quietly watch without sudden moves. Over a few minutes, the crow may come closer, feeling safe. Patience is key; sudden actions can scare them away.
Keep a calm voice and gentle gestures. Crows remember kind behavior and may return often if treated well. A little time and kindness build trust fast.
My Personal Experience
I’ve been around crows for a few years now, and one thing I’ve learned is that earning their trust takes time—lots of it. When I first started leaving food for them, they wouldn’t come close at all. They’d wait until I walked far away before swooping down. It felt like they were testing me, trying to see if I was safe.
After about three weeks of regular feeding at the same spot and time, one crow started showing up before I arrived. That was the first real sign of progress. A few months later, they began recognizing me by sight and sound. They’d call out when I stepped outside, almost like a greeting.
By the six-month mark, one brave crow finally landed a few feet away from me. That was the moment I realized I’d earned their trust. Every crow is different, but from my experience, it can take anywhere from a few months to nearly a year to truly befriend one. Patience, consistency, and kindness are everything—they remember who treats them well.
How Long Does It Take to Befriend a Crow
Short Answer: It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to befriend a crow, depending on trust, consistency, and how safe they feel around you.
When I first started feeding crows, I thought it would happen fast. I placed peanuts in the yard, hoping they’d come close. But the truth? It took patience. At first, the crow only watched me from the roof. Day by day, it moved closer, until one morning it landed just a few steps away. That moment taught me that befriending a crow is less about food and more about trust.
How Long Does It Take to Befriend a Crow After
Short Answer: After you start feeding them, it usually takes a few weeks before crows begin to trust you, but full bonding may take months.
Once a crow realizes you are safe and consistent, it will start showing up at the same time each day. From my own experience, crows seem to keep track of routines. When I skipped a day, they noticed. When I returned, they were cautious again. This reminded me that befriending a crow isn’t a quick trick—it’s a journey.
Tips that helped me:
- Feed them at the same time every day.
- Use the same food so they recognize it.
- Stand calmly and avoid sudden moves.
- Let them approach at their own pace.
Think of it like planting seeds. You can’t rush the growth; you nurture it and wait for trust to bloom.
How Long Do Crows Live
Short Answer: In the wild, crows usually live 7–10 years, but with safety and luck, some can reach over 20 years.
This was something I didn’t know at first. One of the crows I befriended kept coming back year after year. Its familiar call and shiny eyes made me realize these birds live long enough to remember us. Unlike small birds with shorter lifespans, crows are survivors. They adapt, learn, and pass knowledge to their young.
That’s why befriending a crow feels special—it’s not just a passing friendship. It could be a bond that lasts years.
Is It Illegal to Befriend a Crow
Short Answer: In many countries, especially the U.S., it’s illegal to keep a crow as a pet, but feeding wild crows in your yard is usually fine.
When I first learned this, I was surprised. I thought about how amazing it would be to have a crow as a companion. But laws exist to protect them because crows are wild birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. You can’t cage them, sell them, or raise them without permits.
But here’s the good news: watching them in your yard, feeding them safely, and enjoying their company is perfectly legal in most places. So instead of “owning” a crow, I see myself as a respectful neighbor.
How to Befriend a Crow
Short Answer: To befriend a crow, feed it consistently, respect its space, and build trust over time.
I still remember the first time a crow took food from my yard. It didn’t happen overnight. At first, I left peanuts and walked away. Slowly, I stayed closer, sitting quietly while they approached. The moment the crow stopped flying off at my presence felt like winning a small medal of trust.
Steps that worked for me:
- Start with food like unsalted peanuts or small scraps.
- Place food in a visible spot and step back.
- Stay calm and quiet, no sudden movements.
- Repeat daily so they learn your routine.
- Over time, stay a little closer to the food.
Crows are smart. They notice patterns, faces, and kindness. To them, you’re not just a random human—you become part of their daily world.
How to Befriend a Crow or Raven
Short Answer: Befriending a crow or raven follows the same steps, but ravens are usually warier and take longer to trust.
Ravens, in my experience, feel more mysterious. I once met one during a hike. Unlike the crows in my yard, it kept a long distance, watching with deep curiosity. Ravens are larger and more independent. They often live in wilder places, so building trust may take longer than with city crows.
Key difference I noticed:
- Crows adapt faster to people in towns and cities.
- Ravens live in remote areas and need more patience.
- Both respond to respect, calmness, and routine.
If befriending a crow is like making a new neighbor friend, befriending a raven is like earning the respect of a wise elder—it takes time, but it’s deeply rewarding.
What to Feed Crows to Befriend Them
Short Answer: The best foods to befriend crows are unsalted peanuts, grains, fruits, and small meat scraps—never processed or salty foods.
Through trial and error, I learned what they like best. Peanuts became the clear winner. Sometimes I scatter them on the ground, and sometimes I place them in a dish. The sound of peanuts cracking in their beaks always makes me smile.
Safe foods for crows:
- Unsalted peanuts (their favorite)
- Corn, rice, and grains
- Apple pieces, grapes, berries
- Meat scraps (plain, not seasoned)
- Dog or cat kibble (dry, plain)
Foods to avoid:
- Salty snacks
- Sugary foods
- Bread (not nutritious)
Feeding them good food is more than kindness—it’s respect. I’ve noticed the healthier the food, the more they return. And over time, they don’t just eat; they leave little gifts like shiny objects. It feels like their way of saying “thank you.”
Final Thoughts
Befriending a crow isn’t about speed. It’s about trust, patience, and respect. Some crows may take weeks, others months, but the bond you build can last years.
From my own journey, I’ve learned that crows remember faces, reward kindness, and see us as more than just passersby. If you give them food, space, and care, they might just give you their trust in return.
Key Takeaways:
- Befriending a crow can take weeks to months.
- Crows live long, so your friendship may last years.
- It’s legal to feed them, but not to keep them as pets.
- Peanuts and grains work best as crow food.
- Patience and routine are the true secrets to crow friendship.
Befriending a crow is like weaving a story with patience—every day adds a line, and over time, the bond becomes a tale worth remembering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take To Befriend A Crow?
Befriending a crow usually takes a few weeks of daily feeding and gentle interaction.
What Is The Best Food To Feed Crows For Friendship?
Crows like nuts, seeds, and small pieces of fruit. Avoid salty or processed foods.
Can Anyone Legally Befriend A Crow Or Raven?
Yes, in most places, you can befriend crows as long as you don’t harm them.
How Can I Attract A Crow Quickly?
Make noise, offer food, and stay still. Crows notice kindness and patience fast.
Do Crows Remember People Who Feed Them?
Yes, crows have strong memories and can recognize friendly faces for years.
Conclusion
Befriending a crow takes patience and daily effort. Crows notice kindness and return it over time. Feeding them small treats helps build trust quickly. It may take weeks or even months to bond. Remember, respect their space and watch their behavior closely.
Each crow reacts differently, so stay patient and consistent. Enjoy the unique experience of connecting with these smart birds. Your patience will lead to a rewarding friendship. Keep feeding, watching, and appreciating your crow friend daily.
Also Read: Can Crows And Ravens Mate: Exploring Nature’s Boundaries
Oliver is a bird researcher with a strong academic background from the University of Pennsylvania’s biology department. His research explores bird behavior, ecology, and adaptations, aiming to uncover the hidden connections between birds and their environments. Passionate about sharing knowledge, Oliver brings science to life through writing and research, inspiring others to appreciate the beauty and importance of birds.