Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Attracting crows to your yard
• Part 2 of 2: Keep the crows coming back
• Tips

Crows are very smart creatures, one of the most intelligent animal species. A group of crows is called one swarm or a murder, and can be a good addition to your garden. A small flock can keep plants free from insects and other pests, and their size can repel other birds of prey, such as hawks. Attracting crows and keeping them coming back can be done quickly and environmentally friendly.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Attracting crows to your yard

1. Get things that scare crows out of your yard. Crows are quickly startled by sudden noises, so things like bells, wind chimes and squeaky gates can keep them at bay. In addition, crows are afraid of reflective surfaces that move and cause random flashes of light. Scarecrows and fake owls can ward off crows at first, but they are intelligent so that won't be long.
2. Place decoys. If it looks like one crow is coming into your yard, more will follow. The decoy should look natural and alive. Figures hanging upside down or otherwise looking dead, such as some Halloween decorations, will scare the birds.
3. Use a bird caller for crows. You can buy an electronic one, or try using a manual bird caller yourself. There are several calls that crows use, many of which will attract swarms in the area. Some popular calls are the Attention Call, the Gathering Call, and the No Call Call, all three of which will attract curious crows.
   • Manual calling is difficult, but it gives you more flexibility in calling and communicating with the birds. Place the call between your thumb and index finger and cupped it with your hands. Instead of blowing through it, it's best to make a grunting sound in the call, like clearing your throat.
4. Create a place to sleep. Crows like horizontal resting places, such as on fences or branches. They are social birds so you will need to provide them with plenty of space to sit and stay put. Crows are large birds, so a resting place should be sturdy. Old-fashioned concrete birdbaths can be useful for this.
   • You can also create an artificial structure if you don't have enough natural spots. Put some posts in the ground and place a crossbar between them to create more resting areas.
5. Scattered food. Crows will eat almost anything, so you can put all kinds of food in front of them. To attract crows for the first time, you will need to put something striking, such as peanuts in the shell. Once they come into your yard regularly, you can stock up on more types of food, such as dry pet food or leftover meat. Crows can eat a lot, so don't be afraid to give them more if they eat everything.

Part 2 of 2: Keep the crows coming back

1. Once you have started feeding, it is good to have a regular feeding schedule. Crows are smart and will quickly realize that you are putting food out regularly, and a steady food source is very appealing to any wild animal.
2. Make sure there is water. Place it in small, shallow containers for the crows and other birds to drink. They should be sturdy so that cats who want to drink a little, or a large bird, cannot accidentally knock them over. Make sure that the water does not freeze in the winter.
3. Be patient. It may take a while for the crows to arrive as your food will also attract squirrels, blue jays and other small birds. You may need to place food for several days before the crows follow the blue jays to the food source.

Tips

• Cats and dogs will not allow crows in the yard. If you have a pet cat or dog, keep it indoors.
• If you want crows to help keep pests out of your yard, you may need to put in some nets to keep the birds from eating your plants.
• Crows can make a lot of noise, make sure your neighbors don't mind.