Hooded Crows for Sale

(Corvus corone)

The Hooded Crow, otherwise known as its nickname “Hoodie”, has 4 subspecies native to regions from Great Britain to West Asia and from South of the Arctic Circle to the Southern Mediterranean coast. Of the migratory species, they can also inhabit Northern India, Southern China, Iran, and Afghanistan. For a long time it was considered a variation of the species, Carrion Crow, because it was so similar in shape and size, but they have now been distinctly separated. It's boldest differences are that the Hooded crow has two-colored plumage, grey and black, and their calls are like 'kra-kra-kar' scratchy croaks just as you'd imagine a Crow's call is. Hooded Crows are very impressive looking birds. They can be as tall as 2 feet in length including their tails and their wingspan, 36-40 inches, well over a yard.

Crows In The Wild

Like American Crows, Hooded Crows are known to have variety in diet, but they lean quite carnivorous. They enjoy eating Rodents, the aforementioned Carrion species, eggs and insects. More on diet later when the Hooded Crow in captivity is discussed. In the wild, it prefers whole animals that provide much calcium.

Again, like Crows you are already familiar with, the Hooded Crow is very adaptable to habitats outside its norm. They typically live in open forest land and wooded areas, but can be found in farms, villages, grasslands, among cliffs, and also deserts at 3,000 feet or higher (above sea level). Hooded Crows build elaborate homes of sticks. The foundation of the nest is made of short sticks and small animal bones. The nest is lined with moss, grass, roots on the outside, and fur, wool, human discarded material, and feathers on the inside. Once two crows have mated, the female will lay between 2 and 7 eggs and incubate them for nearly 3 weeks. Once the chicks have hatched, they will fledge the nest around week 4 or 5.

In Captivity

Crows are known to be surprisingly intelligent! Recent studies have unveiled that their ability to make tools and solve problems has put their intelligence at the same level of some of the world's smartest apes. Hooded Crows can easily mimic people and animals, copying both sounds and words. They are naturally social, so they form bonds with their owners almost instantaneously and will learn to respond to simple commands over time. Their intelligence goes beyond just performing tricks and advanced survival, they are emotional creatures. Sometimes they put on a tough front, tormenting your other house pets or guests, but if they are met with unkind behavior, they exhibit signs of stress. So with their intelligence comes emotional intelligence and also, mischief. The Hooded Crow should never be left alone in a space that has not first been “crow proofed”. They go through similar phases of development as human toddlers. Unfortunately, their wild side cannot be outgrown. Always crow-proof!

Crows in captivity can be fed a diet based on dog and cat foods but can be adapted to be more like the Crow's diet in its natural habitat. Since they intake a lot of calcium in nature, it's essential to provide them the same live, whole animals, such as whole mice, chicks, and insects to supplement a pigeon pellet or softbill food diet. The live animals will also give the crow exercise, mentally and physically. They can also be given nuts, fruits, hard-boiled eggs, and various vegetables to round out their diet.

Hooded Crows need ample space to fly around so a custom-built or outdoor aviary or a properly adapted indoor space is totally necessary to their well-being. This is one of the most important decisions you will make on your Hooded Crow's behalf. Finding out your Crow's original origin will allow you to keep it happiest, by emulating its habitat and natural activities as closely as possible. Some crows need to observe people, or perhaps watch TV. Some are particularly hearty in cold weather and others absolutely need lamps and special lighting in their aviaries.

All Hooded Crows will need daily interaction with their owners to maintain their health. It's very important an owner understands that the crow's beak can become an accidental weapon and cause substantial injuries.