Feeding crows is often seen as a spiritually positive act, especially in Hindu traditions where it honors ancestors, appeases Saturn (Shani Dev), and balances karma, potentially bringing good fortune by mitigating negative planetary influences and fostering connections to the spirit world, though some folklore links seeing them to luck depending on the number seen. While not universally "good luck," it's deeply symbolic of respect for departed souls and a way to receive blessings, with some people even reporting crows bringing "gifts" in return.
Generally speaking, it's not a good idea to feed wild animals. Not only are they unpredictable and potentially dangerous (yes, crows can be dangerous) but it disrupts their natural feeding patterns and makes them dependent on the food they get from non-wild sources.
Ancestor Connection: In Hinduism and some other belief systems, crows are considered messengers of ancestors. Feeding them is believed to bring blessings and honor ancestral spirits. 2. Karma Cleansing: Acts of kindness toward animals, especially intelligent ones like crows, are thought to help cleanse past karma.
Crows are very intelligent birds that can form bonds with humans. When people feed them regularly, crows often show their appreciation in a special way. They have been known to leave small gifts, like shiny coins or interesting twigs, for those who feed them.
If they see you regularly placing food in a certain place, they will recognise that you are the source of it. If that place isn't where you live, they will eventually follow you home - though you likely won't see them at first.
Caws in Crow Language
Many birds, especially those with strong cognitive abilities like crows, chickadees, and jays, have excellent memories. If you stop feeding, they may return to check for food for days or even weeks before giving up. Some species even revisit old feeding sites the following year, expecting food to reappear.
Most crows are very nervous of people and will get scared if people pay them any attention. They are unlikely to want tanything to do with you unless you have food. Having said that some individuals are less nervous and more curious and may observe and interact with you once you feed it regularly.
Crows are highly observant creatures, and their presence could indicate that you need to be more aware of what's happening around you. This might mean paying attention to certain opportunities or taking action to protect yourself from potential threats. In many cases, a crow visiting your home symbolises protection.
Look at the crows: they don't sow seeds or gather a harvest; they don't have storerooms or barns; God feeds them! You are worth so much more than birds!
Some food scraps like bread or meat scraps can be used. Make sure you clean it up before dusk if it goes uneaten so it does not feed local raccoons (who are cute but can carry disease amongst other reasons to not feed them!) or other wildlife.
Crows are fascinating creatures, known for their intelligence and adaptability. However, like all species in the wild, they have natural enemies that play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. One of the most significant threats to crows comes from birds of prey—particularly hawks and eagles.
The 5-7-9 rule for bird feeders is a squirrel-proofing strategy that uses distance to prevent access: place feeders at least 5 feet off the ground, 7 feet away from structures like walls or trees, and 9 feet below any overhead branches, exploiting squirrels' jumping limits to keep seeds for birds. This setup stops squirrels from leaping from the ground (5ft limit), walls (7ft horizontal jump), or dropping from above (9ft drop limit).
Protection & Guidance: Crows are seen as spiritual guides or omens. Nourishing them invites protection, intuition, and heightened awareness. Symbolic/Energetic Benefits: • Balance of Shadow & Light: Crows symbolize both mystery and insight. Feeding them may symbolize embracing the unknown and trusting spiritual timing.
They will come back. I have been feeding the crows near my house for almost 2 years and every so often I am not able yo feed them for a fews day. Whether on vacation or whatever reason. It takes them a few days but they usually come back.
Look at the dollar store for granola bars, cereals, pastas, rice, etc; they like pretty much any cereal but it's best to feed them the healthier ones that don't have too much sugar and are more basic, like cheerios or puffed rice cereal, or fiber cereals.
Yes, there are some who interpret a crow crossing one's path as a sign of bad luck or death…but another interpretation associates them with positive outcomes. The black colored birds can be symbols of transformation, intelligence, bravery, opportunity and fate.
There are several birds that are feng shui symbols of good luck. They include the phoenix, mandarin duck, crane, rooster, peacock, magpie, dove, swallows, and parrots.
Although crows can be fascinating creatures, it might not be in your best interest to attract them to your yard. Crows are frequent nest predators and like to feed on eggs and chicks in nests. They sometimes even go after exhausted songbirds after a long migration.
Avian pox and salmonella are common ones that spread at feeders. With Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu on the rise, these are areas of concern, especially if you can't keep a clean and disinfected area that needs weekly cleaning. Second, corvids can get aggressive over a perceived threat.
Why do we not see baby crows? You might not realize you're looking at a baby crow since they are close to the same size as adult crows. In addition, it's not common to see hatchling crows because their nests are high up in trees where humans don't generally hang out.
Set out crows' favorite food.
Like many of us, crows enjoy a little junk food, such as unsalted popcorn, crackers, and chips. They'll even eat cat food and dog food. It seems that crows' favorite food is nuts—particularly unsalted, whole peanuts in the shell, although they'll also eat walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts.
Crows sometimes leave pebbles, bottle caps or other items for humans who feed them because of their remarkable intelligence, memory and ability to form social associations.
Natural Deterrents
Certain scents and tastes can repel crows. Spraying a homemade bird repellent made from vinegar, chilli, or citrus can make your property less appealing to them. Alternatively, planting strong-smelling herbs like rosemary, lavender, or mint may also help keep them at bay.
Roost sites are generally located in groups of trees, often near water, and are used for many years if they aren't disturbed. Communal roosting helps crows exchange information and find mates. Some birds, because of their age or familiarity with the surrounding landscape, are more efficient at finding food.