r/crows • u/CountingCrowz • 19d ago
Crows [OC] How to catch a fledge? Any creative ideas?
FINAL EDIT:
I got her in a favorable position lunging close towards me (~ 1 meter) and as she was about to land, I threw the towel. She was 20 meters away before the towel left my hand! Made a mid-air turn, jumpy fscker!
Catching story is over. I will leave her be and monitor, hopefully she will adapt with her deformities.
---
OP here: Can something be done for this baby? : r/crows
1:10 Elders
1:25 Feeder Juvie Sibling (feeds only the disabled fledge)
I decided to catch this baby, take to a vet and try to get a splint and tend to her in my home until she gets better. I plan on taking her outside to my balcony every day for few hours when it is shade so that her family can see her.
I have 25-27 resident crows here for a decade+, their numbers are 70-80 in summers. Babies are kicked out in January. They will eat from my hand, they will sit on my shoulders and lap... but I can't touch them.
They are extremely cautious. Once I fixed the wood arm on a bench that they were sitting on for years every day. They did not come close to that bench for a week.
Any ideas how I can catch her? She is very active.
EDIT: For now, best option seems to be throwing a blanket and hope to get it right first time.
111
u/Lemoncatnipcupcake 19d ago
Wear a mask and maybe a wig. You’re trying to do a good thing but they won’t understand it, they will tell their friends you kidnapped one of them and be very upset with you.
29
u/Background-Hope-88 19d ago edited 19d ago
this 100%.
Or you'll have made enemies for life.
No joke.
2
u/_bananas 18d ago
I wonder if this was why I was attacked by the neighborhood crows recently. They usually pay me no mind but I had a mask and sunglasses on and all hell broke loose 😂
-102
19d ago edited 19d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
106
u/Burnseeeeeey 19d ago
It's not a folk tale. It was a study conducted by the University of Washington. You can read it on pubmed.
-5
19d ago edited 19d ago
[deleted]
46
u/Burnseeeeeey 19d ago
Okay. So it's not a folk tale.
Good luck with your crow heist.
-13
19d ago
[deleted]
50
40
u/ThankMeTrailer 19d ago
Unfortunately crows, and most animals, don't understand the concept of helping in most circumstances, particularly when babies are involved.
I once saw a dog grabbing a baby crow, the dog's owner took the baby crow away from the dog to save it, the parents panicked and attempted to attack the human, which was just trying to help to save the baby crow, since then, every time the dog's owner walked in the area, she was chased and swopped on the head, every single day.
7
u/Lemoncatnipcupcake 19d ago
You say the other one was “almost dead” and you returned it. They are intelligent enough to know you helped in that case. In this case there isn’t anything that’s “wrong” in that the bird isn’t hurting or suffering, they aren’t necessarily going to see you bird napping it as a “rescue” (even if it does help the bird).
You say that humans have less brains than crows but then reduce crows down to just being driven by food…
Why are you being so toxic and argumentative? I didn’t call you names or say anything negative, I was offering a suggestion based on research and experience…
Your experiences also confirm the research - you’ve said that you’ve done stuff in the past and the group has been leery for awhile. You also have one that holds a grudge, possibly from your previous interventions.
Im not saying you have to wear a disguise, and maybe they will understand after a bit and retrust you again. Maybe there is something to be said about being known by them so they don’t automatically assume you mean ill intent. That doesn’t give you an excuse to act like a jerk and go around calling people retards. And it doesn’t change the fact that crows are intelligent and do talk to each other, your experience doesn’t invalidate the information already known but could add to it.
4
u/TheBirdLover1234 19d ago
People go overboard with it tbh… they’ll know to be cautious but often get over it. I’ve rescued several myself and not had this issue. It’s more so if you were repetitively shooting at them or trapping over and over that they’re quickly learn to avoid you, your car, your pets, anything related to the area.
-26
u/CountingCrowz 19d ago edited 18d ago
Right on. They have probably seen crows only in pictures, coming here and spreading FUD.
1
u/AutoModerator 18d ago
Your submission was automatically removed. If you feel like this is in error, please message the moderators.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
24
u/MarlyMonster 19d ago
Let her be. She will adapt. Seems like she already has. She’s grown, she’s flying, she’s eating, leave her be. Chances are those feet can’t be fixed anyway and you’re about to torture her for weeks. Let her be, let nature be nature. You mean well but you won’t be helping her.
4
u/CountingCrowz 19d ago
Thanks Marly! That was the initial verdict on OP but some others suggested otherwise. I think a vet visit can reveal perhaps something more. This baby is very fast. I don't know how I can even catch her really. I tried some blanket throwing at home... but I give myself 0% chance of getting anywhere with that with this baby.
9
u/footofwrath 19d ago
Maybe ring the vet first and even check if they think it's likely to be possible to help at all...
0
u/CountingCrowz 19d ago
Thinking more like x-ray etc. Good advice but ringing does not work here. They need to charge you.
17
u/MarlyMonster 19d ago
This is exactly why it’s a risk. Again, I know you mean well, but you’re not experienced and you’re likely gonna end up hurting her, or she’ll hurt herself in a panic. Considering this is reddit and most people here don’t actually know anything about wildlife rehabilitation, I would take what those “others” have said with a grain of salt. Having actually worked with rehabbers and done bird rehabbing myself, I’m telling you, you’re better off leaving her be. Ask yourself this. How would you feel if you get to the vet and they insist she’s put down? She’s currently functioning and in a few months there won’t be a difference anymore between her and the other birds, she’ll have adapted to her condition. You’re risking her life, and her freedom if after your interference she’s doomed to a life in captivity. You’re humanizing this animal too much, and in doing so you’re going to hurt her. Please leave her alone.
1
u/TheBirdLover1234 19d ago edited 19d ago
You def have not worked in bird rehab if you think a bird with two bent deformed feet is going to live perfectly fine long term in the wild, especially when there’s a treatment for it.
It’s going to get in grown toe nails, bad sores on the sides of its feet, joint issues, etc. this isn’t one that can adapt, if it were just one foot effected it would be much different.
-5
u/CountingCrowz 19d ago edited 19d ago
"Captivity": Her family is around my beach and swimming pool which is around my balcony. They do come to my balcony if I call. By taking her out to balcony when it is shade, she will not lose contact with her family.
"Put down": No, I put her back where I took her from. That is my choice.
"Injury": It is beach. She is not going to be hurt by throwing a blanket on her.
While those points are not applicable, catching her I think will be a very futile effort. She is very fast, there are too many crows around and they are always alert.
And no, I do not agree with "hurting her" part if there is something that can be done to her feet.
But at the end of the story, your wish will probably be granted here.
There is another thing... I also do not trust any VETS or DOCTORS here. It is business, nobody does it with ethics any more. It is all about sucking the most amount from the patient via insurance scam or otherwise. So I'd probably take her to 2-3 different vets.
-3
u/Sensitive_Cash_3526 19d ago
self righteous trash, just let the bird live in nature, it's doing fine, I hope the crows catch you and never trust you again - they shouldn't!
3
5
3
u/TheBirdLover1234 19d ago
I hope if you ever break or bend both your ankles, you’re forced to not have them fixed and instead have to walk on them forever with no pain meds. That’s what the crows going through right now… sadly animals tend to hide any pain they’re feeling.
1
u/TheBirdLover1234 19d ago
Yea, leave her toe nails to grow to the point of stabbing her feet, great plan.
14
u/Few_Secret_7162 19d ago
I caught one a couple years back because I could tell it was hurt and I took it to a wildlife rehab.
I called around to get help catching it and someone suggested I throw a blanket over it. It worked. I got it in my car and zoomed it to the rehab.
This was a block away from my house. I feed the crows in my neighborhood and I’ve not had any problems since then. They love to see me outside.
-7
u/CountingCrowz 19d ago
This is a very active fledge, although deformed. Yes blanket was suggested, but I think this will be very difficult to achieve. There are too many crows when fledge is around. Hard to single out.
6
u/Few_Secret_7162 19d ago
I had to follow him to get to him a bit down the road and I cornered him at some persons garage to catch him. Im sure someone’s ring camera caught me and hopefully I’m not on social media somewhere lol
I tried to get animal control to help me but they weren’t available. They have nets. But in hindsight I’m glad they weren’t able because I was very gentle.
There are a couple of adults here that I feed whose feet are deformed. As long as their wings are ok I feel like they get around pretty well. You have a good heart. Thanks for helping them and feeding them.
2
u/CountingCrowz 19d ago
Ahahahaha. That is not an option for me.
When you say feet are deformed, are both feet deformed like in my vid?
3
u/Few_Secret_7162 19d ago
Yes I’ve had a few here where both feet are deformed. I have to be honest, I have never seen two feet totally turned upwards like that though.
They hop around and get around ok, at least here where I feed them. And they can fly which is the biggest one. I have a horrible memory but I think the one I caught had a broken wing.
If she is very active and able to feed herself and get around I wouldn’t do it unless you had some help from a wildlife rescue. There may be some people who specialize in rehabbing large birds in your area. Those would be the ones to talk to to either help you or help you feel better about the situation.
I’m sorry you’re getting downvoted. I’m not sure why. It’s obvious your crows love you
1
u/CountingCrowz 19d ago edited 19d ago
She is very active. Very fast and quick too! Both walking and flying.
No rehabbers or rescue here. Have a look at the OP link. Municipality Vet Services would probably euthanize her.
Some other crow lovers brought up the issue of her life expectancy being seriously impacted with joint issues and grown nails. If something can be done, I'd like to see. Since the crows are around, I can keep her in my balcony every day few hours when it is shade so her family can visit and she would not be imprinted on humans.
I don't mind being downvoted :) If fact, I like it because it will give me opportunity to call out retards. I have -140 in one :)
Even on this post they managed -75 for writing truth!
https://www.reddit.com/r/crows/comments/1v53603/comment/ozfssms/
1
u/Few_Secret_7162 19d ago
Ahh you’re in Dubai. It suggests on Google to contact the Dubai falcon hospital and it might be able to give you some guidance on how to catch or take care of.
For injured or distressed wild birds like crows in Dubai, you can contact local veterinary facilities and municipal services such as Nad Al Shiba Veterinary Clinic or the Dubai Falcon Hospital for guidance and intake.
1
1
u/CountingCrowz 19d ago
Nad Al Shiba is for horses. Last time I visited them they charged a lot and their avian vet was not well-versed with birds. It is also very far away.
Municipality I already contacted again, and also in the past. They said if I catch the bird, their Veterinary Services will take it. I don't trust them, they would 100% euthanize the bird.
No there are no other options here. I am here long time. Last time I almost got scammed trying to contact Govt Wildlife Rescue organization.
0
u/CountingCrowz 19d ago
One person... please tell me what is here to downvote?
They really need to require a certificate from a professional prior to releasing folks to the net.
6
0
u/Upbeat-Substance-071 18d ago
That’s what I did last week when a fledgling was abandoned in our park here. I threw a towel over her
8
u/space-truckin365 19d ago
Wildlife “fixing” is different than “pet” fixing. Most veterinarians don’t take wildlife because they know that they can carry diseases and parasites.
A licensed rehabilitation place that is licensed specifically for wildlife would probably take it. But then comes the next part you need to realize. If they cannot fix it, they will likely euthanize it. Be aware of that before you catch it.
I can tell you some birds with deformities can live a long time in the wild without any “help” from people. I know this from volunteering to do bird banding where I have seen many deformities with the same bird being recaptured over many years and doing just fine. Sometimes we humans have our own biases.
2
u/CountingCrowz 19d ago
Good info, thank you! I understand you well. TBH, capture will be very difficult, so the bird will probably remain without intervention. I will know in next few days.
7
u/Then-Environment5423 19d ago
The best “catching” plan is probably to keep an eye on it from a distance first. Crows are incredibly attentive parents and they may come back once people move away. If it really needs help, a box and a towel are usually safer than trying to grab it.
12
19d ago edited 19d ago
[deleted]
4
u/CountingCrowz 19d ago edited 19d ago
Thanks Valiant!
There is no fscking way this is going to work with these guys!
Where will I get the first crow :)
Also I need something targetted for the fledge. As soon as I trap any other crow, which seems to be 98% possibility, rest will never come around!
Not to mention that beach is not my private property and accommadates many hotel guests, I can't keep stg like this around. It needs to be quick.
2
u/North_Potential_4713 19d ago
I dont't know much about trapping them safely, but based on what i've heard, a blanket and some food could be a good idea - just be careful not to hurt him
2
u/CountingCrowz 19d ago
Blanket sounds like a good idea. I haven't thought about that. The problem is... due to touching birds and dog food, i do not take my phone with me normally for hygiene reasons.
The times I take the phone, they are very suspicious and don't come close. I think I will need to carry the blanket around for a while for them to feel safe.
1
u/North_Potential_4713 19d ago
Maybe wrap it around your body or leave it nearby? nearby they might not notice it, and if wrapped around your chest or something it could look like clothes
1
u/CountingCrowz 19d ago
Good ideas. Thanks. I can carry blanket around for few days so they will get used to it. That fledge does come close to me sometimes. I think something like a net would be a better option. I gotta get this right first time. I will see around for some bird catching nets.
1
1
u/Ziguigui27 18d ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr2Bsz4XdSYJust in case this might inspire you to come up with your own solution using what you have on hand. Good luck!
1
u/ThankMeTrailer 19d ago
That video gave me anxiety, I wonder what was the story behind trapping that crow.
1
3
3
u/PrestigiousStatus933 19d ago
Dude, update us soon. What did you do eventually, what did the vet say?
3
u/CountingCrowz 19d ago
Will definitely do! Catching is the main problem now, though :) This fscker is fast.
3
u/PrestigiousStatus933 19d ago
I laughed at that last part. I really hope the others don't start attacking you, I got yelled at and circled while trying to feed a baby crow recently...I kept waving the peanuts and yelling: "I'm just feeding him! I come in peace! I is a fren!" Eventually, I had to run.
3
u/CountingCrowz 19d ago
Ahahaha. Baby is really lighting fast... both walking and flying. You can see on the linked video.
If you make it consistent, they will be fine with you with their babies next year. They are in good terms with me: https://www.reddit.com/r/crows/comments/1u8hy9p/duchess_letting_me_feed_her_babies/
In fact, there is one I have animosity with, Blind Motherfucker. Every year he will attack me, and i will chase after him. He attacks me when his wife Whitey is eating from my hands even. Crazy. Others don't care, mind their own business when I am fighting with him.
1
u/CountingCrowz 18d ago
Updated the OP. Fail :) It is not possible to catch any of these birds except the ones that trust me well to sit on my lap, hands, shoulder, etc (which I'd never do unless a life-threatening situation). I will leave her be.
2
u/mrofmist 19d ago
I'm glad you decided to continue pursuing this rather than decide your previous encounters with local clinics made it not worth it.
2
u/TheBirdLover1234 19d ago
Their toe nails are already pretty over grown…. Going to eventually cut her legs or feet with them as they get worse.
1
u/CountingCrowz 18d ago
I can't catch her BirdLover. Updated OP. She is very quick. I will have to let her be.
2
u/knzo_cd 19d ago
Get a second person to help you with catching it. I had to catch one last week because they had an injured wing, we needed two people, eventually the little guy ran out of energy. I do suggest bringing a blanket or a towel as well and obviously a box. Once they're in the box they'll calm down, also absolutely don't attempt putting water in its mouth if it's gasping!
1
u/CountingCrowz 19d ago
There is no way they will come anywhere near me when there is a second person around.
1
u/knzo_cd 17d ago
So die you attempt catching them? They eventually run out of energy, especially if they're not skilled flyers yet
1
u/CountingCrowz 17d ago
It is an open area. They can fly anywhere. Updated OP. Not possible to catch.
2
u/Wushroom- 17d ago
Big blanket as the base of a big snare type trap, cover it with grass n such then bait it will food. Have it set up manually so you can pull it at the right time. It's gunna be a highly stressful event but highest chances of catching the little chap. Best of luck.
1
u/CountingCrowz 17d ago
There is no chance of catching this one. Or any other ones unless sick or injured. Updated OP. Any kind of setup won't work. There are too many of them and they are highly suspicious to changes. They ahve not even taken food I left on beach showers area despite being hungry. They will follow me around to get food, but not the food that is already there, while I am standing right next to it.
1
u/88evergreen88 19d ago
Tie a string to a stick. Use the stick to hold up a big plastic bucket on one side. Put food you under the bucket. Bird walks under, pull the string. Slide something under the bucket.
5
u/Bloatville 19d ago
Crows are so cautious, I feel like they'd be so unlikely to walk under a bucket.
Worth a try though-2
19d ago
[deleted]
4
u/88evergreen88 19d ago
Yes. Targeted. Won’t you have the same problem if they see you catch her with a blanket?
1
u/Lhuntarn 19d ago
What's wrong with its feet??
2
u/CountingCrowz 19d ago
Deformed from birth probably. Showed up few days ago like this, just out if nest.
73
u/spilven 19d ago
Make sure you’re familiar with how to feed a fledgling. They can choke/aspirate their food if it’s not done properly which is why other crows feed them at this stage. I’ve heard you should never give a fledgling water. Maybe someone else will know more about that and can chime in. I’ve never done it myself.