Another Injured Carrion Crow

Katytudd · #1 (**permalink**) 25-11-2009, 09:18 AM

I've just been reading on this site about someone who found an injured Carrion Crow. I have a similar problem in that there is a Carrion Crow with a broken wing living in the hawthorn hedge in the grassed area outside the front of our house. It is quite a fast mover on its legs and I have not been able to catch it so I sent for the RSPCA three weeks ago but they came at dusk and could not find it. However, it seems to be quite happy hiding in the hedge during the day and sitting right on the top at night. It occasionally comes out for food and I have started putting food out especially for him away from the other bird feeders I have in my garden. I also put out water for it. Do you think it will be ok living like this or is it cruel? I don't know how old it is but it does have some white feathers near its tail area. I also think it may have a mate which visits from time to time but I may be wrong - it may only be another crow in the area. I wondered how long this crow lives? Anyone help with this?
Kathleen, Cleadon.

Teal · #2 (**permalink**) 25-11-2009, 09:33 AM

Carrion Crows are quite long lived, 15 -20 year olds have been recorded

valleyforge · #3 (**permalink**) 25-11-2009, 09:39 AM

Hi Katy and welcome to the WaB forum.

Crows are very intelligent and resourceful birds and cope better than many when they succumb to an injury.

The food and water you have been supplying will certainly become essential as the weather worsens, and it becomes ever harder for the bird to find sufficient to eat, and adequate shelter.

It will however be in constant danger from predators, from traffic, and not least from people, so it would be far better for it, if it could be taken into care.

I'm afraid that the RSPCA is not necessarily the best organisation to help with an injured corvid ... they wouldn't want it to continue to suffer, but in most circumstances that would simply mean that they would arrange for it to be humanely 'put to sleep'.

There are however a number of wildlife rehabilitation organizations, like us, who recognize that a long term disability in any animal should not be an automatic death sentance. Corvids such as this, can adapt quite quickly to a new routine when kept in a protective, yet stimulating environment for the remainder of their lives.

Crows, when looked after in this way, can easily live for around 20 years ... far more than they might expect when living wild.

If you can advise us which part of the country you are in, we can perhaps guide you to contacting a wildlife group who might be prepared to help you and this crow ... or you can have a look at the database of some of the wildlife rescues listed on this website at:
http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/maps/rescue-centres

Katytudd · #4 (**permalink**) 25-11-2009, 07:14 PM

Thank you for the reply Valleyforge.
I live in Cleadon Village which is between Sunderland and South Shields in Tyne and Wear on the North East coast of England. This bird is certainly learning how to cope as I watch it from my upstairs window while I'm on my computer. I live in a corner house and the road at the side is just out of a small estate while the road in front of our house is just an access road for our row of houses. On the other side of this access road is the grassed area I mentioned and the hawthorn hedge separates this from a very busy road. Also on this grassed area at the end of the hedge are four very large trees which seem to provide shelter when the bird is on the ground. It seems to know when traffic is coming and never ventures on to this road but often crosses the side road and has a bath in a small hole in this road, 'running' out of the way of the cars. It is quite amusing to watch but I worry about it all the time and, as you say, I'm sure it would be better off in a sanctury of some kind. I would be very pleased if you could advise me of any local people I could get in touch with who would be able to help.

shenk1 · #5 (**permalink**) 25-11-2009, 07:48 PM

We had a carrion crow with a broken wing in the field behind us for 4 years! It actually learned to " fly" one winged onto low branches of the hawthorns at the edge of the field when harassed by other crows or cats. We used to throw food over and he would run from the far end and when he had had enough he would hide it under sods of earth for later. Very very smart bird.

valleyforge · #6 (**permalink**) 25-11-2009, 09:18 PM

Hi Kathleen,

Its not the closest to you (being in West Yorkshire), but it's probably the most relevant sanctuary in your general region .... give the good folks at CorvidAid a call on 07762 195187, or email them at info@corvidaid.org.

Otherwise, try what is probably your closest option ... Blyth Wildlife Rescue (tel: 01670 353338 / e-mail: info@blythwildliferescue.co.uk) ... they have quite a large network of volunteers and may have someone even closer to you.

Also in the general area is Wildlife in Need Sanctuary at Alnwick (tel: 01668 5281) and Creature Care Wildlife & Animal Sanctuary at Throckley (tel: 0191 264 2930).

Although we provide refuge here for disabled corvids, we are just a bit too far from you to be feasibly able to offer a rescue service ... if however none of the rescue centres close to you are able to accommodate another crow for long-term sanctuary, then please feel free to ask them to contact us. We are always pleased to help out.