Crow and the Magpie

nightshade · #1 (**permalink**) 06-12-2010, 09:04 AM

Two different birds the Magpie is taking all the peanuts and chicken feed it can carry and is busily hiding it in the chickens territory, they wait till it goes then scratch it up and eat it.
The Crow looks as if it is suffering very badly, it is reluctant to move and sits with its wings twitching (shivering?) when it flies it sits on my shed roof and watches me. I have put out some straw where it sits in the garden, to give it some insulation, surprisingly it is actually using it and has eaten some of the fat ball made with cheese, apple and wholemeal bread that i made especially.
I sadly do not know what else I can do for it, it is one of the Crows with white back feathers that has been around here for a number of years.

Harold Smith · #2 (**permalink**) 06-12-2010, 01:34 PM

I know Crows can live quite a long time. It is possible your crow is quite old and is now finding it difficult to cope with these wintery conditions. It is a good sign that it is taking the food you've put out for it so hopefully it will perk up soon. Also, you need to make sure there is plenty of fresh water about for it to drink and bathe in.

Harold.

nightshade · #3 (**permalink**) 06-12-2010, 03:05 PM

It has been in and out of the garden but in competition with four Jackdaws
and three Magpies. I did notice that it walked the same way around the garden so I made it some porridge, only a couple of tablespoons full in the microwave, it ate quite a lot of this, then flew off again. Hopefully this will help it through the night.

Brocakat · #4 (**permalink**) 06-12-2010, 04:16 PM

I'm putting out all my bacon-rinds , all the species that come to my birdtable seem to like those.

Well done for looking after your old regulars, nightshade.

nightshade · #5 (**permalink**) 20-12-2010, 04:34 PM

The crow does not stray far now and as long as I give my impression

of a crow double caw does not seem bothered by my presence.
Today I was feeding it fat from a ham and it approached within touching distance to take the fatty unsalted meat then retreated a little to eat it.
I hope it will survive this very cold weather and stick around, it would make a good partener with my one-eyed black cat

Magicboots · #6 (**permalink**) 21-12-2010, 12:34 AM

A true animal lover, wonderful!

nightshade · #7 (**permalink**) 25-12-2010, 02:59 PM

The Crow arrived late this afternoon (around 3:00pm) and hobbled down the garden when I called (cawed?). As it was late I gave it cheese and some wholemeal bread, spread with peanut butter. What it did not eat it cached amongst the straw I had put out for it (as it roosts on the ground until it is ready to leave).
I could see now that its left leg is turned right over, apparently broken. There is nothing I can do at the moment, except give the crow as many calories as possible to help it through the night.

Littlesparrow · #8 (**permalink**) 25-12-2010, 10:19 PM

I hope the injured crow survives it is very tough on the birds here in Cheshire as well. I think the temperatures are going to start creeping up after tomorrow according to BBC weather so it should give most of us a break from these minus temps.

twitchyt · #9 (**permalink**) 26-12-2010, 08:21 AM

Poor old crow, tough to watch injured birds when unable to help with their injuries, but at least he,s getting good food to help him keep strong, hope he makes it.

nightshade · #10 (**permalink**) 26-12-2010, 11:25 AM

The crow turned up just after midday I fed it from a sachet of cat food, then it wandered off as usual. What was not so usual was one of the bantams had got out and they met head on, the crow came off worst and could not fly well enough to escape but managed a few hops to a small apple tree and safety. After resting up it has gone for now with several feathers sticking out at odd angles. I have had words with the Black Silky Bantam and she is suitably contrite.