My Pet Crow: A True Story of Unlikely Friendship

My Family Kept a Pet Crow, And It Wasn’t as Spooky as You’d Think

Crows are often seen as mysterious creatures, sometimes symbolizing transformation or communication from beyond, but for our family, one crow named Simon was just another rescue that found a home.

## The Story of Simon

Simon was a juvenile crow with clipped wings when my brother, Bob, first brought him home. Our family’s backyard was a haven for all sorts of wildlife—fallen robins, snatched bunnies, and lost raccoons. We built makeshift dens out of old shoeboxes, equipped with towels and eye droppers to feed them butter and warm milk. Some didn’t survive, others returned to the wild, but a few became pets. None, however, integrated as seamlessly into our family as Simon did.

Simon’s Early Days
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Indoor Life

: Initially, with his clipped wings, Simon was confined indoors. He would jump from floor to chair, climb up and down stairs, and follow us around the house. His adaptation to indoor life was remarkable, given his natural instincts to fly.
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First Flights

: As his wings grew, we took him out to the yard. He flapped and screeched, but after a few attempts, he managed to fly. Bob would launch him from a second-story window, and after an initial scare, Simon mastered the art of flight.

Simon’s Personality and Antics

Simon was incredibly intelligent and curious, often exhibiting a playful sense of humor. He would hide nails from builders and steal hidden keys, causing mischief around the neighborhood.

## The Neighborhood Celebrity
As Simon became more confident in his flying abilities, he began to explore the neighborhood. He would visit the local nursery, eating berries off front-door wreaths, and follow Bob on his bicycle or drives after he got his driver’s license. Simon’s presence was a spectacle, with him cawing and cackling as he flew overhead, jumping from telephone wire to tree branch.

The Community’s Reaction
Simon endeared himself to everyone in the neighborhood. Children would look up to see him flying alongside Bob’s car, and he even became a local celebrity of sorts. The local newspaper ran a story about him, and the community shared their own tales of Simon’s antics.

## The Day Simon Left
One night in late fall, Simon didn’t return for dinner. The local newspaper ran a follow-up story titled “No Joy on Winch Street, Simon is Gone.” Neighbors recounted their favorite stories about him, and even the police got involved, though amused by the situation. “Barbara, I’ve personally talked to every crow in town,” one officer joked. “Not one will admit to knowing you.”

## Reflections on Simon’s Time with Us
Simon’s time with us was a chapter in our lives filled with laughter and learning. He taught us about the intelligence and adaptability of crows and showed us that even the most unlikely creatures can become cherished family members.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are crows good pets?

A: While crows can be intelligent and engaging companions, they are wild animals and require special care and attention. They are not for everyone, especially considering legal restrictions in many places.

Q: Can crows be trained?

A: Yes, crows are highly intelligent and can be trained, but they require consistent interaction and engagement. They learn quickly and can adapt to certain commands and behaviors.

Q: How do you care for a crow?

A: Caring for a crow involves providing a suitable diet, a safe enclosure, and regular social interaction. They need mental stimulation and require a lot of space to fly and exercise.

Q: Are crows social animals?

A: Yes, crows are very social creatures. They thrive in environments with other crows and can form strong bonds with humans if properly socialized.

Conclusion

Simon’s story is a testament to the power of friendship and companionship between humans and wildlife. Even the most unexpected animals can bring joy and laughter into our lives, teaching us about adaptability, intelligence, and affection.