And Further More...
rows are protected
under federal migratory bird laws. The government forbids keeping crows
and ravens native to North America as pets. But, in a strange twist of
legislative logic, crows not native to North America can be
kept as pets.
Breeders of these so called exotic crow species, such as the African Pied Crow (Corvus albus), say they make excellent companion animals. Some crow breeders are listed below, along with links to additional corvid resources.
Crow Information
Crow Studies & Books
Crow Advocates
One of the crow's more peculiar behaviors is something called "Passive Anting". This is a process in which a crow either squats on an ant hill or perches in a tree and allows itself to be swarmed by ants. While this has the taint of urban myth, it turns out to be true. Click here to see a video.
Scientists speculate that "Passive Anting Behavior" is a symbiotic relationship between the crow and the ant. As an ant combs the bird's feathers for parasites, it leaves behind formic acid and other secretions toxic to mites and lice. The ant gets a meal, the crow gets a visit from the exterminator.


African Pied Crows, this one pictured in Namibia, are breed as pets. They're legal to own, but should not be caged.