Yes, crows do eat corn. But corn is not their staple diet as crows are quite opportunistic animals and have many food preferences and options.
Studies have also shown that substantial nutritional value present in corn can become poisonous for crows, let’s get to know how.
What are the Food Choices Available for Crows?
Crows being omnivorous birds, eat anything they get. They are also not picky about food, so they have many options, starting from corn to carcasses of dead animals, but based on the species of the crow and the availability of the food, their food intake choices vary.
Here’s a list of basic food choices that they usually prefer:
Fruits and Vegetables
Crows prefer every kind of fruit and vegetable, including potatoes, bananas, apples, cucumbers, pumpkins, etc. They do not have any problem looking for their daily nutrition and they are mostly seen eating crops even where they are not welcomed.
Red and White Meat
Crows also feed on small animals which can be either dead or alive, maybe on land or sea creatures. They can even snatch eagle’s prey as well, as they do not prefer hunting. Also, they feed on leftover meat.
Seed, Nut, and Grains
Crows do not hesitate to eat seeds, nuts, or grains, and texture and taste do not matter to them. They even feed on dispersed or thrown-away parts of the grains or nuts.
Corn
Corn seems to be the most like food of crows and it easily catches their attention. They prefer corn kernels, cracked corn, and even corn cob.
Can You Attract Crows with Corn?
Yes, crows can be befriended or tamed by using corn. They can easily lurk around your neighborhood if you leave corn kernels in the open. It does not need to be a designated place but simply scattering corn to the place, where you want to attract the crow, would be sufficient. Crows are actually scavengers and they navigate here and there for food. Being intelligent they will make good use of scattered corn, even if it is cracked corn or corn kernel or on corb.
Which Species of Crows Like Corn?
Mostly the American crows like to eat anything they get and they are also one of the popular corn eaters in Northern America. Also, the Pied crows love eating seeds, corn, and peanuts. They rely on both plants and animals for their food source. Moreover, based on the change in season or climate, the food preferences and availability of food also change.
During winter, the crows tend to switch to corn rather than depending on dead or live animals and during summer they prefer scavenging. The Torresian crows of Australia are mostly dependent on corn and also the Hooded crows are mostly seen around the cornfield.
Is Corn Good or Bad for Crows?
Corns provide crows with protein, fiber, and high oil. It also helps them gain multiple vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that act as a natural digester. Irrespective of the size, crows love to pick up corn and swallow them. Antioxidants of corn help to minimize cellular damage and it also becomes their main diet during winter when fresh fruits and vegetables are not accessible. Even if the corn has been dried or cracked it provides the same protein and fiber that is required for a stable digestion process.
However, while eating corn crows are exposed to all kinds of toxics. They also come across different types of harmful substances in the form of pesticides that are used to grow corn. Processed corn can become toxic for crows as they develop into toxins after digestion. Also, if it is not stored properly, fungi develop and grow, which if the crows eat can become fatal for them, developing into different kinds of disease. They might get affected by the chemical content of the corn which is applied during the planting session.
How Can You Serve Corn to Crows?
To serve corn to crows you simply need to scatter them on the ground, which will attract them and they will peck away the kernels. You can also hang a corn cob feeder, which has the capability to hold the entire corn, and crows can cling to them and eat it. If you want to make it easier for them to digest or swallow, offer them smaller pieces of corn. Try to offer them cracked seeds, which are also used as bird seeds as they are easy to digest. If you are offering dry cob kernels, then make sure that they are not spoiled, moldy, or affected by fungi. However, it is always recommended to avoid canned corn as it contains additives, in the form of salt and preservatives.
Can Crows Eat Frozen Corns?
Yes, crows can be served frozen corn, and it is considered to be a convenient option. However, the corn should be thawed, before it is offered to the birds.
Can Crows Eat Popcorn?
Yes, crows can eat popcorn, but you must not offer them, as it contains additives in the form of salt, butter, and flavoring items, which can create digestive problems for them
Can Crows Eat Sweet Corn?
Yes, crows can eat sweet corn but you must offer them in moderation as it is high in sugar content and its nutrient value is also low.
How to Protect Crops From Crows?
Crows are like unwanted guests who can damage your corn fields by pecking on the kernels and even pulling out the seedlings. So, you can implement 5 quick hacks to keep them away:
Add Repellant
You can add repellants to the corns which make the seeds less attractive to the crows. Add the most common repellents such as hot sauce, and garlic powder, or buy commercial bird repellent sprays that are tested and safe for the bird’s well-being.
Use Visual Deterrents
You can also use visual deterrents such as reflective tapes or scarecrows to keep away the crows, as these create an unappealing environment for the crows and they are discouraged from pecking or landing on the cornfield.
Use Sound Machines
Devices that emit high-pitched sounds or distress calls can be used to scare away the bird. These are quite effective for birds and keep the seedlings safe.
Use Netting
Cover up the cornfield with a net, so that the birds cannot land or peck on the kernels. You must use fine mesh netting which should be large enough to cover the entire crop and the netting should be small enough to keep the bird out.
Use Liquid Detter
You can install water sprayers or spray vinegar or cayenne pepper on the cross which create an unpleasant taste and scent from the corn, keeping the crows away.
Use Plastic Bag
You can cover each cob with a plastic bag after the silk turns brown. The crow won’t be able to remove the bag and the corn will stay safe.
What the Crows Should Not Eat?
Crows should not eat onions, chocolates, salt, caffeine, avocados, alcohol, mushrooms, tomatoes, etc as these have chemicals that can become extremely toxic after they ingest them. Even if they can feed on a wide variety of food items, still they prefer to stay away from these food items.
What Do Crows Eat?
Crows can eat insects, frogs, mice, snakes, garbage, fruits, nuts, seeds, fish, fruits, vegetables, berries, nuts, eggs, small birds, mollusks, human food, carrions, decaying animals, pet food or any other bird’s leftovers. They are seen foraging on the ground, in your backyard, and around the plants and trees
Can You Keep Crows as Pets?
In the USA, it is illegal to keep crows as pets. However, if the crows have built a nest in your backyard, you can provide them food but cannot claim ownership of them.
