Crow

Aspergillosis

SignsOpen-mouth breathing, respiratory noises, lethargy, weight loss. Triggered by stress right after rescue or damp conditions

PreventionNever use damp bedding or moldy food. Ventilate well; keep the bird quiet and calm right after rescue

Weakness / malnutrition (rescued birds)

SignsSharp keel bone, fluffed feathers, unable to stand, eyes closed, skin lacks elasticity from dehydration

PreventionDo not feed large amounts right after rescue. Warm first, give small amounts of fluid, then feed gradually under veterinary guidance

Lead poisoning

SignsGreen droppings, unsteadiness, drooping wings, seizures, loss of appetite. Caused by swallowing fishing tackle or shot

PreventionKeep lead items and fishing tackle out of the enclosure. For rescued birds, ask the vet to check for metal foreign bodies

West Nile fever / avian malaria

SignsUnsteadiness, seizures, head tilt, sudden death. Mosquito-borne and common in wild birds

PreventionMosquito netting. Seek care immediately for any neurological signs and report to the prefectural government

External and internal parasites

SignsMoving insects around the feathers, scratching, diarrhea, weight loss. Nearly all rescued birds carry parasites

PreventionHandle rescued birds with gloves; have the vet run a fecal exam and deworm. Do not share equipment with other birds

Bumblefoot / perch injuries

SignsRedness, swelling or scabs on the sole, standing on one leg, weak grip

PreventionProvide several natural-wood perches of different thicknesses. Keep the floor soft. Prevent obesity

Wing fracture (traffic accident, collision)

PreventionRescued birds worsen by trying to fly, so rest them in a dark box. Remove protrusions from the aviary

First aidHold the wing against the body and wrap in a thick towel to restrain. Do not touch with bare hands. See a vet the same day

Entanglement in fishing line or netting

PreventionKeep string and net-like items out of the aviary. Check legs and wings for entanglement at rescue

First aidCover the head with a towel to calm the bird, then cut the line with scissors. If it has cut into the flesh, do not force it; see a vet

Attack by cat, dog or other crows

PreventionKeep rescued birds completely separate from other pets. Outdoor aviaries need a roof and fine wire mesh

First aidPress bleeding with gauze. Even small wounds carry a high infection risk, so see a vet immediately

Bites and scratches to people

PreventionWear thick leather gloves and safety glasses when handling. Crows go for the eyes, so keep your face away

First aidRinse the wound under running water and disinfect. Deep wounds or eye injuries: go to a hospital (for people) immediately

Salmonellosis

RouteOral infection from hands that touched droppings

PreventionHandle with gloves and wash hands with soap after care. Do not wash equipment in the kitchen

Avian influenza

RouteContact with droppings or secretions of infected wild birds

PreventionDo not touch weak or dead wild birds with bare hands; contact the prefectural government. Wear a mask and gloves

Psittacosis / chlamydia

RouteInhaling dust from dried droppings

PreventionWet droppings before cleaning; ventilate and wear a mask. People with weak immune systems should not do the care

External parasites / dermatitis

RouteMites transfer to people from feathers or bedding

PreventionHave rescued birds dewormed by a vet promptly. Seal bedding in a bag before disposal

Food

• Raptor or omnivorous-bird food as the staple, twice daily (morning and evening)
• Add variety with boiled egg, chicken breast, fruit and insects
• Right after rescue, start with small amounts under veterinary guidance

Water

• Clean water at all times in a deep, heavy container
• Separate bathing and drinking water; change daily

Toys & play

• Puzzles and boxes with hidden food to engage the mind
• Rotate twigs, pine cones and safe shiny objects
• Daily interaction with people is the best stimulation

Nest, bed & hideout

• Thick natural-wood perches placed high
• A box or leafy cover to hide in

Bedding & litter

• Change newspaper or pet sheets daily
• Put soil or dead leaves on part of the floor for foraging
• Replace damp bedding immediately to prevent mold

Cage / housing material

Large metal flight aviary. Wood will be destroyed. Double locks

Size & space

For permitted keeping, a space large enough to fly (3 m wide or more) is preferable

Layout

• Several perches at different heights
• Place food and water where droppings cannot fall on them
• Both a hiding place and a sunbathing spot

Placement notes

• Consider the crow's calls and the wild crows nearby
• Fit a vestibule (double door) to prevent escape

Exercise, free-roam & walks

• Let the bird fly freely inside the aviary every day
• If brought indoors, cover windows and mirrors and supervise
• Do not release outdoors (follow permit conditions)

Temperature & humidity

Temperature5–28°C. Weak birds right after rescue: around 30°C

Humidity40–60%. Dry, well-ventilated conditions

Summer & winter

• Summer: prevent heatstroke with shade, bathing and ventilation
• Winter: windbreak and hiding place; do not let water freeze

Nail trimming

Worn down naturally on wood. Overgrown nails: see the vet. Restrain with two people wearing leather gloves

Brushing, skin & coat care

No brushing needed. Provide a bathing container daily to maintain plumage

Other care

Check daily for beak overgrowth or chips, the soles of the feet and eye injuries

Protection from predators

• Keep completely separate from dogs, cats and other pets
• A roof that keeps wild crows and raptors away
• Mosquito netting to prevent infectious disease

Foreign-body ingestion

Swallows shiny objects, small metal items and rubber. Lead is especially dangerous. Clear all small items from the enclosure. Green droppings or unsteadiness: see a vet

Being stepped on

Forages on the floor, so watch your feet. If stepped on, do not touch the wings or legs; put the bird in a dark box and see a vet if it cannot walk

Getting pinched

Wings and legs get caught when opening and closing doors. Close the vestibule door before opening the inner door and check where the bird is

Falls

Few kept birds fly much, but a bird with an injured wing will fall from height. Lower the perches while injured

Escape

Opens latches by itself, so use two padlocks. If it escapes, report to the wildlife office and lure it back with the feeding spot and its calls. Do not chase

Safe release procedure

1. Stop moving, protect your eyes and stay quiet
2. Cover the head with a towel to block its vision
3. When the grip relaxes, hold the base of the beak and release
4. Return to the aviary and stay away until it calms down

After the release

Rinse the wound under running water and disinfect. Deep wounds, continued bleeding or eye injuries: go to a hospital (for people) immediately

What to tell the vet & what to bring

Where and when rescued, the permit, photos of droppings, diet. Call ahead to a hospital that sees wild birds

Checking consciousness, breathing & heartbeat

• Consciousness: response to touch or sound, movement of the nictitating membrane
• Breathing: watch the chest rise and fall. About 20–30 per minute at rest
• Heartbeat: listen with your ear on the chest. About 200–300 per minute

Stopping bleeding

• Press with clean gauze for 5 minutes or more
• Bleeding feather shaft: do not pull it out; apply pressure and see a vet
• If it will not stop, keep pressing on the way to the vet

Transport

• Cardboard box with air holes, lined with a towel
• Dark, warm, no jolting, carried quietly. Bring leather gloves