Step 7: Building Trust Through Movement

Timeframe: 1–4 weeks
(depending on many external factors)

Goals for this Step

– Crows follow you for 5–10 meters
– They remain calm when you stand up
– They react positively when food is moved while they’re watching
– Begin light “fly-with” interaction

Milestones / Checklist

– Start by standing up slowly while the crows are nearby
– Move one peanut about 1 meter and observe if they follow
– Walk 3–5 meters away and place a new snack
– Watch if any crows fly to a branch above you

Warnings / Points of Attention

– Don’t walk directly toward the crows – use a soft curved path
– End the session if they make collective “scolding” calls
– Check the surroundings for hazards (bikes, dogs, people)

Feeding Guide

Allowed – preferably avoid sugar, salt, and fat
(Remember: crows are omnivores and will eat almost anything, but always choose the healthiest options)
– Peanuts (unsalted)
– Date cubes
– Boiled corn

Allowed in small amounts:
– Millet sprays
– Mild cheese (low-fat)
– Cooked rice
– Unsalted rabbit pellets

Not allowed / Avoid completely:
– French fries
– Salted popcorn
– Snacks containing caffeine
– Leftovers with seasoning

Tips & Tricks

– Follow the same path or route each time – they’ll memorize it
– Count how many crows follow you from a distance
– Use calm hand gestures to indicate the next feeding spot
– Avoid direct eye contact

Bonus Knowledge

Crows have excellent spatial memory. They can track your locations across several kilometers.
If you teach them to recognize your call from the start, they’ll be able to respond from great distances.
When you call them, the nearest crows will often relay the sound to others, passing it along through the flock — you may notice more and more arriving over the next 5–10 minutes.

Document Your Progress

Take photos or videos, write down your observations, and check off your milestones as you go.

Share Your Experience

Feel free to share your progress and stories in the comments below or on our crow forum.