How to Use Murder Mix: A Complete Guide to Befriending Your Neighborhood Crows

Let's talk about something most gardeners don't expect: the day you realize the smartest visitors to your garden aren't using your carefully planted pollinator paradise—they're stealing your Bee Cups.

We started hearing these stories years ago. A customer in Oregon would find her blue Bee Cups mysteriously relocated to the fence. Another in Washington watched a crow carefully extract a yellow cup and fly off with it like a trophy. These weren't random acts of bird chaos—these were deliberate crow heists, executed with the precision of tiny feathered art thieves.

Crows, it turns out, are obsessed with shiny, colorful objects. And our porcelain Bee Cups? Apparently irresistible.

So we did what any reasonable small business would do: we created something specifically for them. Welcome to Murder Mix™—tiny porcelain trinkets designed to satisfy your neighborhood crows' collecting instincts while keeping your Bee Cups safely in the ground where they belong.

But Murder Mix is more than just crow bribery (though it's excellent at that). It's your gateway into one of the most fascinating relationships you can have with wildlife: befriending crows. And if you're lucky? They might just bring you gifts in return.

Let me show you how to use Murder Mix to become the favorite human in your murder's social circle.

Why Crows Love Shiny Things (And Why That Matters)

Before we dive into the how-to, let's talk about why crows are so drawn to objects like Murder Mix—and why building a relationship with them is worth your time.

Crows are scary smart. We're talking problem-solving abilities that rival some primates. They use tools, recognize individual human faces (and remember them for years), teach their offspring about specific dangers, and even hold "funerals" for deceased flock members. In urban environments, they've been observed dropping nuts in crosswalks so cars crack them open, then waiting for the light to change before retrieving their meal.

They're attracted to shiny, colorful objects for reasons scientists are still debating. Some researchers believe it's related to food-finding behavior (shiny = water or wet food). Others think it's simple curiosity and play. Regardless of why, the behavior is consistent: crows collect interesting objects and sometimes cache them like treasure.

They remember faces and hold grudges—or friendships. Feed a crow, and it remembers you as "the food human." Harass a crow, and it tells its entire murder about you (seriously—this has been studied). Build a positive relationship, and you've gained a remarkably loyal garden guardian.

The gift-giving phenomenon is real. While not every crow brings gifts, there are documented cases worldwide of crows leaving trinkets, buttons, bottle caps, and other found objects for humans who feed them regularly. It's called "reciprocal altruism," and it's as heartwarming as it sounds.

Murder Mix taps into all of this. You're not just scattering trinkets—you're opening a dialogue with some of the most intelligent birds on the planet.

What Makes Murder Mix Special

Let's start with what you're actually working with.

Murder Mix consists of small, handcrafted porcelain beads in various shapes and sizes. Each piece is:

• Crow-sized – Small enough for crows to carry easily in their beaks but substantial enough to feel valuable
• Coated in Bee-Vision™ Glaze – This special finish reflects ultraviolet light that birds can see but humans cannot. To us, it looks like subtle color variations. To crows? These pieces literally glow with visual interest.
• 100% porcelain – Made from the same food-safe ceramic materials as our Bee Cups, with zero plastics or harmful coatings
• Durable – Weather-resistant and built to withstand being picked up, moved, cached, and retrieved by curious beaks

Think of Murder Mix as trading cards for crows. Each piece has its own shape, color, and UV signature, making some more "rare" or appealing than others to individual birds.

Birds see a broader spectrum of light than humans, including ultraviolet wavelengths. Our Bee-Vision™ Glaze makes Murder Mix pieces visually interesting to crows in ways we can't fully perceive. To them, each piece has its own visual signature, making some more desirable than others based on individual bird preferences.

Step 1: Find Where Crows Already Go

The cardinal rule of crow befriending: go where the crows are. Don't expect them to suddenly discover a random pile of trinkets in a corner they never visit.

Scout Your Location:

Spend a few days watching your property. Where do crows regularly perch, forage, or land? Common spots include:

• Fence posts and railings
• Balcony railings
• Large tree branches with clear sightlines
• Open lawn areas they use for foraging
• Near garbage bins (sorry, but it's true—crows are opportunistic)

What Makes a Good Spot:

• Elevated, visible surfaces – Crows prefer to survey their surroundings from height before committing to landing
• Near existing food sources – If you or neighbors feed birds, place Murder Mix nearby
• Away from dense cover – Crows need open escape routes and don't like landing where they can't see approaching threats
• High-traffic areas – Watch for "crow trees" where your local murder congregates in morning or evening

Pro tip: Early morning and early evening are prime crow activity times. Note their patterns for a few days before setting up your station. This observation pays off with faster discovery and engagement.

Step 2: Set Up Your Offering Station

Now for the fun part: creating an irresistible crow treasure display.

The Basic Setup:

While you can scatter Murder Mix directly on surfaces, use a shallow dish, plate, or tray for best results. This:

• Makes trinkets more visible as a grouped collection
  
• Creates a defined "offering station" crows learn to check regularly

A simple terracotta saucer, shallow ceramic dish, or flat rock works beautifully.

The Secret: Add Food Incentives

Here's what most people miss: crows need a reason to approach initially. Murder Mix alone might eventually attract attention, but pairing it with food dramatically speeds up the process.

Best crow attractants to place near Murder Mix:

• Unsalted peanuts in the shell – The #1 crow favorite
• Hard-boiled eggs – Crows go crazy for eggs (chop them up)
• Dry dog or cat food – High-quality varieties work great
• Unsalted sunflower seeds – Reliable favorite
• Fresh fruit chunks – Apples, berries, grapes (avoid citrus)
• Meat scraps – Small pieces of cooked chicken or turkey (no seasoning)

Place food near (not mixed with) your Murder Mix. The food draws crows to the area, and while they're there, they notice the shiny objects. Once crows associate your station with reliable food, they'll investigate everything you leave out.

Consistency is crucial: Feed at the same time daily if possible (early morning is ideal). Crows have excellent memory and quickly learn schedules.

Step 3: Let the Crows Discover (Be Patient!)

This is the hardest part: patience and distance.

What to Expect:

Days 1-3: Cautious Assessment Crows might spot your station immediately but not approach. They're remarkably cautious around new objects—it's called "neophobia" and it keeps them alive. Don't be discouraged. They're watching.

Week 1: First Contact Eventually curiosity (and hunger) wins. A crow will approach, probably grab food first, then notice Murder Mix. Some immediately pick up trinkets and fly off. Others tap pieces experimentally. Some ignore trinkets entirely at first.

Week 2+: Regular Visitors Once crows realize your station is safe and rewarding, they'll return regularly. This is when Murder Mix pieces start disappearing. They're selective collectors; don't be surprised if they take all food but only one or two trinkets per visit.

The Critical Rule: Don't Hover

Crows are incredibly aware of being observed.

• Set up your station and retreat indoors
• Watch from a distance without direct eye contact
• Use a wildlife camera to observe without interfering
  

Crows relax much faster if you act disinterested. Over time, they'll tolerate (and eventually ignore) your presence.

Step 4: Watch for Trinket Taking (And Maybe Gifts 🎁)

Here's where it gets fascinating: monitoring which pieces are taken and how crows interact with them.

Selection Patterns:

Do crows consistently choose certain colors or shapes first? Some enthusiasts report their birds have clear favorites. This individuality is part of what makes crow relationships so engaging.

Watch for:

• Caching behavior – Crows hide valuable items for later. You might find Murder Mix pieces tucked into gutters, buried in mulch, or wedged into fence gaps
• Sharing and teaching – Adult crows showing trinkets to younger ones
• Dominant birds monopolizing the station (this is natural—don't interfere)

The Gift Exchange (If You're Lucky):

Not all crows bring gifts, but it happens! This behavior occurs most often when:

• A consistent feeding relationship exists (usually months, not weeks)
• The same crows visit regularly
• You've been reliably non-threatening
• Food offerings have been high-quality

Documented crow gifts include:

• Bottle caps and pull tabs
• Buttons and beads
• Small shells or pebbles
• Pieces of foil or shiny paper
• Small hardware items
• Even coins and jewelry in famous cases

These items are usually left at or near the feeding station. If you receive gifts, acknowledge them! Pick up the item and show interest—crows watch for your reaction.

If you don't get gifts, don't feel rejected! You're still providing valuable resources and building a positive relationship with incredibly intelligent wildlife. The relationship itself is the real gift.

Troubleshooting: Common Questions

"Crows take the food but ignore Murder Mix completely." This is common early on. Crows prioritize nutrition over novelty. Keep offering both consistently. Curiosity about trinkets develops as comfort grows.

"Other birds are stealing the food before crows arrive." Offer larger items crows can handle but smaller birds can't (whole peanuts, larger meat chunks), or feed specifically when you see crows in the area.

"I haven't seen any crows at all." Crow populations fluctuate seasonally. During nesting season or migration, local groups might focus elsewhere. Keep your station maintained and be patient, crows return to reliable food sources.

Pro Tips From Crow Whisperers

Variety matters – Rotate food offerings. Crows appreciate novelty and get bored with repetition.

Quality over quantity – A few high-value items work better than piles of mediocre food.

Seasonal adjustments – Crows need higher protein during nesting season (spring). Offering eggs, mealworms, or meat during this time strengthens relationships.

*Develop a "crow call" – Use a specific whistle when placing food. Over time, crows associate the sound with feeding time and may approach when called.

Crow-safe materials only – Never leave out anything dangerous. Murder Mix is specifically designed to be safe. Stick with it rather than improvising.

The Bigger Picture: Why Befriending Crows Matters

Beyond entertainment and gift exchanges, crow relationships benefit your garden ecosystem.

Crows as Garden Guardians:

• Pest control – They eat enormous quantities of insects, including garden pests
• Predator warnings – Crows mob hawks and owls, alerting all wildlife to danger
• Rodent control – They hunt mice and rats, especially when feeding young
• Seed dispersal – Cached seeds propagate plants across your property

The Intelligence Connection:

Interacting with crows regularly changes how you view wildlife intelligence. Having a crow recognize your face, remember your schedule, and deliberately bring gifts creates a profound connection to the natural world—a reminder that intelligence and personality exist throughout the animal kingdom in remarkable ways.

Ready to Befriend Your Murder?

Using Murder Mix is simple:

1. Find where crows already frequent
2. Set up a station with Murder Mix and crow-friendly food
3. Be consistent, patient, and respectful of crow caution
4. Watch as curiosity turns into regular visits and trinket exchanges

The first time a crow deliberately picks up one of your Murder Mix trinkets, examines it thoughtfully, and flies off with it tucked in its beak, you'll understand why people become obsessed with crow friendships. And if you're lucky enough to receive a gift in return, it might just be one of the most memorable moments of your gardening life.

Welcome to the murder. Your neighborhood crows have been waiting to meet you.

Happy crow befriending!

Have crow stories or Murder Mix experiences to share? We'd love to hear them! Tag us on social media, we're always amazed by the incredible relationships our customers build with their local murders.