Thread: Can You Leave Fake Ravens/Crows Outside?

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I've seen some great ideas for tombstones, pumpkins, etc that involve using fake crows, but I'm afraid they would get ruined. I live in NJ and we do get some decent storms here. I do love having my set up for a few days (well all month, but I can do that in my new place damn HOA) and I would love to add them without worry.

Not 100% sure, we usually have our full display up for a few days at most. I would think they wouldn't hold up that well unless you did something to protect them, as our seem to lose a few feathers each outing.

This probably wasn't what you were thinking of, but one year, on November 1st I woke up to discover a wack of magpies going absolutely nuts because of the crow we had on top of our arbour. I went out and chased 'em off and brought the crow in. Otherwise I think things could've gotten nasty.

The crows I've left outside usually loose feathers. I've gotten in the habit of putting plastic bags over all of my props before going to bed.

Originally Posted by Mr_Chicken

The crows I've left outside usually loose feathers. I've gotten in the habit of putting plastic bags over all of my props before going to bed.

Agree. Mine have lost a few feathers too. I plan on filling in the gaps with some black paint.
Still a great deal for $1 ea.

I've never tried it but am going to this year. I agree with the others, there will probably be some wear and tear. Although a good idea, my graveyard is on top of a flat roof to the nightly bagging isn't really option for me. I do plan on Scotchgarding the beejeesus out of it though.

You might be able to leave them outside but I have great horned owls that would attack and destroy them

I get wear and tear if it's windy, but they definitely fade. By the end of the month (we're up all October), my crows are a little more brown and a little less black - LOL.

Could you try putting on a layer of spray on polyurethane? It'll help seal the color and protect from weather. I remember coating my jabberwock prop in that a few years ago and it didn't take away from the quality of the feathers I was using all over its wings.

Even in perfect weather the sun will fade them. I currently have a few navy blue crows in storage . We also have a larger REAL crow population in our area and I have had a few of my props get dive-bombed by the real fellas. I think its a territory thing.

Marc V.

I paint my crows with black, gloss, latex, outdoor paint. This will be their 3rd year outside. (The spray paint will eat the foam underneath their little feathers. )

Also, when I buy them I'll pull out their little legs and glue them back in with hot glue. Then I'll slop on the paint.

oh, and they are outside for a month each year.

btw- I normally use only Dollar Tree crows.