The Chimney Daw

What is a Chimney Daw?

A Daw is a medium-sized white bird quite common in the east of Alven. Due to its intelligence, and social disposition, it is often domesticated to become a noisy, but lovable pet. Their name comes from the fact that they like to build their nest on roofs and chimneys. The birds in the wild usually live in small roosts near human habitations.

Most people keep daws to get rid of pests in their gardens such as snails, slugs, beetles, grubs, mice, etc. A daw's age pan is usually 10 years or so - It is quite long-lived for a bird. Daws are hand-reared as chicks to become used to human contact. However, it has been known for daws to attach themselves to a particular human even when adult.

Daws follow their owners everywhere and it is a common sight in the east of the country to see them perched on their owners' hat and shoulders. One of the daws' attractions is that they are very good mimics. They can mimic other birds' songs and they have even been known to imitate human words too.

Daws can be taught quite a few tricks. The birds are particularly keen on shiny objects and unscrupulous individuals have been known to train them to steal and remove objects of value.

Where can I find one?

Daws are very common in the east of Alven but not as popular in the southwest of the country. In cities, like Hollyholm  and Pithelm, you can buy fully trained daws from farriers and rat catchers. In the west, the powerful secret - and oft criminal - organization of The Ambulant Men are well known for their fondness of the bird, and if you know the right contact, you would be able to get a well-trained bird from your local Workshop.

How do I look after a Daw?

Daws are not difficult to look after. They like a varied food diet and will be mostly satisfied with what they can hunt in the garden. They will also take food from their owners' hands and can be fed a variety of seeds, nuts, meat, etc.

A simple cage for them to roost at night will be sufficient to keep them safe from other predators and bad weather. The cage can be kept inside or outside. The bird will know how to use the cage and will come to roost there every evening.

Some people are not fond of daws as they can be very noisy. Their cawing is quite loud and they have been known to remove valuables objects and hide them away to a secret stash.

There are many stories, myths, and tales of orphaned children who stumble upon fabulous daws' stashes and become incredibly rich.