Keeping vultures as pets is an unusual practice that raises some practical and ethical concerns. Vultures are not conventional companion animals, but some people do keep them as pets. Here is an overview of the possibilities, requirements, and issues regarding pet vultures.
Why would someone want to keep a vulture as a pet?
There are a few reasons why certain people choose to keep vultures as pets:
- Unique pets – Vultures are very different from typical pets like dogs or cats, so some people enjoy the novelty of having an unconventional companion animal.
- Appreciation of nature – Bird enthusiasts and animal lovers may appreciate the opportunity to interact closely with a wild species.
- Conservation – Pet vultures are sometimes birds that have been injured or imprinted in the wild and cannot be returned to the wild successfully. Keeping them as pets can be a form of conservation.
- falconry – Falconers may keep vultures that they use for sport.
Is it legal to keep a vulture as a pet?
The legality of keeping vultures as pets depends on where you live. In the United States, possession of native bird species is regulated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Falconers must have special permits, though some vulture species like the turkey vulture and black vulture are not protected under federal law.
Many U.S. states also have additional restrictions on owning native wildlife as pets. New World vulture species like condors, for example, are Federally protected and cannot be kept as pets by private individuals. Laws can vary internationally as well.
What species of vulture can be kept as pets?
The species most commonly kept as pets are:
- Turkey Vulture
- Black Vulture
- Eurasian Griffon Vulture
- Cinereous Vulture
- Egyptian Vulture
Larger species like condors and lappet-faced vultures are almost never kept as private pets due to their size, rarity, and legal protections. The most common vulture pets are smaller species that are more abundant in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America.
Are vultures suitable as pets?
In many ways, vultures are not ideal companion animals compared to more conventional pets like dogs or cats. Considerations include:
- Messy eaters – Vultures feed messily on carrion, which can be inconvenient to clean in a household environment.
- Smell – Vultures have a strong natural body odor from their urohidrosis, or urinating on their own legs to cool down.
- Space – Larger vulture species require aviaries or outdoor housing with enough space to fly.
- Social needs – Vultures are social flocking birds who may be stressed if kept alone.
- Training – Vultures are not as easily tamed or trained as some other pet bird species.
- Longevity – Vultures are long-lived, so owning one is a decades-long commitment.
So vultures do not make ideal pets for most people. They require specialized care and housing. But some experienced bird owners are able to provide good homes for these unique animals.
What are the housing requirements for pet vultures?
Keeping vultures as pets requires specialized housing:
- Outdoor aviary – The aviary should be large enough for the vulture to walk and fly around in. The enclosure needs high walls or ceilings so the bird cannot escape.
- Shelter – A weatherproof shelter is necessary to protect the bird from temperature extremes and precipitation.
- Perches – Natural branch perches should be provided for the bird to roost on.
- Accessibility – The aviary should include walk-in access to bring in food and water and clean the enclosure.
- Safety – There should be no sharp objects or toxins in the enclosure. Welded wire mesh fencing helps prevent rodents from entering.
For smaller vulture species like black vultures, large outdoor cages or modified sheds may work well. But most vultures need enough room to fly, so aviaries are ideal. Proper housing is essential both for health and for abiding by legal requirements.
What kind of food do pet vultures eat?
Vultures are scavengers that eat carrion in the wild. As pets, they can be fed:
- Whole prey – Frozen/thawed rats, rabbits, chickens and other small animals. This provides enrichment.
- Meat scraps – Leftover meat and organs from butchering.
- Fish – Whole fish or fish scraps.
- Insects – Mealworms, crickets and other bugs.
- Dog or cat food – Kibble or canned food can be used as a dietary supplement.
Fresh, whole foods should make up the bulk of the diet. Treats like live insects or bones add enrichment. Providing whole carcasses allows the bird to feed the way it would naturally. Clean water should always be available in bowls.
Food type | Examples |
---|---|
Whole prey | Rats, rabbits, chickens |
Meat scraps | Organs, muscle meat, bones |
Fish | Herring, mackerel, trout |
Insects | Mealworms, crickets |
Supplements | Dog or cat kibble |
What health risks do vultures have?
Some health problems seen in pet vultures include:
- Obesity – Overfeeding leads to obesity.
- Nutritional deficiencies – Diets lacking in calcium, vitamin D3 or other nutrients.
- Pododermatitis – Scaling/thickening foot pads from unclean perches or wet floors.
- Aspergillosis – Fungal infection often from dirty enclosures.
- Stress – May cause feather plucking or other problems.
- Trauma – Fractures or lacerations from flying into aviary walls or fences.
Good husbandry and sanitation helps prevent illness. Annual exams, weighing and bloodwork with an avian vet are recommended. Some medications like antifungals may be needed for infections.
Are there any ethical concerns with keeping vultures as pets?
There are ethical arguments against keeping vultures as pets:
- Wild capture – Taking vultures from wild populations is generally illegal and harmful to natural ecosystems.
- Complex needs – It is difficult to meet vultures’ specialized social, dietary, and environmental needs in captivity.
- Stress – Vultures may experience chronic stress from confinement, restraint, social isolation and handling as pets.
- Misrepresentation – Portraying vultures as conventional companion animals may encourage illegal trade in wild-caught birds or irresponsible exotic pet ownership.
However, some exceptions exist. Rehabbing injured native birds, keeping human-imprinted vultures, or housing non-releasable zoo/research animals may provide for their welfare better than releasing or euthanizing them. Overall though, vultures do not make good pets for casual owners.
Are there any public health risks from pet vultures?
Vultures as pets do pose some low risks to human health, including:
- Bacteria – Vultures carry bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella that can cause illness in humans. Good hygiene is important.
- Parasites – Internal parasites may be shared by contact with feces. Annual deworming is recommended.
- Fungus – Aspergillus molds from vulture droppings may cause respiratory issues if inhaled.
- Attacks – Large vultures can inflict serious bites and scratches when threatened or during mating displays.
Proper handwashing and common sense helps mitigate risks. Vultures should not be allowed in food preparation areas. People with weaker immune systems may be at higher risk and should avoid close contact.
Conclusion
Vultures are wild animals that make challenging, high-maintenance pets requiring specialized care and housing. While interesting animals, they have complex needs and present some ethical concerns regarding welfare, conservation, and public health. Laws also restrict what species can be kept. Vultures are not suited for casual pet owners. Those interested should thoroughly research proper care and regulations before considering getting a vulture as a pet.