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The hobbles can be made with a nonflexible bandaging tape that is doubled over to prevent it stick-
ing to the chick’s skin at any point. Hobbles are placed just below the hocks, around the tarsometa-
tarsi, and should be loose enough that circulation is not compromised, but not so loose as to allow
the hobbles to slip over the hock or foot or allow toes to get caught. They must be changed daily or
every other day as the chick grows.

Toe Constrictions
King Vulture chicks may develop constriction bands around the toes. This syndrome is also seen in
parrot chicks but has not been documented in other Cathartid or in Accipitrid vultures. The cause
remains unclear, but the constriction can be so severe as to restrict blood flow and cause necrosis
of the distal part of the affected toe(s). Ensuring that the humidity in the brooder remains high
( 50–60% RH) will usually prevent this condition. If detected early, immediately increasing the
humidity, maintaining a very light coating of an oil-based lubricant – such as triple antibiotic oint-
ment – and frequent massage of the toes, can prevent permanent damage. If the condition is
advanced, surgical intervention may be indicated (Romagnano 2003).

West Nile Virus (WNV)
Cathartid vultures are not as susceptible to WNV as many other species of birds but a few California
Condors, both adults and chicks, have died from the disease. In addition, two adult Andean
Condors became severely ill but recovered from WNV infection and some California Condors are
showing titers far too high to have been vaccine-induced. There have been no reports of WNV
morbidity or mortality in Accipitrid vultures in the U.S., but the majority of them, along with most
birds in potentially affected taxa in zoological collections, have been vaccinated with the equine
vaccine (Fort Dodge). California Condors were included in the DNA vaccine testing program con-
ducted by the Centers for Disease Control and have continued to receive this vaccine. The product
has not been made available commercially at the time of writing. Regardless of species, chicks are
vaccinated beginning as early as 30 days and definitely before being placed in outdoor environ-
ments. Parent-reared birds are vaccinated at 30 days.

Other Conditions
Condor and King Vulture chicks usually develop flaky skin on the head during the brooder stage.
This appears to be a normal process and not a result of low humidity or nutritional deficiency. It
resolves without intervention. Condors have an extensive system of air sacs that extend under the
skin of the neck and head, allowing inflation for dramatic effect. A few California Condor chicks
have developed a large, persistent air “bubble” along one side of the head which is not considered
problematic and disappears by 6–8 weeks of age.

­ Diet­and Weaning

While this chapter is based primarily on experience with Cathartid and Gyps vultures, the meth-
ods, including the following diet protocol, have worked well for other Accipitrid vulture species.
The only exceptions may be the Bearded Vulture, whose adult diet is at least 70% bone, and the
Palm-nut Vulture, whose adult diet includes more than 50% oily palm fruit. Bearded Vultures