Blog Archive

Although our little chick is growing quickly, it will require feeding potentially for the next 5 or 6 months. They generally don't leave the nest until they are about 4 months old and are notoriously slow at weaning.

Luckily this extended period in the nest is coupled with a slow digestive system. At the moment the chick only needs feeding 3 times a day. Most other parrots at this stage of development would still need feeding at least 5 times a day.

Initially I was the only keeper caring for the little bird but I am now introducing other people to the feeding process including Brett, Kate and Claire.

Whilst the chick is becoming more endearing, it is important for us to limit our contact to try to minimise imprinting. This is another reason for including both male and female carers as we want to avoid an overly imprinted bird with a bias to either sex.

When the chick is old enough it will have contact with our adult pair to give it the opportunity to socialise and learn what it is to be a Palm Cocky.

I will let you all know how it goes.

Cheers

Trena
Bird Keeper, Adelaide Zoo

Read Diary of a Palm Cockatoo (part 1) >