Two Caribbean flamingo chicks have been born at Birdland Park & Gardens in the Cotswolds.
The two chicks, weighing 85g and 105g, were born after their eggs were incubated by keepers who have been rearing them by hand.
The chicks, who are just over four weeks old, are a whitish grey colour rather than the distinctive pink. It will take up to 3 years for them to reach their mature colours. Flamingo chicks’ bills when they first hatch are small and straight, however the new arrival’s beaks are already developing the distinct “break” curve.
Head Keeper Alistair Keen said: “We are thrilled to have two Caribbean flamingo chicks hatched at Birdland. The eggs came to us from Chester Zoo because we are hoping to boost our flock numbers. Flamingos are monogamous birds that lay only a single egg, and do not lay a replacement if lost/damaged, so we are pleased to have new chicks to join the group.”
He continues: “The chicks are now 750g in weight and doing really well. We will introduce them to the stand in the next six weeks using a holding pen. They will then join the 14 adult Caribbean Flamingos when they are 4-5 months old.”
Usually parent flamingos feed their chicks exclusively crop milk for 5-12 days after hatching; however keepers have been hand-feeding the chicks a high fat, high protein substance which is excellent nutrition for growing flamingos.
Visitors can see the flamboyance of Flamingos at Birdland daily from 10am and watch Flamingo feeding at 11.30am.
See birdland.co.uk
