Youngsters go for a wander
So what's the latest from the Caribbean enclosure? More chicks are hatching and can be seen in the nest mounds right against the back fence. The chicks that are slightly older are becoming more adventurous and are starting to explore their wider surroundings. And this lovely warm weather is perfect for them to be out and about testing the strength of their legs and feet.
Flamingo chicks have very squidgy legs and feet when they first hatch. Whilst a flamingo's egg is relatively large (around 150g or 6oz) the chick fits inside rather tightly. Consequently, there is no room for legs to be stretched out and made stronger until the chick hatches. You will see newly-hatched chicks with pink legs and a pink beak staying in their nest mound for the first few days of life whilst they gain sufficient energy to stand. Once they can rise off the floor without wobbling, they will begin to take a few tentative steps before hopping down from the nests to mill about with their parents and other adults in the flock.
The flamingo chick's straight beak allows it to be fed by its parents in a more efficient (and less messy) way. About a fortnight after the chick has hatched, the bill begins to curve until in a few month's time it is well on its way to resembling that of its adult companions. Whilst this bill transformation occurs relatively quickly, it is a couple of years before the youngsters will gain the beautiful exotic pink hues that make their parents so distinctive.
