Next big steps for our fluffy little ones

This time of year, its all about fluffy ducklings and goslings at our specialist breeding duckery.

But what are the next steps for these special babies as they start to grow? Keeper Ptoli tells us more about introducing them to the world outdoors…

“Our first batch of youngsters moved outside from the duckery this month, with four Carolinas and a barnacle goose now running around and chirping in the nursery pens.

“As there is a group of Carolinas, they all tend to keep to themselves and spend their days floating in the water and foraging through the grass. The barnacle goose is very different though, in that he loves human company. Whenever anyone walks past the pen, he will become very vocal and demand attention!

“Moving outside from the brooders is a big step for these youngsters as it is the first time they are placed into an unregulated environment.

"As eggs, we are always in control of their temperature and humidity, factors that are fundamental for embryo development. Even when they hatch, we have an array of heat lamps and thermometers so that we can always ensure they are not shivering or overheating.

“During their first few days outside, we bring them in overnight while they are still getting used to the variations in temperature and weather. However, as they get older, we place a heat lamp under a shelter outside and leave them to it (while keeping a close eye on them, of course).

“Being outside also allows them to start foraging, either for grass or little invertebrates, which for the gosling especially is very important as the majority of his diet comes from foraging and grazing.

“It also gives them access to UV light directly from the sun, which is always beneficial.

“All of these factors lead to the youngsters developing natural behaviours, which is important for their physical and mental wellbeing and allows them to interact well with other birds when they are placed in our larger enclosures.”

Don’t miss watching these young birds and more just like them as they hatch, grow and explore at our duckery this summer! All visits must be pre-booked, including members, carers and under-4s https://bit.ly/WAbookvisit

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