Our Flamingo chicks are growing rapidly. In addition to all living together in the same pen, they are starting to eat their Flamingo Chow readily. The adult flamingos are fed a special diet called Flamingo Breeder pellets made by Mazuri, a company that specializes in zoo food. These pellets are specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of the flamingos. They also contain some of the micro-elements that help the flamingos maintain their pink coloration.
Flamingo chick now eating in the pool
As the chicks grow, their bill takes on the “normal” crooked shape of a flamingo beak. They also start to develop the fringe on their beaks and tongues that help them filter feed
Close up of a flamingo chick beak
And their wing feathers start getting pink too. They won’t get completely pink for about 5 years; but over the next several months they will go from mostly grey to mostly pink.
A flamingo chick stretches it's wings
Since our chicks are getting so big, it’s time for them to spend more of the day learning to be “real” flamingos.
Flamingo chicks in the pool with the adults
So we are now taking them to the pool in the morning to eat with the adults – but do not fear, they will still be walking back to their off-exhibit home for a little while longer to be babied.
So check the zoo’s daily schedule to see when our flamingos go on their walk because before long, they will be all grown up.
Written by Hannah Bailey
