Big chicks huddling under parents
-
by
marymccal
Looks like really big chicks trying to huddle under the parents when they don't even fit at all. Is this common behavior? Almost looks like they are trying to nurse even though that's impossible.
Posted
-
by
caitlin.black
moderator, scientist, admin
Great questions!
These chicks are in what is known as the "guard" phase. Chicks don't normally leave the nest until they reach a certain age. When they are young, they are not able to regulate their temperature without the help of their parents so they often stay inside the nest.
At a certain point within their annual cycle, adults must abandon the chicks full-time and leave their nests to find food. The parents will then still feed their chicks but will not guard them inside the nest.
This is all completely normal and part of a typical breeding cycle.
Posted