An Unexpected Chick Switch in Tambopata
Latest update from the field.
The first chick that we brought from the nest and have been hand feeding in the research station looks good and healthy. It is gaining weight as expected.
However, the second chick, the one that stayed in the nest with its macaw parents, is gaining weight less than expected and it is facing a recurring bot-fly infestation. So far we have removed 8 bot-flies from different parts of its body. Two of them from the nose area and one from near the left eye Both parents are feeding the chick frequently and the chick does not look lethargic or dehydrated… yet.
Due to these problems, we have decided to switch chicks. We brought second chick to research station and put first chick back in its nest. The switch will allow the second chick to recover from the botflies under the watchful eyes of the project veterinarians
We have high hopes that we can help this chick to recover and get it back in to the nest with its sibling once it is larger and stronger.
Fortunately, the first chick was immediately accepted by its parents when we put it back. Female started preen it and feed it after just two minutes!! We will continued monitoring the nest with our video system but we are sure the chick will do great now that it is back with its parents.
Stay tuned for more updates on the progress of this macaw family!
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