Our four little hatchlings are becoming fledglings - tiny stubs of wing feathers are sprouting and the chicks are getting increasingly independent. They give little jumping flights, and tackle giant worms - the ground is still so waterlogged there is no shortage of slugs and worms for them to eat. The weather has improved (slightly), the sun comes out on occasion - although at this minute it is hailing outside!
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| There are actually 3 chicks standing tucked up against mum here...and one out the back! |
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| First wing feathers coming through |
Snowpea calls to them constantly, in a low soft cheeping, which changes slightly when she has a meal-worm or other insect for them. This food call is very similar to the call the males give when they are offering food to a female - they seem to do this as part of their mating ritual. When the female accepts the food, the male mates with her. When Snowpea gives her food call, the chicks come running immediately. The other call seems to be just a way of letting them know where she is - the chicks also call softly most of the time. When one of the chicks is lost - or being held for too long - it starts a loud and rapid cheeping, which in turn, brings Snowpea running.
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| Exploring the wide world |
The chicks are ridiculously cute, and thankfully, they have learnt to keep away from our feet, greatly lessening the risk of being accidentally trodden on - which makes it much more relaxing to stay in the garden and watch them - when the weather is kind. I think it has been one of the wettest (and windiest) starts to Spring in a long time.
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| Seeds! |
Spock is still sitting and the boys are getting a bit fed up with two of their females out of circulation - Snowpea still drives them away viciously if they come anywhere near her - none of the males pay any attention to the babies.
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| Fog...checking out what's happening in his domain |
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| Stalking a hapless dandelion... |
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| Plum...hoping for a mate |
Plum still calls for a lady-companion, to no avail - we are hoping to find him a mate, but it's proving difficult. It's incredible he has survived so long when all of his girls (three!) have been taken by rats...
If you have enjoyed this blog and would like to share your experiences with quail, we'd love to hear from you! Please leave a comment, and we look forward to learning more about other people's adventures with these lovely little birds.
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