Sirocco gets a physical

 —  20/11/2009

A very important part of Sirocco’s current daily routine on Ulva Island was a health check to make sure he’s in top condition for his display.

His minder, Karin, checked his feathers for any signs of stress (stress shows up as ‘bars’ or breaks across a feather),

Feather check

Feather check

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

checked his beak and nostrils were clear,

Karin checks Sirocco

Say "ahhhhhh"

looked at his feet and ensured there were no cuts or abrasions,

Sirocco's feet are checked

This little piggie ...

checked his transmitter was nice and secure and not rubbing under his feathered armpits

Checking Sirocco's transmitter

Checking the transmitter location

and weighed him to ensure he’s maintaining or putting on weight – on Saturday he weighed in at 2.42kg, up from 2.24kg the previous week which is great progress as he’s a bit on the light side at the moment

Weighing Sirocco

Sirocco's daily weigh-in

and finally because Sirocco has a few mites he was given a dusting of Frontline – it’s not unusual for parrots to get mites and pesky critters,  they’re not difficult to treat but he didn’t seem too impressed by this type of attention

Sirocco receiving dust mite treatment

A 'not-terribly-impressed' kakapo

At the end of the routine he was rewarded with a special treat, this time it’s seedless green grapes and of course always more than one …

Sirocco receives a seedless green grape

The kind of attention Sirocco prefers

Being the laid-backed parrot he is, Sirocco took his daily physical all in his stride and carried on hanging out with Karin as she checked his pen.

Sirocco keeps a watchful eye from his favourite tree

Sirocco keeps a watchful eye from his favourite tree

Sirocco sticks close to Karin

Sirocco sticks close to Karin

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  1. Tweets that mention Sirocco gets a physical « Conservation blog -- Topsy.com - November 20, 2009

    […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Kimberley Wynbergen, Angus Brown. Angus Brown said: RT @SiroccoKakapo: Just had my Dr's check up – turns out i'm a wonderfully fine and healthy specimen of #kakapo http://wp.me/pzRzg-eH …… […]