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
checked his beak and nostrils were clear,
Say "ahhhhhh"
looked at his feet and ensured there were no cuts or abrasions,
This little piggie ...
checked his transmitter was nice and secure and not rubbing under his feathered armpits
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
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
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 …
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 sticks close to Karin
