a comprehensive resource of avian hand rearing techniques for captive bird populations

Humboldt Penguin

Spheniscus humboldti

Sphenisciformes - Spheniscidae - Penguins

Humboldt Penguin - juvenile

© Phill Clayton

Humboldt Penguin - juvenileHumboldt Penguin - 5 day old

Distribution: Coasts of Chile and Peru.

Habitat: Marine

Diet: Fish & squid

Breeding: Breed in small colonies, nest in caves, holes or cracks

Clutch size: 2 eggs

Incubation: 40-42 days

Rearing: The young are fed by both sexes.

Protocols

Protocol from Birdworld

View Birdworld protocol file >

Protocol established 2010
Used on 38 individuals
Success rate 84.00%

Rating

Protocol used for at least 5 individuals with over 75% success*
Used by 2 or more institutions*
Points on minimizing imprinting 
Birds went on to produce fertile eggs*
Birds went on to successfully parent rear*

Warning points
None

Protocol from Seaview Wildlife Encounter (Flamingo Park)

View Seaview Wildlife Encounter (Flamingo Park) protocol file >

Protocol established 1998
Used on 50 individuals
Success rate 80.00%

Rating

Protocol used for at least 5 individuals with over 75% success*
Used by 2 or more institutions*
Points on minimizing imprinting 
Birds went on to produce fertile eggs*
Birds went on to successfully parent rear*

Warning points
None

Please keep us up-to-date and contact us with your own updates or new protocols for rearing the Humboldt Penguin.

References

Artificial incubation and hand-rearing of Humboldt penguins: Spheniscus humboldti at Birdworld, Farnham. D. C. DEEMING. International Zoo Yearbook. Vol 30. Pages 165-173
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1748-1090.1991.tb03480.x/abstract

Del Hoya, J., Elliott, A. & Sargatal, J. eds. (1992). Handbook of the Birds of the World. Vol1. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.

Hand-rearing Humboldt's penguin. V. J. A. MANTON. International Zoo Yearbook. Vol 18. Pages 59 - 61

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