Pukeko Chicks Are Equal Parts Curiosity and Chaos

Pūkeko Chicks: Tiny, Black, and Absolutely Chaotic 🌿

Pūkeko are equal parts curiosity and chaos. As chicks, they're tiny lil black balls of fluff — all legs and attitude, with those bright red eyes already watching everything. They grow at an astonishing rate and they are never, ever boring to have around.

What's on the Pūkeko Menu?

Pūkeko are omnivores, so their diet is wonderfully varied. Pūkeko lunch at Flock typically includes chopped greens, insects, egg, and native plant material. As they get bigger we introduce more variety and encourage natural foraging behaviours to prepare them for life back in the wild.

Raising Them Right

One of the biggest challenges with pūkeko is making sure they don't imprint on humans. They're smart, social birds who need to be around their own kind — so we always try to house them together where possible, and we minimise unnecessary handling as they get older. The goal is always a wild bird, not a tame one.

A Native Taonga Worth Protecting

Pūkeko are a protected native species here in Aotearoa, and caring for them requires our DOC permit. Every pūkeko chick that makes it back to a wetland or reserve is a small win for Wellington's native wildlife. We couldn't do it without your support. 💕

Meet Bingo the pūkeko, whose story shows why native birds should never be kept as pets, or the shelduck ducklings with a penguin for a mum.

Related reading: Bingo the pūkeko and why native birds are not pets and the shelduck ducklings and their penguin mum.