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It was the last time they saw them. Below, The baby pukekos grew up fast, and loved interaction with people.
Stanmore Bay couple Danni Yu and David Dennis are hopeful that the two pukekos they raised from chicks have started a new life in the wild.
The birds disappeared from their property early in April. They had lived there since January – Danni and David rescued them when they fell from their nest near a pond in their garden.
Danni and David are committed bird lovers, who have chickens and ducks as well as a walk-in aviary filled with budgies, cockatiels and quails. They took the responsibility of raising the chicks seriously.
“When they were young, we put them in a cage with heat lamps because they didn’t have many feathers,” Danni says. “We fed the babies on an hourly basis for the first week using mashed peas and corn mixed with chick starter crumbles. We also made them some fabric toys to keep them entertained and taught them how to eat by themselves.”
Danni says the two birds grew up healthy, smart and curious.
“They formed a trusting bond with us. They would come when we called, bow when they saw us and follow us around. They are quite remarkable birds.”
The couple would like to know their birds are safe and are concerned that because they are so tame, they could get in trouble.
“Many people don’t actually like pukekos, and this could put our human-friendly birds in danger,” Danni says.
If anyone has seen friendly pukekos in the area, contact Danni 021 179 1568.
