Baby Penguins and how they are Raised

Chicks first "pip" by poking a small hole in the egg. They then chip at the shell until they can push off the top. Chicks take up to three days to chip their way out. Fine down feathers cover most newly hatched chicks. Since these feathers are not waterproof, they must stay of the water. Chicks require attentive parents for survival. Both parents feed the chick regurgitated food. Adults recognize and feed only their own chick. Parents are able to identify their chick by its distinctive call. Parents also brood chicks (keep them warm) by covering them with their brood patch.

Kidnapping?

During a two year study of emperor penguins in Antarctica, mainly non-breeding adult females and failed breeding female emperors often "kidnapped" and attempted to "adopt" chicks that clearly were not their own. Most cases do not last very long, lasting an average of 0.5 to 10 days.

Food, Habitat, and More