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Turacos 463

larger so as not to tip when the chick begs. Around day 11–14, the chick will jump out of the bowl
and start moving around the brooder.
Brooder temperature at day 1 should be at 96 °F (35.5 °C), and it should be lowered gradually,
about a degree a day. Although not as crucial as temperature, humidity can be kept at 50–60% and
can be gradually lowered to room humidity in the same way as the chick grows. By day 16–18, the
chick can be moved to a cage without supplemental heat unless the room is colder than an average
room temperature of 74–80 °F (23–27 °C). The cage should be supplied with heavy perches on
which the chick can run and bounce off. It is normal for turacos to suddenly have periods of
intense excitement where the chick will be very active, flapping, and running. Flight will occur at
approximately 1 month of age.

­ Weaning

Turaco chicks start to wean at day 18 and generally are completely weaned by day 30 or earlier
(Figure 28.3). Shallow bowls of adult food and water should be offered at day 18, and the chicks
usually investigate and wean themselves. Some weight fluctuations normally occur at this time.
The chicks will also start to bathe in their drinking water so frequent changes may be needed.
Young green turacos’ plumage is dull, and it takes several months to acquire the adult sheen and
color (Figure 28.4).

­ Introduction­to Captive­Flock

Young turacos, even of mixed species, can be housed together safely for a while if they are all simi-
lar ages. Mature turacos tend to be aggressive toward each other, and it is recommended that they
be housed separately or in bonded pairs. Species should be kept separately. Mate aggression and
fatalities in all species are common, even after years of being together, and it can happen quickly

Figure­28.3­ Turacos are so eager to feed that hand-raised turacos can often be weaned before they are
even fully feathered, as in this chick.