Wobbly, Cuddly and Too Cute - Egyptian Goslings on Day 1

The chicks of Egyptian geese are true “ready-to-go” babies. They hatch covered in soft down with their eyes already open and can walk and swim shortly after hatching. These little fluffballs are already out on the water on their very first day, paddling around busily. They are surprisingly good at walking and climbing too — even if things still look a little clumsy now and then. Some of their wobbly movements are almost like tiny slapstick performances. The chicks are not fully waterproof yet, though, so they cool down quickly. To warm up, they cuddle closely together on land, tuck their little heads in, and turn into one fluffy ball of down. It often takes a while before they finally settle down — after all, the world is far too exciting. But those tiny legs get tired quickly, so the chicks need regular little breaks throughout the day. And they are never alone: the parent birds keep a constant watch on their young, staying close and protecting them carefully. Other birds or animals are firmly driven away if they come too close to the chicks.