the TURBO CHOOK - Tasmania's Native Hen (on the protected list)

A lot of native hens live across our property with a small family that hang around the studio. They are a protected species and known colloquially as Turbo Chooks. They run extremely fast when they get going and are known to be very good mothers. They build nests to lay eggs in and they also build nursery nests where they tend to the chicks. There are always more than 1 'mother', looking after the chicks which they keep close day and night until they are grown.

The chicks are pure black from tip to beak until they become of age which is when they take on the colouring of the native hen. They are described as large, heavy-bodied, flightless birds; adults measure between 43 and 51cms (17-20 inches) in length. They have large yellow bills, red eyes, brown heads and black wings. They are slate grey on their underparts and their tails are long and narrow. They are very powerful in their leges which are grey in colour and they have a yellow beak.

This little group of 3 adults and 2 chicks live around the studio so i am able to film them without getting too close.

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Regent Park Tasmania - lifestyle of artist in country Tasmania

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