Kids had a chance to see some extraordinary animals this week, when Hands On Exotics paid a visit to the Thorold Community Activities Group.
A boa constrictor, parrot, hedgehog, ferret, rabbit, skunk and Chilean chinchilla–the “softest” animal in the world according to his handler, based on the density of its fur—all made a memorable impression on the children.
They also met a Sugar Glider; a small, omnivorous, arboreal, and nocturnal gliding possum which is endemic to parts of mainland Australia, New Guinea and certain Indonesian islands; and was introduced to Tasmania, probably in the 1830s.
According to TCAG staff, “It is a popular exotic pet but is prohibited in some regions, including parts of Australia and the United States.”
In addition, the kids kept watch as eggs suddenly became baby quails before their eyes Wednesday, and continued hatching Thursday in the TCAG's temporary “brooder.” (video below)
About 80 of the mini eggs were on loan from local quail expert Ken MacQuarrie, before being moved to a “glass brooder, like an aquarium,” he told Thorold News.
“They have to be kept under heat, with food and water,” he said, adding that the quails’ diet consists of game bird pellets, “like chicken feed.”
This particular type of quail is called Coturnix, and hails from Japan, he said.
The breed is 8,000 years old, “so it’s domesticated. They would be extinct if not for brooding.”
VIDEO OF QUAIL IN INCUBATOR
