Sandhill Crane Colt, Photo Documentary

Young Sandhill Cranes are called colts. People are surprised the baby crane designation is the same as a horse. However with those long legs and their love of running there are similarities if only in concept.
We raise Sandhill Crane colts every year at REGI. Usually we have more than one at a time. A week ago today we admitted a day old Sandhill Crane colt into care at REGI.

(Photo: A day old an already beautiful. Nicki Christianson photos)

The colt was admitted measuring six inches tall. He was in critical condition. We had a few very rough days before the little one turned to corner to better health. He has more than doubled his size in the ensuing week.

(Photo: Weak and suffering from hypothermia the colt was lethargic when admitted)



The day after the colt was admitted a pair of wild cranes that nest on REGI property appeared without their colt. The couple is a new pair. They have not been parents together before. Like new parents of any species it takes a little coordination to be good parents. The lives of wild birds hang in a fragile balance. One mis-step by a parent, or a second of distraction can lead to death for the youngster. That is particularly true in those ultra delicate first days of life. We are not certain what happened to the colt. What is certain is the pair no longer has a baby with them. We were feeling terrible for them and then realized we may just have the key to their future happiness in our care.

The photo below shows the two day old colt with the wild adults in the background. He is very aware of them and vice-versa. He was still very fragile. We let the pair spend some time. They vocalized often to him. (Photo: To see the wild adult look behind the colt carefully. The male in on the right facing you and the female on the left.)



On Monday Katie was walking the colt and digging worms with him. Next thing we know the adults had flown in and were approaching Katie and the little one. They were observing very closely our behavior with this colt. I hate to be anthropomorphic but I swear they were judging our parenting ability with the little one. Crane colts have to be walked about two miles a day EVERYDAY as they grow so rapidly the muscles have to stay well toned. ( Photo: Katie is the stooping figure on the left with colt. The adults were about 15 feet from them.)


Each day the wild pair spends most of the day very near. They walk within five feet of us while we are exercising the youngster. They vocalize to him constantly as if to underscore they want a place in his life. We are elated with their interest and hope we can allow him to go with his new parents soon.

(Photo: He is still not as tall as a Daffodil, but will soon tower over the flowers.)


Due in part to the continued freezing temperatures in our region this year, we need to wait before we allow them to take him with them. So far the experience has been nothing short of incredible for us. Never before have we been able to get this close to the wild cranes. They seem to be including us in their family unit.

We will continue the saga as it goes. For now the colt is still with us and in a brooder for most of the day and night. He is walked as much as possible and is growing very well. We are working hard to make sure he is not imprinted to humans. Because of that our interaction with the colt will minimize and with it the photos ops.

Enjoy the photos of his first week at REGI. We will bring you more as we can.

Have a great weekend everyone,

Marge Gibson ©2009