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Resources for Kea
This page will provide kea holders with information on resources that they can use for their kea.
These will include the following(dependant on availability):
Kea Puzzles
Rachel Johnston has very kindly lent her kea problem solving apparatus to the KCT.
The first puzzle can be set up in three different ways as follows:
A single string (with a reward attached) is suspended inside the clear plastic cylinder. The kea has to fly onto the perch and pull the string up using its feet and beak. Some kea achieve this first time (implied "insight learning") while others would solve it through trial and error. Others would just break off the string and fly off with it!
Single String Experiment - Rachel Johnston
The string is first attached to the base of the puzzle by an eye screw and threaded through and weighted at one end (with the reward at the weighted end). The kea must pull on the opposite string (ie the one without the reward on it) and move the reward away from it (down the cylinder and back up) to obtain it.
Double String Experiment - Rachel Johnston
To successfully complete this puzzle, the kea must use the tool and push it through the cylinder with its beak to obtain the reward. Although one bird achieved this, more often birds would pull the tool out and try to tip or roll the cylinder instead.
Tool Use Experiment - Rachel Johnston
Seven Stage Apparatus
This is a large puzzle made for the BBC documentary "Clever Dicks" (we will be loading a You-Tube clip showing this footage).
Rachel found that both captive and wild kea loved using it!
Willowbank kea trialing the 7 stage puzzle
If your facility is keen to carry out behavioural studies on your kea utilising this puzzle, please contact us.
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