April 28 , 2003 Growing and Exercising Besides their normal running and playing, the chicks need regular planned exercise. This is important to growing strong, stright legs and feet. The chicks are given walks and swims each day. Without enough exercise, the chicks are in danger of developing leg and toe problems because they grow so fast. The chicks grow fastest between 10 and 30 days of age. They may grow a half inch and gain ten percent of their body weight each day! Imagine how huge you'd be if you grew that fast! After that, their body growth slows; there's less need for extra exercise as more of the chicks' energy goes into growing feathers. 301 after training. Photo Dan Sprague, Patuxent WRC. 301 swims for exercise. Photo Dan Sprague Chicks swim here first. Photo Jane Duden Try This! Journaling Questions How much would you weigh tomorrow if you gained at the same rate as a baby crane? How much heavier would you be in one week? Journey North is pleased to feature this educational adventure made possible by the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP). Copyright 2003-2004 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form