THERE are 21 new additions to Chester Zoo's flamingo flock.

The first of the fluffy chicks began breaking out its shell in June and now 20 more have arrived since, increasing the total at the zoo to 120.

All the youngsters are currently being hand fed by zookeepers at regular timed intervals four times a day and will require special attention for five more weeks.

Assistant curator of Birds Mark Vercoe said: “Hand-feeding young flamingos is a really intricate and demanding challenge, but these chicks will form part of another important breeding colony and so we need to make sure that each and every one makes it through to adulthood.

“This time around we’ve decided to give them a helping hand as it’s important that we give the new flock the best possible start.”

For the time being the chicks are white or grey in colour, resembling little balls of cotton wool, but they will each develop their iconic pink feathers at around six months old.

Once all of the new chicks are developed enough to fully feed themselves, the group will move to another zoo to help form a brand new colony.