Penguin Rehabilitation Jumpers
Note: The penguin jumpers need to be 100% pure wool. If the jumper is made from synthetic or mixed yarn (anything other than 100% pure wool) we cannot use it for rehabilitation.
Penguin jumpers are used for Little Penguins that have become coated in some contaminant, such as oil. They are worn by the penguins when they first come into care until they can be bathed. If the birds are severely compromised (ill, very underweight, dehydrated, or extremely stressed) it may be several days before we can wash them. Washing penguins is very stressful for them and we need to make sure that they are strong enough to withstand the ordeal.
The jumpers limit the amount of contaminant that the penguins ingest when they preen, which is their only way of trying to clean themselves. Contaminants in the feathers mean that the birds are not waterproof, and also make it difficult for them to maintain a correct body temperature - they can be prone to either overheating or over-chilling, depending on the circumstances. The pure woollen fibre we use helps to absorb some of the contaminant from the feathers. Pure wool is perfect for keeping penguins (and us!) warm, and as it is breathable, it also allows excess heat to escape.
Penguin jumpers are one-use only as it is vital to ensure that no traces of contaminant or disease are transferred to another bird. And, as we know, pure wool does not like being washed in hot water! Even though they are throw-aways, each jumper saves a penguin.
Penguin jumpers are used for Little Penguins that have become coated in some contaminant, such as oil. They are worn by the penguins when they first come into care until they can be bathed. If the birds are severely compromised (ill, very underweight, dehydrated, or extremely stressed) it may be several days before we can wash them. Washing penguins is very stressful for them and we need to make sure that they are strong enough to withstand the ordeal.
The jumpers limit the amount of contaminant that the penguins ingest when they preen, which is their only way of trying to clean themselves. Contaminants in the feathers mean that the birds are not waterproof, and also make it difficult for them to maintain a correct body temperature - they can be prone to either overheating or over-chilling, depending on the circumstances. The pure woollen fibre we use helps to absorb some of the contaminant from the feathers. Pure wool is perfect for keeping penguins (and us!) warm, and as it is breathable, it also allows excess heat to escape.
Penguin jumpers are one-use only as it is vital to ensure that no traces of contaminant or disease are transferred to another bird. And, as we know, pure wool does not like being washed in hot water! Even though they are throw-aways, each jumper saves a penguin.
Knitting Instructions
Use 100% pure wool only. (If you would like to donate pure wool yarn, please contact us).
METHOD: 8 ply Pattern [Directions given Australia (U.K., USA)] You will need: 8 ply (D.K. Sport / Worsted) woollen yarn, 1 pair 3.75mm (no.9, US no.5) needles. Back: Cast on 36 sts. K1, P1 to the end of the row. Repeat for 7 more rows (35 sts). Change to K2, P2 and inc. 8 sts evenly across this row (44 sts). Continue K2, P2 rib until garment measures 12cm (44 sts). Dec. 1 st. each end of every row till 28 sts. Dec. 1 st. in the middle of the next row (27 sts). Change to K1, P1 rib for 1O rows (27 sts). Cast off firmly on Row 11. Front: Knit same as for Back. Finish as described below. 4 Ply Pattern [Directions given Australia (U.K., USA)] You will need: 4 ply (Fingering / Sport) woollen yarn, 1 pair 3.25mm (no.10, US no.3) needles. Back: Cast on 50 sts. K1, P1 to the end of the row. Repeat for 10 more rows (50 sts). Change to K2, P2 and inc. 12 sts evenly across this row (62 sts). Continue K2, P2 rib until garment measures 12cm (62 sts). Dec. 1 st. each end of every row till 36 sts. Dec. 1 st. each end and also 1 st. in the middle of the row (33 sts). Change to K1, P1 rib for 11 rows (33 sts). Cast off firmly on Row 12. Front: Knit same as for Back. Finish as described below. FINISHING: Using a flat seam join the neck edges together (about 4cm), leaving the upper decreasing open for the flippers (this opening should be at least 4cm in length), then join the sides. Side seam is approximately 12cm long. IF YOU ARE A LOOSE KNITTER USE SMALLER NEEDLES. Download a PDF of these instructions here. |