Young kakapos, like adult kakapos, have specific dietary requirements. Their diet primarily consists of natural vegetation and some invertebrates. Here's what young kakapos eat:
1. **Fruits:** Kakapos are known to eat a variety of native fruits such as rimu, kahikatea, and totara.
2. **Leaves and Bark:** They consume leaves, bark, and twigs from a variety of native trees and shrubs.
3. **Invertebrates:** Young kakapos may also eat invertebrates like insects, grubs, and worms, particularly during certain seasons when these food sources are abundant.
It's important to note that kakapos are herbivores with a strong focus on native New Zealand flora. Conservationists and those caring for young kakapos in captivity aim to replicate their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure their health and well-being. Additionally, supplementary nutrition may be provided to young kakapos in captivity to ensure they receive a balanced diet.