Chick fledge weights are generally between 5 and 6 kg. First breeding occurs at 3-4 years of age and long term partnerships are formed. Yellow-eyed penguins may live for up to 23 years. Population and breeding success details can be found here . A chick at about eight weeks of age Diet and feeding Yellow-eyed penguins feed on a variety of fish including opal fish, silverside, sprat, aruhu and red cod.
Arrow squid is also important in their diet.
Feeding is usually done near the bottom, at depths of up to 160m and as far as 50km off shore. The loss of coastal forest has played a lpart in the decline of the yellow-eyed penguin, but the biggest threat to the survival of the species is introduced mammalian predators. Wild cats, ferrets and stoats often kill chicks and take eggs. Adult penguins all too often fall victim to dogs. Report any sightings of sick or injured penguins to the Department of Conservation.