these penguins nest on the ground, making nests of stones, sticks, grass, feathers, and various other materials. they usually lay two eggs by mid-october, which hatch in about 34 days, and put equal care into caring for either chick. young chicks remain in the nest for 3 to 4 weeks until their second down feathers grow in, during which their parents hunt for food in order to feed them. afterward, they leave the nest but remain in the colony in groups of chicks, called creches that free their parents to hunt for food for them.