The little penguin's skin is thin, elastic, and very loose to the body. The skin is covered by feathers, but some show parts of the skin, especially near the head and neck. The skin also contains many proteins and fat cells. Very strong skin covers the beak, claws, spurs, and the scales on the legs and feet. It also has a sabaceous secretory organ, which secretes in oil.
This bird also moults. After they breed the adult prepares to moult by feeding in large amounts. The penguins rely on the fat they have stored to survive during these 2-3 week periods when they can't enter the water to find food. By the time the penguin’s replaced its feathers they may have lost up to half of their body weight.
