Eeeks, I have been teaching my chickens that they have to go to bed when I want them to. It is dark here now at 4:45 PM or so (can't wait for the winter solstace, coming soon, the days getting longer, yea!!!!). That is right in the middle of when I am getting our supper ready. So, I have been teaching all these lovelies that they have to go to bed earlier. They are getting better at it, hee, hee.
Last night I was putting the chickens in their house. There was this one lady that just plain and simply decided that she didn't want to go to bed. Of course, Antonio, (the Rhode Island Red) appears to be the dude who is always the last one to go in. I think he needs to guard or something making sure all the ladies are in. He is a gentleman, the other rooster, Roquefort, I don't think is quite so gentlemanly.
Anyways I watching her, wondering why she was being so stubborn. She went over half way across the yard and squatted down. Oh brother, now what. She popped out an egg, it was really weird, it just kind of plopped out on the ground. She immediately turned around and pecked it, gross, it just splashed and burst and squished on the ground. Then she started to eat it. Eeeks!!! I really hope that she is not one of those egg eaters. I went over and kicked some dirt on it and covered it up, thought that would be best, maybe I should have let her finish it off.
Now what I am curious about something that I bet someone can enlighten me about.
Is this an instinct to leave no trace behind, as when animals in the wild clean up the mess after birthing their young? Anyone know.
I know all animals don't leave a trace of any birthing material around, that is their instinct, this prevents predators from smelling blood and stuff.
Now this brings about another question, hoping someone can give a good answer to.
When the chicken lays the egg, obviously it is soft. How long before the egg hardens with the shell after being laid. I have on occasion found an egg that was just the membrane, that is eeky and eerie. So, those are the thoughts and questions for the day. Have a beautiful and great day, great health. Cindi