Consumption of Crab Leg Shells

[centrarchid]

We eat crab legs every couple of weeks. Shells are put out in poultry area for entertainment of chickens and to serve as supper bait for any predators that might find away to beat the perimeter fence and brave the dogs. Dogs for sure eat crab legs going out to crab pieces each night. Over last month the consumption rate has gone way up. Camera traps were placed elsewhere in the poultry area so not setup to record who visits the pile of crab legs. No bad guys appear to be getting in based on those camera trap sets. Hens are in lay making for increased need of calcium and phosphate for egg shell manufacture. I just moved cameras to see who is coming for the crab legs. I am betting on a combination of laying hens and lactating rabbits. Either way we have a seasonal change in consumption of crab leg shells.

 

[aart]

King or Snow crab?
Can't wait to see results of game cam.

 

[Kiki]

 

[centrarchid]

Snow Crab.

 

[centrarchid]

It appears to be the chickens consuming most if not all the shells. I could not see outright consumption but saw what appears to be hens carrying pieces outside of camera trap view. I did not see any of the four roosters peck at it.

Female Opossum visited early in night, but went straight after feed before scuttling off. Need to catch her and see if any kids in pouch. She is an adult at less than a year. Unlimited food likely helped with that.