Do broodies eat their hatched chicks' shell membranes?

[Sunny Side Up]

That's what it seems like to me, and I think I've seen them in the act. My theory is that it gives them nourishment during the time their chicks are hatching and they must stay on the nest for 24 hours or more. Maybe it also/instead removes the new-birth blood smell from the area. What do you know about this? What have you observed? What do you think?

 

[silkiechicken]

I'd be inclined to agree with your observations. I usualy don't find much shell left over from broody hatches, but then again, I also haven't hatched more than, well, one at a time per broody. LOL

 

[cmom]

Ditto.

 

[swtangel321]

Never noticed this before, then again I take the hatched eggs away when I check on the babies. Very interesting and wouldnt surprise me since other animals do the same.

 

[rooster-red]

Yes they do, I've even witnessed it .

 

[@migocontodos~]

Quote:
lol...modiration is your motto, Silkiechicken? Chicks are better than human babies...the moms can raise multiples @ the same time!

I think they eat the shells too. I've gone down and wondered where the shells have gone and I've also gone down and raise the hen and the shells have been all packed together. Some hens can work wonders with their feet!