How does a rat eat chicken eggs? - briefly
A rat gnaws the shell with its incisors, creating a hole to access the yolk and white, which it licks or bites. It then swallows the softened shell fragments together with the egg contents.
How does a rat eat chicken eggs? - in detail
Rats approach an egg by first detecting it through scent and tactile cues. Their incisors, continuously growing and self‑sharpening, are the primary tools for breaching the shell. The animal positions its front paws on the egg, applies pressure, and gnaws a circular opening. This bite typically creates a hole 1–2 cm in diameter, sufficient to expose the inner contents.
Once the shell is pierced, the rat uses its forepaws to hold the egg steady while its tongue and cheek muscles extract the yolk and albumen. The liquid is lapped up, and any remaining solid material is chewed with the molars. If the egg is larger, the rat may enlarge the opening by repeated bites, gradually consuming the entire contents.
The process can be broken down into stages:
- Detection – olfactory and tactile assessment of the egg’s presence.
- Shell breach – incisors create an entry point.
- Content extraction – tongue and cheek muscles draw out yolk and white; molars grind any residual material.
- Cleanup – the rat wipes its whiskers and paws on surrounding surfaces to remove residue.
Throughout, the rat’s digestive system prepares for the high‑protein, high‑fat meal. Stomach acid quickly denatures proteins, while pancreatic enzymes further break down lipids. The nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine, providing rapid energy and supporting the animal’s growth and reproduction.