How big is a kiwi's egg?

Answer 1

A kiwi's egg is 120mm long and 80mm in diameter. This is a little smaller than an emu's egg and considerably smaller than an ostrich egg.

However, the kiwi's egg is the largest in proportion to the body size of the bird. The egg is about six times the size of an egg from another bird of similar size.

Answer 2

Kiwi have such large eggs because the chicks are well developed when they emerge. The chick hatches with its eyes fully open, meaning it is able to fend for itself almost immediately. Initially, it feeds on a yolk sac which also prevents the baby chick from moving about the nest, but this is mostly absorbed after a couple of days. The chick then begins to feed on tiny pebbles and twigs which are stored in its gizzard to help with food digestion once it starts eating real food.

Answer 3

Kiwi lay such large eggs because, when the chick hatches, it is well developed and mature enough to look after itself.

The chick hatches with its eyes fully open. Initially, it feeds on a yolk sac which also prevents the baby chick from moving about the nest, but this is mostly absorbed after a couple of days. The chick then begins to feed on tiny pebbles and twigs which are stored in its gizzard to help with food digestion once it starts eating real food. Depending on the species, chicks are old enough to leave the parents' territory when they are 4-6 weeks old.

Answer 4

The female kiwi lays a huge egg because the young kiwi is so well developed when it hatches, and in no need of care from its parents.

The chick hatches with its eyes fully open. Initially, it feeds on a yolk sac which also prevents the baby chick from moving about the nest, but this is mostly absorbed after a couple of days. The chick then begins to feed on tiny pebbles and twigs which are stored in its gizzard to help with food digestion once it starts eating real food. Depending on the species, chicks are old enough to leave the parents' territory when they are 4-6 weeks old.

Answer 5

While it is not known why the female kiwi is larger than the male, one theory could be that the size of the egg means the bird must be bigger. Three weeks after mating, the female kiwi lays an egg which is about 6 times the size of an egg from another bird of similar size. Just before the egg is laid, it makes up 15-20% of the kiwi's body weight, and takes up so much room that the female is unable to eat because there is no room in her stomach.