Why Do Emperor Penguin Dads Hold Eggs?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do emperor penguin dads hold eggs?

The Big Idea

Emperor penguin dads hold the eggs because the moms need to go to sea to eat! Dad keeps the egg warm through the freezing Antarctic winter. It is a big job, and he does it without a single meal.

The Egg Handoff

Step one: the handoff. After the female emperor penguin lays an egg, the male carries it on top of his feet. He tucks it under a warm flap of belly skin called a brood pouch.

Winter Watch

Step two: winter watch. He does this through the Antarctic winter for about two months, without eating. Meanwhile, the female goes to sea to feed and builds up her strength.

Huddle Up

Step three: huddle up. The males huddle close together to keep warm, and they take turns standing in the chilly outer edge. When the female comes back with food, they switch jobs.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The egg is balanced on his feet. A warm pouch of skin covers it. The dads huddle together in the cold. Meanwhile the moms swim off to feed. Then they swap jobs.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! When the female returns with food, they switch jobs. Emperor penguins are the largest of all penguins. Antarctic winter temperatures can drop far below freezing. Penguins are wild, so enjoy them in photos or at a zoo.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Balance a beanbag on your feet while you stand still. See how long you can do it. Penguin dads stay still for two months! What do you think would be the hardest part?

Outro

Emperor penguin dads keep the egg warm through the winter. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!