When it comes to the question of which creature lays the largest eggs, the answer might surprise you. While many people may assume that it is a bird, the true title actually belongs to the ostrich. Ostrich eggs are not only the largest eggs laid by any bird, but they are also the largest eggs laid by any living creature.

Measuring in at around 6 inches in length and weighing up to 3 pounds, ostrich eggs are truly a marvel of nature. In fact, one ostrich egg is equivalent in size to about 24 chicken eggs! These massive eggs are not only impressive in size, but they are also incredibly strong. Ostrich eggs have a thick and sturdy shell that can withstand the weight of a fully grown human standing on top of it.

Despite their large size, ostrich eggs are actually quite delicate and must be handled with care. The female ostrich will carefully incubate her eggs by sitting on them to keep them warm until they hatch. This process can take up to 42 days, making it one of the longest incubation periods of any bird species.

While ostriches hold the title for laying the largest eggs, there are other creatures that also lay impressively large eggs. The elephant bird, an extinct species native to Madagascar, laid eggs that were even larger than those of the ostrich. These massive eggs could measure up to 12 inches in length and weigh as much as 22 pounds!

Overall, the ostrich reigns supreme as the creature that lays the largest eggs in the world. Their size, strength, and the care taken in incubating them make ostrich eggs a true wonder of the animal kingdom.

If you would like to learn more about ostrich eggs and other fascinating facts about these incredible creatures, you can visit National Geographic for more information.

Sign Up