Zombie skeletons, zombie pigmen and other mobs do not pickup items

[tobyplowy]

demo video
https://youtu.be/EKAPhW0KLtc
note i only used zombies in this video but it works with all the above and maybe more

[leorockway]

I'm not sure they are supposed to pick up any items. They spawn like that.

"As of Minecraft 1.2.3, they [the zombies] also have a chance of spawning with a Pumpkin or Jack o' Lantern on their head (especially around Halloween), wearing a random type of armor, or wielding an iron Sword or Shovel."

[leorockway]

Actually, also from Minecraft's wiki:

"Zombies have a chance of spawning with the ability to pick up items."