First double yoke

[Mechanic1987]

Our Hens are producing 9 eggs a day from 11 hens. They are only using 2 of our 7 boxes. My daughter is excited she has sold 12 dozen eggs. One layed a double yoke the other day and she asked me will that become twins? Does anybody know or has anyone heard of twins hatching?

 

[pricem11]

Hey Ray, I just summarized this a few days ago from a little reading I did:

I'm interested in the biology of this too. I did a quick PubMed search, and here's what I learned:

It's common for young pullets just reaching POL to lay double yolks. Yes, it means that two follicles were released in quick succession from the ovary and since they're so close in the oviduct, they get 'entrapped' in the workings of the same shell. On the other hand, sometimes non-follicle tissue can break away from an ovary which leads to the production of a 'yolkless' egg. And yes, it is theoretically possible, but not probable, for a hen to lay two (or three or perhaps more) double yolk eggs in succession (a day apart).

There's also a genetic component, with hens from heavy laying breeds more likely to produce double yolk eggs, and the offspring of a hen who has produced double yolk eggs also seem to carry a gene that will make it likely for them to lay double yolks.

A couple studies suggest there's a nutritional component; that is, the better the nutrition, the more likely the hen will produce double yolk eggs.

It's more likely to see double-yolks occurring in the spring or when reproductive hormones are at their peak--hence maximum follicle activity. At maximum reproductive capacity, ovaries release one ovum on average each 23 hours.

For some reason, I thought a double yolk egg was infertile, but it seems that two embryos can start to form inside; however, they soon die because neither can access the air cell, among other reasons.

Double yolks are far more common in birds that are heavy layers such as chickens, ducks, etc. than birds who lay less frequently.

Mark

 

[hatchcrazzzy]

great informative answer

 

[Mechanic1987]

Thanks for the information Mark; I was curious as to whether it would produce or not.
Thanks;