Hatching Twinsies

[Muddyacreshomestead]

I’ve got a doubler set in the incubator (could see two yolks when candled tonight) I set them with a few more so if anything hatches there’s a friend.

Just going to keep track of my progress here. Will update when I candle to see what happens.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Be sure to get a good video of the hatching action. I am keen to see it.

 

[Hybridchucks]

Be sure to get a good video of the hatching action. I am keen to see it.

X2

 

[Kat C]

Don't mean to rain on your parade but
https://extension.psu.edu/programs/4-h/projects/poultry/embryology/teacher-resources/faqs
1. Can two chicks hatch from one egg?

Yes. It is a rare occurrence. When two chicks hatch from the same egg, the egg usually has two yolks. Usually, one embryo out competes the other and only one chick survives to hatch. Many time both embryos die before hatch.

We have no knowledge of Siamese twin chicks ever being hatched. The development of twin chicks from a single-yolked egg.
OTOH in a previous Backyard Chicken thread someone did get a hatch
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/will-a-double-yolk-egg-hatch-two-chicks.624163/
Interesting experiment but it seems likely that even if they hatch they will not have the best start in life having had to share resources and space

 

[Joeschooks]

I have never tried to hatch a double yolker, apparently they don’t survive but would love to see how you get on

 

[Muddyacreshomestead]

Don't mean to rain on your parade but
https://extension.psu.edu/programs/4-h/projects/poultry/embryology/teacher-resources/faqs
1. Can two chicks hatch from one egg?

Yes. It is a rare occurrence. When two chicks hatch from the same egg, the egg usually has two yolks. Usually, one embryo out competes the other and only one chick survives to hatch. Many time both embryos die before hatch.

We have no knowledge of Siamese twin chicks ever being hatched. The development of twin chicks from a single-yolked egg.
OTOH in a previous Backyard Chicken thread someone did get a hatch
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/will-a-double-yolk-egg-hatch-two-chicks.624163/
Interesting experiment but it seems likely that even if they hatch they will not have the best start in life having had to share resources and space

Indeed, but we don’t learn new things unless we try them.

 

[theoldchick]

Can't wait to see what happens! Double yolkers don't usually hatch but I've seen one case that did!

 

[theoldchick]

 

[Kat C]

Indeed, but we don’t learn new things unless we try them.

True, but why wouldn't you want to offer each chick the best start in life by not having to share an egg. A double yolker egg is not usually double the size of a normal egg so each chick gets less of the nutrients to start life? What is the benefit of hatching a double yolker when you have plenty of normal eggs? Why would you try something that is normally not successful? If the egg doesn't hatch it might break and infect the nest or the incubator. I just don't see the point other than novelty.

 

[Muddyacreshomestead]

True, but why wouldn't you want to offer each chick the best start in life by not having to share an egg. A double yolker egg is not usually double the size of a normal egg so each chick gets less of the nutrients to start life? What is the benefit of hatching a double yolker when you have plenty of normal eggs? Why would you try something that is normally not successful? If the egg doesn't hatch it might break and infect the nest or the incubator. I just don't see the point other than novelty.

I’ve had plenty of normal/seemingly healthy eggs not hatch or hatch with issues that require culling. I just don’t see the difference. All hatching has risk involved, and yes, there is certainly the allure of the novelty of twin chickens.

I don’t see the issue here. If they don’t make it, then it’s no different than when a single yolk egg doesn’t hatch. If they do, then it was a fun experiment that ended with two new birds.