Probability of a double yolk hatch

[CuzChickens]

Hey there guys! I was just outside gathering eggs, and I came across a 3.5 oz egg, and I am considering incubating it. It was laid by my White Leghorn hen who is about 18 months old. I am fairly certain the egg will be fertile, and if so it will be a Speckled Sussex father. So, who out there has hatched a double yolk, and what did you do to insure easiest process? I know this may be a big disappointment, but hey, you gotta try!

Also, how do I know if it is a double yolk and not just an extremely large egg?

Thanks a bunch!
~Cuz

 

[Poultrybreeder]

I believe I read somewhere that to check for a double yolk, you have to candle it?? Not sure about that though

 

[Miss717]

Yes you would have to candle to check for a double yolk.

 

[CuzChickens]

I ended up just eating the egg. lol I decided I'd try if I got another one, but for now I don't have the time to babysit an egg. Thanks anyway!

 

[clucklady]

I've never hatched anything, so I'm the last person to be offering expertise.

But, since double yolks have very little chance of successfully hatching, here is an option you might consider - hatching the egg outside of the shell:

 

[JeanR]

Almost never successful in hatching livable chicks from a double yolker. No reason not to try. Eating it was best--and the hen may not ever lay another?? And if hatching one, it should be with other eggs, incubation of all eggs, started at the same time. Under a setting hen is best trial-set. Incubators, unless you are experienced with your incubator, can be disappointing. And if successful, the chicks grow up as any other chicks, not remarkable or different, except to you- (and reporting them)-but we do like to experience new things and ENJOY our chickens !

 

[ChicKat]

Clucklady - what an amazing video. Those school kids are so cute too -- reminds me of the little bit of time I spent in Japan.

For the OP -- there normally wouldn't be sufficient space inside the shell of a double yolked egg for two chicks to have a normal growth cycle. Your odds of hatching a double yolked egg are probably very low.