Surprised to see bullseye - no cockerel in flock

[BigECarter]

My pullets started laying a couple of weeks ago. Yesterday, I saw a bullseye in one of their eggs. Do I have a stealthy boy in my flock, or is it something that happens with the newly laying eggs?

 

[realsis]

That's the Germicidal disk. It's the hens genetic material. If fertilization occurred it would be a darker white dot.hope this helps. You can look online for some good pictures to compare if you like. That dot is where the fertilization would occur. Hope this helps.

 

[BigECarter]

That makes sense. Thanks!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Fertile Egg Photos
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/16008/how-to-tell-a-fertile-vs-infertile-egg-pictures

 

[realsis]

Great example with the pictures you can really see what I was trying to explain. What you are looking at with your eggs is the Germicidal disk. Like I said, the hens genetic material. But as you can see in the pictures a fertilized egg is a much more apparent white. That is where the fertilization would occur in the egg. I really hope this helps. Best wishes

 

[enola]

Germinal disc

 

[BigECarter]

Thanks everyone. I've always read to look for the bullseye, which I've taken to mean a ring. One of the pullets is laying large eggs - I cracked one open for breakfast this morning. No wonder it was so big!

 

[cnotche]

Thanks everyone. I've always read to look for the bullseye, which I've taken to mean a ring. One of the pullets is laying large eggs - I cracked one open for breakfast this morning. No wonder it was so big!

Mmmmm, gottta love those double-yolkers!