Eggs are a staple in most households, and sometimes you might come across an egg that seems a little different than the rest. One such egg is the double yolker, which is an egg that contains two yolks instead of one. While it’s not something that happens often, it’s always exciting to crack open an egg and find two yolks inside.
In total, double yolk eggs are when a hen’s reproductive system releases two yolks into the same shell.
In this article, we’ll go into detail on exactly what causes a double yolk egg, how to tell if an egg is a double yolker, how rare they are, if they’re safe to eat, and much more!
What causes a Double Yolk egg?
A double-yolk egg occurs when the hen’s ovaries release two yolks at the same time or too close together. Double yolks are more common in young hens whose reproductive systems are still developing or in breeds that are prone to laying double yolks. Also, genetics can play a factor here, breeds such as Leghorns are known to produce double-yolk eggs more frequently. Stress can also be a key factor in this, chickens that are stressed have been known to lay more double-yolk eggs.
How to tell if an Egg is a Double Yolker
- Check the size of the egg
Double-yolk eggs are usually larger than regular eggs, although this is not always the case. If you notice an egg that’s larger than the rest, it might be a double yolker. A typical egg will typically weigh no more than 2.1 oz each (59gm), so if you weigh and it’s larger than this, then you might have a double yolker on your hands!
- Examine the shape
Double yolks eggs tend to have a more rounded shape than regular eggs. Typically an egg comes to more of a point on the top end of the egg, if you see a rounded end, you may be in luck! After you’ve gotten several double yolk eggs you will almost get a feel for them in the palm of your hand.
- Hold the egg up to the light
If you hold the egg up to the light, you may be able to see the shadow of two yolks inside. This method is not foolproof, but it’s a good indicator.
- Crack the egg open
Well of course! The most reliable way to tell if an egg is a double yolk egg is to crack it open. Double yolk eggs will have two distinct yolks side by side in the egg white. The yolk sacs will be attached to each other, and they will be larger than a single yolk.
How rare are Double Yolk eggs?
Double yolk eggs are extremely rare, typically you will get 1 double yolk egg per 1000 eggs. Typically if you have a small flock of chickens, you will get 2-3 eggs a year from 12-18 chickens!
Are Double Yolk Eggs Safe to Eat?
In total, double yolk eggs are safe to eat. Double yolk eggs are not harmful in any way and can be consumed just like regular eggs. Some people actually prefer double yolk eggs, due to their texture and taste. If you’re attempting to follow a recipe, it might not be a good idea to use the double yolk eggs because it could throw the recipe off. If you’re seeking double yolk eggs, it’s a great idea to check with your local chicken houses as they cannot sell these in stores. Most chicken houses will have tons of double yolk eggs on hand at all times.
Can you make chickens lay a double yolk egg?
Unfortunatley, you can’t make a chicken lay a double yolk egg. If you could successfully make this happen, then the chicken houses could most likely get the status of a double yolk egg of “deformed” removed, thereby allowing them to sell the eggs to the general public.
Can you Hatch a Double Yolk Egg?
In general, you can hatch a double yolk egg, but it’s very uncommon for both chicks survive. Most of the time only the stronger of the two chicks will survive. There’s just not enough space for both chicks to grow fully before they start to hatch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, double yolk eggs are an exciting find and are a result of a hen’s reproductive system releasing two yolks into the same shell. They are not harmful to eat, and you can identify them by checking the size and shape of the egg, holding it up to the light, or cracking it open. Enjoy your double yolk eggs in your favorite recipes, or try new ones to explore their unique flavor and texture.