What Chicken Lays Double Yolk Eggs?

A chicken owner might have opened an egg one day and been shocked to find not one but two egg yolks inside. While abnormal, these “double yolk” eggs can occur naturally. More importantly, what makes a chicken lay double yolk eggs, and are some breeds more likely to do so? Let’s find out.

What Is a Double Yolk Egg?

A double yolk egg is simply an egg that contains two yolks instead of one. The yolks may be fused together or separate. Visually, these eggs tend to be larger than normal. But besides having two yolks, the eggs appear normal.

When an eggshell from a hen releases two yolks instead of one, the ovary makes a double yolk egg. The two yolks are then surrounded by egg whites and a shell.

While unusual double yolk eggs are still edible and safe to eat. Some people even prefer double yolk eggs for baking and cooking since they provide extra richness!

What Causes Double Yolk Eggs?

What makes an egg have two yolks in the first place? Here are some possible answers:

• The age of the hen: hens that are new to laying are more likely to lay eggs with two yolks. Because their reproductive systems are still growing, they often release two yolks at the same time. As the hen matures, double yolks become rarer.

• Genetics: Some chicken breeds genetically have a higher predisposition for double yolk eggs. Production breeds that lay very frequently like Leghorns seem especially prone.

• Diet: A diet very high in protein can cause a hen’s oviduct to release two yolks occasionally. Cutting back on protein levels typically resolves this.

• Stress: Stress, whether from overcrowding, weather changes, or relocation, may trigger short-term double yolk production. It’s the hen’s body responding hormonally to the stressor.

In most cases, double yolks are a temporary phenomenon in a flock. Once a hen matures and adjusts to consistent feed and environment, double yolks usually taper off. They pose no long-term health issues to the hen.

What Chicken Breeds Lay Double Yolk Eggs?

While any chicken breed can produce the occasional double yolk egg, some breeds demonstrate a higher tendency:

• Production breeds – Common egg laying hybrids, Leghorns, and Rhode Island Reds are most likely to lay double yolkers. Their genetics promote very frequent egg laying.

• Heritage breeds – Breeds like Australorps, Orpingtons, Plymouth Rocks, and Wyandottes may also lay more double yolk eggs in their youth.

• Dual purpose breeds – Breeds that produce both meat and eggs, like Ameraucanas, Brahmas, and Cochins seem somewhat prone to double yolks.

Again, age is a big factor no matter the breed. Younger hens that recently began laying are more likely to produce doubles than older, established layers.

Tips for Getting Double Yolk Eggs

If you love baking with double yolk eggs, here are some tips to potentially get more from your home flock:

• Raise pullets – Purchase day-old chicks or hatch eggs yourself so you know the exact age of your chickens. Young pullets within their first few weeks of laying are prime candidates for double yolks.

• Choose production breeds – Breeds genetically wired for prolific egg laying like Leghorns and Rhode Island Reds produce more doubles, especially as pullets.

• Provide a protein-rich diet – Feed younger hens a 16-18% protein laying ration to encourage a slight uptick in double yolks. Gradually reduce protein levels as they mature.

• Reduce stressors – Minimize crowding, abrupt environment changes, and relocation which can stress hens and alter egg production.

• Collect eggs frequently – Gather eggs 2-3 times per day so you don’t miss out on any double yolkers. The increased egg size makes them more prone to cracking.

With a little strategic planning, you can enjoy those delicious double yolk eggs from your backyard flock! Just remember double yolks are usually temporary in hens – a sign of their reproductive system maturing. So enjoy them while you can! With proper diet and care, your chickens should return to normal single yolk eggs as they grow up.