What is an Egg Inside An Egg in Chickens [2024]
Did your chicken lay an egg inside an egg?
The first time I found an egg inside an egg, I thought,
What the heck is that?
And it grossed me out, yukko!
This is NOT that egg, but here is what I’m talking about by a Tik Tok video maker @tatyblabla
I bet, like me, she had so many questions.
This little mystery happens occasionally with chicken eggs and other poultry, too.
What exactly is an egg inside an egg? First things first…
Well, it’s essentially a “double egg.” You crack open what looks like a perfectly normal egg, only to find—Surprise!—a second fully formed egg hiding inside.
It’s somewhat odd, and while it’s rare, it can leave even the most experienced chicken owners a bit puzzled.
What causes this bizarre egg event?
Let’s look at this mystery while also addressing the health of the chicken that laid this unique egg.
The egg-within-an-egg phenomenon, known as a counter-peristalsis contraction, can occur in poultry such as chickens, ducks, and quail. Ouch!
It happens when a nearly fully formed egg reverses direction back into the oviduct and is enveloped by a new egg, resulting in a giant egg containing another egg inside.
Most often caused by disruptions in the hen’s reproductive cycle.
More importantly, is it something to be concerned about?
It is rare in chickens, but it does happen about once every 1,000 eggs.
While it’s certainly unusual, it’s not typically a cause for concern.
Health implications:
For the chicken: Generally, it doesn’t indicate a serious health problem for the hen. If it happens repeatedly with one particular hen, it might be worth investigating for any underlying issues.
For human consumption: These eggs are usually safe to eat, though they might have an unusual appearance or texture. Personally, I prefer to be cautious and not eat them.
Would you like more information on any specific aspect of this phenomenon? Use my Contact Page for any further questions you may have. I have firsthand experience so I may be able to help you if not, I can point you in the right direction.
The Science Behind “An Egg in an Egg.”
Basic Science:
Chickens have a complex reproductive system—an egg forms inside the hen’s reproductive tract, which consists of the ovary and the oviduct.
Usually, the process goes something like this:
The yolk (technically the egg) drops from the ovary and moves into the oviduct, where it is encased in layers of albumen (the egg white) and finally surrounded by a shell. The entire process takes about 24-26 hours.
But sometimes things go haywire.
An egg already well on its way to being laid is pushed back up into the reproductive tract and encased in another layer of albumen and shell, creating the rare “egg inside an egg” phenomenon.
Why?
It can be caused by stress, hormonal imbalances, viruses, or maybe just plain bad luck. Who really knows?
One of my fellow chicken fanciers asked me what happened with her Belgian d’Uccle hen.
Here’s what happened with her poor hen.
It sounds like her hen had a rough few days, and that “egg inside an egg” situation may have been the culprit.
The Belgian d’Uccle is a smaller ornamental breed known for its quirky personality. It can sometimes be more sensitive than larger, hardier breeds. At ten months, the hen is young but has been laying eggs for long enough that any egg-laying issues might have come as a surprise.
The owner mentioned that her hen started fading and had not been herself since Wednesday, and this egg incident happened on Sunday.
That is a long time for her to be struggling, especially since she was contracting her vent every day, trying to pass that abnormal egg. The condition is called egg binding or dystocia, and it can be dangerous if not resolved quickly.
Recognizing Egg Binding
She did all the right things for her hen—bringing her inside, giving her a warm bath, and monitoring her closely.
These are textbook actions when dealing with a possible egg-bound hen.
Egg binding occurs when a hen is unable to lay her egg.
Symptoms can include lethargy, straining, a swollen abdomen, and not eating or drinking.
It’s an uncomfortable and sometimes life-threatening condition for chickens, so quick action is essential.
The warm bath she gave her hen was precisely what it needed.
Warmth helps relax the hen’s muscles and can stimulate contractions, helping her pass the egg.
Adding calcium or electrolytes to her water can also help in situations like this because calcium is crucial for muscle contractions, including the ones needed to pass an egg.
Why the Thin Outer Egg?
She also noticed that the outer eggshell was thin, almost soft, when her hen finally passed the egg. This thin shell could indicate a calcium deficiency.
Chickens need calcium to produce strong and healthy eggshells. When they are not getting enough, eggshells can become thin, brittle, or even rubbery.
The fact that she took so long to pass the egg could have contributed to this, as her body may have been so stressed that it struggled to form the egg properly.
It could also be that the stress of passing the first egg caused her reproductive system to release the second egg prematurely, which is why the outer shell didn’t fully develop.
What Happened Next?
After the ordeal of laying that double egg, it is no surprise that the Belgian d’Uccle needed time to recover. The fact that it took her five hours to start moving around again shows how taxing that experience was for the poor little hen.
But do not worry—this story does have a happy ending.
Chickens are resilient creatures.
With extra care, she did bounce back.
I told my friend to keep her comfortable, offer her plenty of food and water, and monitor her behavior closely. Since she’s moving and drinking again, it sounds like she’s already on the mend, but just in case, keep an eye out for any signs of continued distress, like straining or swelling around her vent.
My friend’s little Belgian d’Uccle did fully recover, so we worked on keeping her healthy from then on. As far as I know her little girl hasn’t passed any more odd eggs.
Preventing Future Egg Problems
Once a hen has fully recovered, you must do everything possible to prevent this from happening again.
Here is what you can do:
1. Calcium Supplementation:
Ensure hens get plenty of calcium in their diet.
You can do this by providing crushed oyster shells or even crushed eggshells (baked to kill any bacteria) as a free-choice supplement.
Calcium helps with strong eggshell formation and muscle contractions, so it’s doubly important.
2. Hydration:
Keep hydrated. Dehydration can contribute to egg-binding issues.
Ensure chickens always have access to clean, fresh water.
3. Reduce Stress:
Stress is a huge factor in reproductive issues in chickens. Ensure hens are not being bullied by others, and give her a quiet, safe place to retreat when needed.
4. Warm Baths:
A warm bath and a little TLC can work wonders if she ever starts showing signs of being egg-bound again. You can gently massage her abdomen while she’s soaking to help encourage the egg to move.
5. Diet:
Along with calcium, ensure she gets a well-balanced diet. Laying hens should receive a superior quality layer feed that provides all the nutrients they need to stay healthy. A protein-rich diet, vitamins, and minerals will help ensure she stays in top shape.
6. Regular Check-Ups:
Don’t forget to give her regular health checks. Pay attention to any changes in behavior, appearance, or egg-laying habits. Early intervention is key when it comes to preventing more serious issues.
Now, after all that stress and sadness, let’s take a break with some chicken humor.
A Little Chicken Humor to Brighten the Day
While the situation with the Belgian d’Uccle hen was serious, the concept of an egg inside an egg has an amusing side too.
I can almost hear the hens’ exasperation. I often wonder what my hens are thinking, and as I like to write fiction, I also like to imagine what they may have to say about their lives, what happens, and how we treat them.
So it goes like this: I ask the hens for more eggs. They look at me and say, “You want me to lay how many eggs today? Fine, I’ll give you more eggs “how’s a twofaa?”
I say, “A what?”
The hen says, “I’ll give you a two-in-one, but that’s it!”
Okay, so it’s not that funny but chicken humor is no easier than laying a “two-faa”…
It is the sort of situation that reminds us that chickens can always surprise us. As chicken keepers, we need to be ready for anything. And, yes, a weird or warped sense of humor goes a long way to surviving breeding or keeping chickens.
But chickens are extraordinary, aren’t they?
When you think you’ve seen it all, they find a way to throw something completely new and bewildering into the mix.
Like this rare yet weird occurrence: Lashed Egg. NO! I said a Lash Egg!
How about more like this rare yet weird occurrence: Lash Egg – Yuk!
for real ~ in real life!
This is not an AI Image
That’s another post you can find – here – if you want to get grossed out! YUK!
Final Thoughts
An egg inside an egg is an oddity that, while rare, isn’t something to be overly alarmed about—especially if it’s an isolated incident. Your hen’s body can play tricks, but hens manage to pull through with your quick thinking and care.
Remember, the best thing you can do for your flock is to be observant and proactive. Chickens are tougher than they look, but they rely on us to recognize something’s wrong and help them through it.
With good care, attention, and maybe a few extra calcium supplements, your hens can return to their old selves in no time.
And who knows, maybe next time, she’ll surprise you with something else entirely instead of an egg inside an egg.
After all, raising chickens is always full of surprises—some delightful, some bizarre, and some that make you scratch your head and say, “What in the world?”
FAQs ~ About Finding Egg Inside an Egg
How common is this phenomenon?
It’s pretty rare. While it can happen occasionally, most chicken keepers may never encounter this in their flock.
What causes an egg inside an egg to form?
While the blog post doesn’t explicitly address this, generally, these eggs are safe to eat if properly cooked. However, some people prefer not to consume them due to their unusual nature.
What causes an egg inside an egg to form?
It’s typically caused by a disruption in the hen’s reproductive cycle. Stress, hormonal imbalances, or other factors can cause a formed egg to reverse course in the oviduct, leading to this phenomenon.
Are there any health concerns for the hen that lays an egg inside an egg?
While not always problematic, it can be associated with egg binding (dystocia), which can be dangerous if not resolved quickly. Hens may need extra care and monitoring after laying such an egg.
How can I prevent my hens from laying eggs inside eggs?
While you can’t completely prevent it, you can reduce the likelihood by ensuring your hens have a low-stress environment, proper nutrition (especially calcium), and regular health check-ups.
What should I do if I find an egg inside an egg from my flock?
Monitor the hen that laid it for signs of distress or egg binding. Ensure she can access extra calcium and fresh water and keep her environment stress-free if at all possible. If she shows signs of illness, it’s always best to consult someone who knows, especially if you are lucky enough to have a veterinarian in your town specializing in poultry.
Happy chicken keeping!
