PIP'S TIPS - Double Yolkers!

9 September 2026

How is a double yolk egg created?

A double-yolk egg occurs when two yolks are released into a hen's oviduct too close together and end up encased within the same shell - similar to having twins. Generally about an hour after an egg is laid the next yolk is released, but hormonal changes can cause an overstimulated ovary to misfire and release a yolk too early. It's more common in hens just starting to lay, and again towards the end of their laying career. It can also be genetic or hereditary, and is more common in hybrids and heavier breeds.

Are double yolk eggs safe to eat?

Yes, perfectly safe! There's slightly less nutritional value in the albumin, but you get twice the protein from the two yolks. Some people actually pay more for them - they're in high demand! Nutritionally it's roughly equivalent to a jumbo egg, though they're not ideal for baking since the extra yolk can throw off a recipe's ratios.

Double yolk egg superstitions

There's some fun folklore around double yolkers from around the world: Wiccan lore says they bring good fortune and luck. In Romany folklore, if someone in the family is pregnant when a double yolk is found, she'll have twins. Norse mythology thought they predicted death - though I have to say, I haven't seen any evidence of that one! And in the spiritual community, finding one is said to indicate you're about to meet your "twin flame."

Can you get more than two yolks?

Yes - the most ever found in one egg is nine! I've personally seen up to 4 yolks in one egg myself, which was a genuine surprise cracking it open.

Why do you get big eggs sometimes and just size 7/8 at others?

This depends entirely on the age of the hens laying on the day of packing. Our Gate to Door deliveries deliberately keep it simple: 20-cell trays of Free Range eggs, size 7 and above, graded for consistency. Egg size, shell thickness and yolk colour all vary naturally with the hens' age and diet/season - that's a sign of real animals, not a factory-uniform product. We pride ourselves on keeping our hens laying 30-40 weeks longer than the average commercial producer.