Comparing Egg Types: Can We Predict a Chicken's Egg?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences between eggs that hatch into chickens and those that are consumed as food. Participants explore the conditions under which eggs are fertilized and the developmental stages of the embryo at the time of laying.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that eggs that hatch into chickens are fertilized, while the eggs typically consumed are not, unless hens are kept with roosters.
  • There is a question about whether it is possible to predict if an egg is fertilized before it is laid, with some suggesting it is not possible if hens are not isolated.
  • One participant shares an anecdote about a farmer who used to check for fertilization by holding eggs up to a light.
  • Discussion includes the developmental stage of the chick at the time of laying, with references to cell division and the formation of the embryo.
  • Some participants express curiosity about the visibility of developmental features in fertilized eggs shortly after laying.
  • There are light-hearted exchanges about the implications of eating fertilized eggs and the potential for them to be perceived as more delicious.
  • One participant mentions that hens can store sperm, allowing for fertilized eggs even after brief contact with a rooster.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the basic distinction between fertilized and non-fertilized eggs, but there are varying opinions on the predictability of fertilization and the specifics of embryonic development at the time of laying. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple viewpoints presented.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about the visibility of developmental features in fertilized eggs and the duration of sperm storage in hens are not fully substantiated within the discussion, indicating potential gaps in knowledge or assumptions made by participants.

pivoxa15
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What are the difference between the eggs we eat and the eggs that hatch a baby chicken?

Is it possible to predict it just before a chicken lays one?
 
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The eggs that hatch a baby chicken has been fertilized, but the once we eat has not been. No it is not possible to perdict before the egg is laid if the hen has not been in isolation.
 
So the eggs we eat come from hens that have been isolated from male chickens?
 
pivoxa15 said:
So the eggs we eat come from hens that have been isolated from male chickens?

That is correct.
 
Some people actually prefer to eat fertilized eggs. :frown: I've eaten eggs from farms where the chickens were not separated from the roosters. One old farmer used to hold them up to a light to see if they had been fertilized. Which poses the question, how far along is the chick at the time it's laid?
 
how far along is the chick at the time it's laid?
(suppresses jr. high school giggle factor)

http://www.msstate.edu/dept/poultry/avianemb.htm
Cell division begins soon after fertilization, even while the rest of the egg is being formed. Cell division will continue if the egg is kept warmer than 67oF. The first cell division is completed about the time the egg enters the isthmus. Additional cell divisions take place about every 20 minutes; so, by the time of lay, several thousand cells form two layers of cells called a "gastrula."

At this time the egg is laid, it cools, and embryonic development usually stops until proper environmental conditions are established for incubation. After incubation begins, the cellular growth resumes. At first, all the cells are alike, but as the embryo develops, cell differences are observed. Some cells may become vital organs; others become a wing or leg.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Evo said:
Some people actually prefer to eat fertilized eggs. :frown: I've eaten eggs from farms where the chickens were not separated from the roosters. One old farmer used to hold them up to a light to see if they had been fertilized. Which poses the question, how far along is the chick at the time it's laid?

I can imagine how fertilized eggs might be more delicious although it might sound disgusiting. It would be like eating tender chicken meat wrapped inside egg shells.
 
Phobos said:
(suppresses jr. high school giggle factor)

http://www.msstate.edu/dept/poultry/avianemb.htm
Hey, my knowledge of chicken eggs is zip. Ok, sounds like less than 24 hours from fertilization. Great site Phobos, I can't wait to work this new information into my next casual conversation. :biggrin:

I did look up an egg site and it showed after 24 hours of incubation a chicken egg has a visible network of veins. I knew there was a visible difference shortly after they were laid, I just didn't know if there was a visible difference at the time they were laid.
 
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Evo said:
Hey, my knowledge of chicken eggs is zip.

I don't think Phobos was giggling at your potential lack of poultry knowledge (I'm sure you know some good recipes though), he just read further into your question than you intended. Let's see it again shall we...

Evo said:
how far along is the chick at the time it's laid?:devil: :-p
 
  • #10
DocToxyn said:
I don't think Phobos was giggling at your potential lack of poultry knowledge (I'm sure you know some good recipes though), he just read further into your question than you intended. Let's see it again shall we...
:blushing: :devil: :blushing:

Well, *my* mind is not in the gutter. o:)
 
  • #11
Evo said:
:blushing: :devil: :blushing:

Well, *my* mind is not in the gutter. o:)

Hey, this is the Biology section you know. :wink: o:)
 
  • #12
Yep, that was my mind in the gutter. Sorry! :redface:
This is what happens when one is no longer a mentor.
 
  • #13
Evo said:
Hey, my knowledge of chicken eggs is zip. Ok, sounds like less than 24 hours from fertilization. Great site Phobos, I can't wait to work this new information into my next casual conversation. :biggrin:

I did look up an egg site and it showed after 24 hours of incubation a chicken egg has a visible network of veins. I knew there was a visible difference shortly after they were laid, I just didn't know if there was a visible difference at the time they were laid.
Sometimes if you do get a fertilized egg, you'll notice the yolk is a bit bloody. If you can see a chick in it, don't eat it! :biggrin:

The tricky part with chickens is they store the sperm, so can be with a rooster just a short time and have fertile eggs for a month or so (I'd have to look up how long exactly...it's been way too long since I've needed to think about poultry reproduction).
 

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