A Rhode Island Red Pullet with Two Oviducts

Abstract DOUBLING of structure is seldom observed in fowls beyond the embryonic stages. In the female embryo, the right ovary and oviduct begin to develop but they usually degenerate as development proceeds, so that at hatching time only rudiments remain. Nevertheless, several cases have been reported in which both a right and left ovary have been found in adult fowls. Brandt (1889) described a hen with a rudimentary right ovary. Gadow (1891) found a persistent right ovary in several orders of birds. Chappellier (1914) made similar observations, including a duck with both right and left ovaries and oviducts, which is said to have laid two eggs on the same day. Kirkpatrick and Card (1916) reported a White Wyandotte with two functional oviducts and ovaries. Kaupp (1922) photographed the gonads of a hen showing two functional ovaries and oviducts. Atwood and Snyder (1923) found a hen which laid eggs of two distinct . . .