eggs that have brown on them

[Gramma and Grandson]

I have two Buff hens in a pen together. One is laying. Her eggs have been having something that resembles dirt on the yolk. Does anyone know what that could be. I am just learning.

 

[Chick CJ]

Could it be a blood spot:

BLOOD SPOTS Also called meat spots. Occasionally found on an egg yolk. Contrary to popular opinion, these tiny spots do not indicate a fertilized egg. Rather, they are caused by the rupture of a blood vessel on the yolk surface during formation of the egg or by a similar accident in the wall of the oviduct. Less than 1% of all eggs produced have blood spots.

Mass candling methods reveal most eggs with blood spots and those eggs are removed but, even with electronic spotters, it is impossible to catch all of them. As an egg ages, the yolk takes up water from the albumen to dilute the blood spot so, in actuality, a blood spot indicates that the egg is fresh. Both chemically and nutritionally these eggs are fit to eat. The spot can be removed with the tip of a knife, if you wish

Are there actual particulates or is it just a "spot"? If there are actual particles and it is brown then it could be a meat spot:

Most meat spots are pieces of tissue from body organs, but some may be partially broken-down blood spots. They are usually brown in colour, and found in the thick albumen, chalazae, or the yolk. They range in size from 0.5 mm to more than 3 mm in diameter.

The incidence of meat spots ranges from less than 3% to 30% or more. It varies with the strain of bird, increases with the age of bird and may be higher in brown eggs. Many meat spots are too small to be detected by candling, especially in brown eggs. Less than 1% of eggs are usually downgraded because of meat spots.

CJ

 

[Gramma and Grandson]

Thanks for the info. Now I know that it is not really anything to worry about. I learned something else from this wonderful site.

 

[Chick CJ]

Your welcome. It is a very helpful site, not to mention entertaining to read!