We all know that backyard chickens don't always produce perfect eggs. You may find a misshaped egg from time to time, but finding blood spots on an eggshell is always alarming. While there's a myriad of other irregularities that may occur (such as double yolk eggs, excess calcium deposits, meat spots, etc), this article discusses whether the blood on chicken eggs is anything to worry about, and what it means for your flock.
Likewise, if blood is found on an eggshell, there should be no concern - your hens are usually fine!
Blood vessels line the egg chute, making it quite sensitive, especially if you have new layers still developing. When these blood vessels are strained, they may burst. Consequently, blood can appear on the egg itself or come out of the vent due to the torn oviduct.
If blood is found on the eggshell every now and then, it's completely normal, but if it occurs frequently, it merits further investigation.
There are a number of common reasons why your chicken's eggshell is bloody, regardless of whether it's one or multiple eggs.
Apparently, older hens who are past their prime may also have trouble laying eggs. In other words, you're more likely to find eggs with blood on their shells at both ends of the age spectrum.
When a chicken lays an egg that's larger than usual or misshapen in any way, it's not uncommon to find some blood on the eggshell.
The incidence of mites is less common, but it does happen! The vent area of your chicken can be bitten by mites, resulting in superficial bleeding. As long as the vent of your chicken is clear and there is no sign of mites or other parasites, then this can be ruled out as an explanation!
Raising chickens in your own backyard isn't without its risks, so you simply have to accept that these things can happen. Eggs are not always perfect for every chicken. Occasionally you will encounter eggs that are pretty bizarre and shocking-looking, including some that look bloody.
If the egg is covered in blood, it does not necessarily mean your chicken is sick - especially if it's her first or second egg!
When eggs become bloody on a regular basis, you know something is wrong. Thus, you should not hesitate to seek advice from a veterinarian who deals with poultry if you are concerned about your hen's health.
Please don't assume anything just yet. The problem may be fixable or will heal on its own over time.
If your hen consistently lays bloody eggs, this doesn't necessarily mean there is a serious problem with your hen's health. Your young hen may be getting accustomed to it, especially if she's just starting out.
However, you should seek advice from an experienced veterinarian if you continue to find bloody eggshells to rule out the possibility that something may be wrong on the inside.
Here are a few other articles you may be interested in:
Is Blood On Chicken’s Egg Shell Fine?
There are times when you may find smaller eggs, soft-shelled eggs, or even liquid eggs. When you see them too often, they can be concerning, but if you find them once in a while, it's completely normal.Likewise, if blood is found on an eggshell, there should be no concern - your hens are usually fine!
Blood vessels line the egg chute, making it quite sensitive, especially if you have new layers still developing. When these blood vessels are strained, they may burst. Consequently, blood can appear on the egg itself or come out of the vent due to the torn oviduct.
If blood is found on the eggshell every now and then, it's completely normal, but if it occurs frequently, it merits further investigation.
Why Do My Chicken's Eggs Have Blood On Them?
Blood on eggshells is generally the result of a burst blood vessel in the egg chute. Occasionally, it's completely normal. Nevertheless, there are situations where this occurs more often or where another factor is to blame.There are a number of common reasons why your chicken's eggshell is bloody, regardless of whether it's one or multiple eggs.
Your chicken's age
Chickens' egg production is greatly influenced by their age. There are many mishaps that can occur with young hens when they lay their first eggs, including blood vessels bursting. That's because it's the first time this system's actually been used!Apparently, older hens who are past their prime may also have trouble laying eggs. In other words, you're more likely to find eggs with blood on their shells at both ends of the age spectrum.
Large or irregular eggs
How many of you are familiar with the child's toy where the square blocks are supposed to go into square holes and the circle blocks into circle holes? Just imagine what happens if your chicken is trying to pass irregularly shaped eggs or unusually large eggs.When a chicken lays an egg that's larger than usual or misshapen in any way, it's not uncommon to find some blood on the eggshell.
External Injury
The eggs may also be covered in blood if your chicken's vent is injured externally such as from prolapse or cannibalism. Infections from bacteria following injuries or potential mite infestations are often responsible for these injuries.The incidence of mites is less common, but it does happen! The vent area of your chicken can be bitten by mites, resulting in superficial bleeding. As long as the vent of your chicken is clear and there is no sign of mites or other parasites, then this can be ruled out as an explanation!
Raising chickens in your own backyard isn't without its risks, so you simply have to accept that these things can happen. Eggs are not always perfect for every chicken. Occasionally you will encounter eggs that are pretty bizarre and shocking-looking, including some that look bloody.
If the egg is covered in blood, it does not necessarily mean your chicken is sick - especially if it's her first or second egg!
When Should You Worry?
If finding a bit of blood on your eggshell is generally normal, when should you be worried?When eggs become bloody on a regular basis, you know something is wrong. Thus, you should not hesitate to seek advice from a veterinarian who deals with poultry if you are concerned about your hen's health.
Please don't assume anything just yet. The problem may be fixable or will heal on its own over time.
Is It OK To Eat An Egg With Blood on the Shell?
Yes, it is perfectly fine for human consumption - just ensure there aren't any cracks on the shell as bacteria such as Salmonella can enter through these cracks. Other than that, go ahead and eat your daily dose of vitamins and other minerals. You may even find some double yolkers in the mix!Conclusion
The bottom line: it is completely normal for your chicken's eggs to contain a small amount of blood. If it's just one egg, check for any external injuries or misshapen eggs that may have caused it. See if it's just on that egg or the whole batch!If your hen consistently lays bloody eggs, this doesn't necessarily mean there is a serious problem with your hen's health. Your young hen may be getting accustomed to it, especially if she's just starting out.
However, you should seek advice from an experienced veterinarian if you continue to find bloody eggshells to rule out the possibility that something may be wrong on the inside.
Here are a few other articles you may be interested in:
