Blood in food dish :(

[tmarr]

Hey guys I noticed blood in one of my feed dishes last night, there was quite a bit splashed into it.I checked everyone over, nothing,threw the dish out as I noticed it was a bit cracked and maybe that was the cause. Checked everything this morning only thing odd was one of the hens had laid in their dish.Looked again tonight, more blood this time in the hens dish and on the side of the wood, fresh and a good bit Everyone seems fine...Only change has been that one of the hens has been going to bed earlier. I'm going to clear everything out in the morning and thoroughly check them again! I'm at a loss as to what it could be! Would they kill mice trying to eat their meal?

 

[BoomChickaPop]

Chickens will eat mice
Are any of your chickens pooping blood or have blood on them?

 

[Eggcessive]

This happens in my flock sometimes, and usually someone's comb gets pecked, or a hen will pull out a blood feather in one of the feather-legged chickens. As long as you have checked them all, it shouldn't be a problem. When I see blood, it is usually on the roosts or on a feeder or waterer. When the comb is injured they will smear it on feeders while eating. There also could be a frostbitten comb during this cold month, that could be bleeding. Make sure no one is having any respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, gasping, etc.

 

[tmarr]

This happens in my flock sometimes, and usually someone's comb gets pecked, or a hen will pull out a blood feather in one of the feather-legged chickens. As long as you have checked them all, it shouldn't be a problem. When I see blood, it is usually on the roosts or on a feeder or waterer. When the comb is injured they will smear it on feeders while eating. There also could be a frostbitten comb during this cold month, that could be bleeding. Make sure no one is having any respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, gasping, etc. 

Ah brilliant! I hadn't a clue what it might be as they all seem happy enough! Thanks!

 

[tmarr]

Chickens will eat mice
Are any of your chickens pooping blood or have blood on them?

No nothing, none on their feathers or feet either!