blood on egg??

[jenanneray]

What would cause this? Is it a prolapsed vent? She seems fine, eating, drinking normally, but her egg was rather bloody when she laid it. She is now drooping her tail a little bit. Help! I've only had her a week, and not sure what would cause this.

 

[hennyannie]

I have had this happen a few times. She is probably just fine. If she does have any blood around her vent however you should try to clean her up a bit because the other hens may pick at it.

 

[TwoCrows]

I keep Bobwhite Quail and one of my girls will occasionally lay an egg with blood smeared on it. She has been laying eggs like this for 2 years. Your girl is probably ok, unless she starts bleeding from her vent. Young birds can lay big eggs that stretch the vent area.

 

[stonykill]

I get them once in a while. And I've had these girls for almost 3 years. They are fine, so I'm guessing your's is too!

 

[jenanneray]

Thanks, everyone for your replies. I looked at her vent to be sure nothing was sticking out, and she looked "normal", I guess. There was a little blood, but I think it was left over from laying the egg, maybe? She didn't seem like it was painful, but she was drooping her tail feathers a little. I'll keep watching her, but it did scare me! She also had a thin-shelled egg earlier in the week.

 

[TwoCrows]

You say you just got her a week ago? Stress will definitely have her laying soft thin eggs. It is possible she is still a bit nervous about her new surroundings. But the eggs should be coming normal soon. Make sure she is getting enough calcium in her diet or give her access to oyster shell.

 

[jenanneray]

She has the oyster shell and the layer pellets, so I guess the only other reason would be extra stress. She's also the lowest in the pecking order, she spends alot of time scratching in the grass by herself or eating by herself. Maybe I need to get her a friend, lol. But the bloody egg still scared me since I've never seen such a thing.

 

[TwoCrows]

Yes, my girl that lays the bloody eggs is also the lowest on the pecking order. Boy, those unfortunate girls really are a mental wreck, aren't they? She likes to hide in certain corners and she has to have her own food and water to make sure she gets something to eat. I was a bit concerned the first time I saw blood on her eggs also. Your girl should be ok