Blood On Yolk

[594chickens]

Hey All,

Our Blue Maran just started laying and we were so excited to eat the eggs. I gathered my children around and cracked the eggs. Both yolks had brown spots on them.

We are Jewish and eat only kosher. An egg with blood on in it is not considered unkosher. We assumed the brown spots were blood and thus we couldnt eat them. Needless to say we were all very disappointed.


My question is, is it possible for an egg to have blood inside if it is unfertilized? or was the brown spot perhaps something else?

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

It sounds like a blood spot. Egg yolks form and mature in the hen's ovary and sometimes when the mature yolk is released it may rupture a small blood vessel, the blood released will end up being encased in the shell, along with the rest of the egg contents.

Blood spots can occur in unfertilised eggs. Just to confirm could you post a pic please?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

If you have photos that would be good.

Yes, there can be blood inside of an egg without it being fertilized. The blood can come from a small ruptured blood vessel in the oviduct. You may see "meat spots" or occasional blood spots in eggs from your chickens. Sometimes it a sloughing off of tissue in the oviduct.

A pullet just coming into lay, her reproductive system is adjusting to changes, the passage of an egg likely caused rupture. This should work itself out.

fwiw - purchased eggs that you find in the grocery store are meticulously candled and checked for any blemish or spots inside eggs, if any are found, those are separated and sold to be used for something else. It is rare you would find blood or a meat spot in purchased eggs, but not uncommon in your "homegrown" eggs.

Oh and another thing...blood in an egg has nothing to do with fertilization. A hen and rooster do not have external "parts" so there is no penetration just a touching of vents.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Sounds like a meat spot. Meat and blood spots aren't that uncommon (as noted, commercially sold eggs are checked for blemishes) and the egg is safe to eat, however since this is an issue for your family, I recommend you always crack each egg into a cup before using.

When chickens are just starting to lay you might see all sorts of issues, from eggshell problems, inconsistent sizes, and spotting. However some hens are prone to having spots in eggs and if that's ends up being the case, I would just avoid using eggs from that particular bird.

 

[aart]

An egg with blood on in it is not considered unkosher.

Do you mean a blood spot in egg is not kosher.

Backyard chickens might not be for you then, as blood spots are fairly common.
Some birds never lay them, some do frequently....
...I've have birds whose eggs always have them.

 

[594chickens]

Do you mean a blood spot in egg is not kosher.

Backyard chickens might not be for you then, as blood spots are fairly common.
Some birds never lay them, some do frequently....
...I've have birds whose eggs always have them.

....wow my I'm embarrassed by my grammar, but i posted it fro my phone so at least i have an excuse.
yes i meant it is not kosher