Bloody eggs

[Barnycat]

I have a hen who every once in awhile lays an egg with lots of blood in it. Its a brown egg, and I have two brown egg hens so I haven’t narrowed it down to which hen is the culprit! It’s a problem because I am afraid to give or sell a dozen eggs with any of the brown eggs in it. For me, I just break the egg into a separate bowl first. If it’s bad I cook it and give it to the hens. Any ideas or suggestions on what the problem might be? I’ve had chickens in my yard for over 40 years and have never come across anything quite like this! It’s truly gross!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Blood in eggs is generally from ruptured blood vessels as the egg is being produced. I've seen it more in flighty hens. All the running and jumping about seems to cause it. Otherwise it just may be some internal problem with the hen that makes her bleed more easily. I don't believe you can do much except keep your birds calm, keep stressors low, and don't have higher roosts.

 

[Barnycat]

Blood in eggs is generally from ruptured blood vessels as the egg is being produced. I've seen it more in flighty hens. All the running and jumping about seems to cause it. Otherwise it just may be some internal problem with the hen that makes her bleed more easily. I don't believe you can do much except keep your birds calm, keep stressors low, and don't have higher roosts.

I’m thinking it is some physical problem with this one hen. None of them are flighty and they seem happy and calm. Highest roost is maybe 4-5 feet with a ladder. It does not happen with every egg. Just occasionally. It’s a puzzlement!

 

[coach723]

Some birds don't like ladders or ramps, they will choose to jump or fly if they have the choice. So 4-5 feet is a long way. I make sure my roosts are no more than 18" high for that reason. Particularly for heavy breeds. I would lower your roosts. I get occasional eggs like that, it's never been an issue for the bird. If you candle the eggs, you can probably spot that before selling or giving. Unless you have very thick shells, or dark colored shells. You can eat those, they are safe, just the yuck factor visually.