Folklore on the "blood spots"

[RunnerChick]

Hey all. So I've done some reading and it appears that the general opinion is that blood spots in the egg do not deter from the nutritional quality in the egg, and have nothing to do with whether or not a rooster is present.

I have a neighbor who has recently gotten some hens, and gave some eggs to my babysitter (also a neighbor). The babysitter told me these eggs have blood spots and she doesn't think she should eat them. Her son, who has done some work in the mid-west with larger farming operations (not necessarily poultry farming...more like crops), knows everything and says there must be a rooster present. Any thoughts on how I can change her mind?

The people who own the hens are new to chickens and the hens are likely young (I'm not sure age/breed). Is there anything that I could suggest that might be helpful to them? I'm not a meddling type, but I'm a veterinarian (horse, not chicken!) and may be considered a trusted source if I give good advice.

My flock is too young to start laying, and I might have a roo or two. I don't want anyone freaking out because I'm providing them with these eggs...

Thanks for any advice!

Aimee

 

[kathyinmo]

You probably already read THIS.


Does a blood spot mean an egg is contaminated?

No. You can’t see bacteria with the naked eye. Blood or meat spots are occasionally found on an egg yolk and are merely an error on the part of the hen. They’re caused by the rupture of a blood vessel on the yolk surface when it’s being formed or by a similar accident in the wall of the oviduct. Most eggs with blood spots are detected by electronic spotters and never reach the market. But, even with mass scanners, it’s impossible to catch them all. Both chemically and nutritionally, eggs with blood spots are fit to eat. You can remove the spot with the tip of a knife, if you wish.

It has nothing at all to do with a rooster.