hens bloody droppings

[Wesjosy]

We have 8 red and black sex links, our girls. For the past week when cleaning
their coop I have come across bloody droppings. What does this mean? Do
they start this when they are getting ready to lay eggs? What are the signs
that hens give off when starting to lay eggs?

 

[cypressdrake]

Could be Cocci. If so they'll have to be treated with Corrid, or put down. You can look up coccidiosis treads on here and get lots of helpful info.

 

[aart]

We have 8 red and black sex links, our girls. For the past week when cleaning
their coop I have come across bloody droppings. What does this mean? Do
they start this when they are getting ready to lay eggs? What are the signs
that hens give off when starting to lay eggs?

Depends on how much blood and how often......intestinal tissue can be shed on occasion without concern.
How old are birds...I assume near laying age, but no I doubt it's anything to do with onset of lay.

Here's some examples of poops that might help:
Good references, just don't jump to any terrible conclusions too quickly:
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/02/whats-scoop-on-chicken-poop-digestive.html
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/?topic=17568.0