What is that spot in the eggs?

[BlackberryHillFarm]

We have six black sex-link layers who have been laying for almost a year now and frequently there is a dark or even bloody-looking spot in an egg. At first I thought that maybe the egg was fertilized, but we only have 2 roosters and they are Bantams -- I don't think they are big enough to be fertilizing the eggs. The hens are much larger than the roosters. Is it common for the eggs to have this spot? Do you just spoon out that portion of the egg?

Thanks, Rhonda

6 Black Sex-Link Layers
2 Bantam Roosters
3 White Leghorn chicks that are probably roosters
1 Buff pullet
10 Rhode Island Red pullets

 

[eggzettera]

Yes its common and has nothing to do with being fertilized. Its called a blood spot and if you do not like it just spoon it out (I do this) some people just go ahead and eat it.

 

[BlackberryHillFarm]

Okay, but why do grocery store eggs not have these spots?

 

[speckledhen]

They use a high powered candling device to see if there are any spots in the eggs and toss those before they're put in the cartons.

 

[BlackberryHillFarm]

Okay, thanks! So there's nothing wrong with the eggs - hooray! I have been reluctant to share them because I have had people waste them because of the spot. I can't stand to see them wasted. If it is small, I don't bother with it. Otherwise, I just scoop out the spot. We don't throw the chicken away when it has blood in it - we just cook it thoroughly. Thanks, everyone. Rhonda

6 Black Sex-Link Layers
2 Bantam Roosters
3 White Leghorn chicks that are probably roosters
1 Buff pullet of some kind
10 Rhode Island Red pullets
1 dog
2 guinea pigs
3 cats

 

[SandraChick]

another reason store bought eggs don't have them is they're old!

If you keep your eggs a week or two before eating them...you don't have any blood spots! DOn't ask me how...it just is.

Sandra