Finding a bloody egg in the chicken coop can be a surprising and concerning experience for any chicken owner. While it may be alarming, it is essential to understand the underlying reasons why chickens lay bloody eggs.
In this blog post, we will explore the different causes of bloody eggs, from natural occurrences to potential health concerns. By understanding these factors, we can better address the issue and ensure the health of our flock of chickens.
What Are Bloody Eggs?
Bloody eggs are eggs that have red or brown spots or streaks on the eggshell or inside the egg. These spots can vary in size and intensity and they may appear different from normal eggs. When discovering bloody eggs, it is crucial to investigate further to determine the cause so that you can work on potential solutions.
What Causes Chickens To Lay Bloody Eggs?
In some cases, chickens may lay bloody eggs due to natural and benign reasons. Factors such as young hen, large egg, mites, prolapsed vent, bacterial infection, stressed hen, genetics, and diet can lead to the appearance of blood spots on eggs.
These occurrences are generally not a cause for concern and do not affect the egg’s safety for consumption.
Young Hen Might Lay Bloody Eggs
Bloody eggs are common in young hens when they start laying eggs. A young hen’s reproductive system is not accustomed to laying eggs which could potentially result in the breaking of a blood vessel during the egg-laying process.
A young hen’s vent will transform within the starting period of egg-laying in which it stretches and become more elastic. This change allows eggs to pass through the reproductive tract without causing damage to blood vessels which eventually leads to a cessation of laying bloody eggs.
Larger Egg Might Get Bloody
Chickens lay various sizes of eggs, sometimes chickens lay double or triple yolk eggs also. The higher the number of yolks larger will be the size of the egg this is when large eggs sometimes damage a blood vessel or cause an internal injury.
Large eggs cause injury as the hen’s vent area is not accustomed to larger eggs, however, there is no need for any concerns as the hen will recover naturally.
Mites Might Make Eggs Bloody
Mites are a relatively uncommon problem in chickens, however, this can also happen. Mites often target the rump area in chickens.
A chicken will lay bloody eggs if mites are present in the rump area as they get crushed in the process of egg laying which can result in the spread of mite’s blood onto the eggshell. It is important to carefully examine your hen’s rump and legs for any signs of mites and take appropriate measures to eliminate them.
Bacterial Infection May Cause your Hen to Lay Bloody Eggs
A bacterial infection can cause inflammation in the oviduct, which can lead to bleeding. This is more common in hens that are kept in dirty or overcrowded conditions.
Stressed Hen May Lay Bloody Eggs
Stress can cause a hen to lay eggs with thin shells which can lead to bleeding. This is more common in hens that are kept in noisy or chaotic environments.
Genetics and Diet May Cause your Chicken to Lay Bloody Eggs
The presence of blood in chicken eggs can stem from either genetic factors or various environmental conditions. Factors like illuminating the chicken coop consistently throughout, subjecting the hens to excessive light which deprives them of sufficient darkness.
Hens can lay bloody eggs due to the excess level of vitamin A and Vitamin K in their body which contributes to the occurrence of blood in eggs.
Prolapsed Vent May Cause your Chicken to Lay Bloody Eggs
Prolapsed vent issue is common in young or older hens which can cause bloody spots on eggshells.
What Is Chicken Prolapsed?
During the laying process, the lower part of the chicken oviduct or egg-laying tube is temporarily turned inside out which allows chickens to lay a clean egg. However, sometimes the oviduct does not retract again after the chicken laid an egg. Which is called a chicken prolapsed vent.
Chicken prolapse can be caused by multiple factors such as an unbalanced diet, calcium deficiency, and overweight hens.
Why Do Some Eggs Have Blood Spot in Them?
The presence of blood spots in some eggs can be a natural occurrence and is relatively common. Blood spots are small red or brown specks found on the yolk or egg white. They are caused by the rupture of tiny blood vessels during the egg’s formation in the hen’s reproductive system.
While some people may find blood spots unappealing, they do not indicate that the egg is unsafe to eat. The USDA Egg safety center says that these eggs are perfectly safe to eat all you have to do is remove the spot with the help of a spoon and throw it away these eggs are not harmful for human consumption.
Does A Blood Spot In An Egg Mean It’s Fertilized?
Blood spots are caused by the rupture of a blood vessel during the formation of the egg. It is untrue, seeing a blood spot in the egg yolk means it is fertilized. Both fertile and infertile eggs can have a blood spot.
Solutions and Preventive Measures
Addressing the issue of bloody eggs involves implementing practical solutions and preventive measures. Adjusting the diet to ensure proper nutrient intake, providing a well-maintained coop, and managing stress factors are effective ways to minimize the occurrence of bloody eggs.
Monitoring the flock’s health and promptly seeking veterinary advice for any concerning signs can also contribute to better egg-laying outcomes.
Seeking Veterinary Advice
If the problem persists or is accompanied by other health concerns in the flock then it is crucial to consult a veterinarian. A qualified professional can diagnose any underlying health issues and provide appropriate treatment to support the overall well-being of the chickens.
Conclusion
The occurrence of bloody eggs in chickens can be caused by various factors, ranging from natural occurrences to potential health concerns. By understanding the causes and implementing appropriate solutions, we can promote healthier egg-laying and ensure the welfare of our beloved flock.
Regular monitoring, a balanced diet, and a stress-free environment are essential in maintaining the health and happiness of our feathered buddies. Remember, providing proper care and attention to our chickens will contribute to a more harmonious and enjoyable chicken-keeping experience.