dogs and chickens Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 I'm sure this must have been asked before, but have been searching and can't find it - sorry ! The last three eggs I have had from our hens have had blood spots in them. They have not been small blood spots either ! I understand they are ruptured blood vessels and nothing to worry about - is this true? Or are they something else? My Mum has told me it's the chicken straining to get the egg out? Can you still eat the eggs (we have been) or should we discard? Should I be worried about the chickens or are they fine? Do they need something added to there diet? Many Thanks Michelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajm200 Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 Blood spots happens sometimes. You can definately still eat the eggs. I believe that blood spots are only a problem in fertile eggs that you want to hatch.. I think they can cause the eggs to go bad before the chicks form but someone who knows more is bound to be along soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogs and chickens Posted April 13, 2008 Author Share Posted April 13, 2008 Thanks for your reply Are they more prone in young hens, as there system gets going? My hens are all between the ages of 20 and 30 weeks. Should that make a difference? Also I had read somewhere that eating the eggs is fine so long as it's a small bloodspot, but if they are large blood spots you have to discard the egg Does size of blood spot make a difference? Thanks Michelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 Blood spots are caused by a small blood vessel rupturing during ovulation. The actual laying doesn't cause it. Straining during laying may also cause small vessels to rupture, but that shows as blood spots on the outside of the eggshell. They are more common in birds just starting to lay and in older birds. Size of the blood spot is only an issue if you are squeamish about eating blood! They won't do you any harm. One of mine often lays eggs with quite prominent blood spots in - I just spoon them out. I always crack eggs into a jug or cup before adding them to whatever I'm cooking (usually because I always manage to get loads of shell added as well) but it helps to be able to remove anything else! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogs and chickens Posted April 14, 2008 Author Share Posted April 14, 2008 That's brilliant thanks snowy for a great answer. I am not worried at all now. That has also cleared up something else that has worried me on occation, having a small amount of blood on the outside of the egg! Thanks so much for putting my mind at rest Michelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 **Here** is an article which explains it quite nicely......and confirms what Snowy says Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogs and chickens Posted April 14, 2008 Author Share Posted April 14, 2008 Thanks Egluntine, That artical is good, except when it talks of culling! There will be none of that going on! I love all my girls too much!!! Lucky for them I am glad though that the spots are nothing to worry about. Thanks Michelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 Thanks Egluntine, That artical is good, except when it talks of culling! There will be none of that going on! I love all my girls too much!!! Lucky for them I am glad though that the spots are nothing to worry about. Thanks Michelle Should have warned you! It wouldn't be an option for any Omleteer I imagine! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogs and chickens Posted April 14, 2008 Author Share Posted April 14, 2008 Culling - It wouldn't be an option for any Omleteer I imagine! Here-here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
