So, you’re raising chickens for eggs?
If you’ve ever cracked open an egg and saw a little red spot inside, you might have been surprised.
These are called blood spots in chicken eggs, and they’re more common than you might think!
But don’t fret! It’s not something you should be worried about.
You will usually encounter this kind of scenario when raising chickens for eggs. Why? We will learn more about its causes in the sections below.
However, if you’re getting your eggs from stores, then you shouldn’t worry about this!
It’s less likely to happen.
Suppliers to grocery stores have a meticulous process of inspecting the outside and inside of a chicken egg.
Any sign of impurities inside the egg would mean it’s unsuitable for sale. So, you’re safe in this area!
But if it does happen, read on to decide whether to cook or toss that egg!
In this article, you will learn all about what these blood spots in chicken eggs mean, why they show up, and if they’re okay to eat.
What Are Blood Spots in Chicken Eggs?
Blood spots in chicken eggs are tiny bits of blood that sometimes appear on the yolk or in the egg white.
It happens when a small blood vessel in the hen’s body breaks while the egg forms.
That little drop of blood gets stuck inside the egg, so when you crack it open, you see a spot.
Characteristics
- Blood spots are usually small.
- They appear like a dot or speck.
- Spots can be red or brownish.
They don’t mean the egg is rotten or bad.
So, while they look a little strange, they’re actually pretty normal!
Causes of Blood Spots in Chicken Eggs
Chicken egg blood spots may look strange, but they are usually harmless.
They happen when something goes slightly off while the hen is forming the egg.
Let’s look at the main reasons why these spots appear!
Young Hens Are Still Learning
When young hens, called pullets, start laying eggs, their bodies still adjust.
Their systems are learning to release the yolk and build the egg around it.
Sometimes, a tiny blood vessel can burst during this learning phase, leaving a blood spot in the egg.
Young hens may lay more eggs with blood spots during their first few months.
This usually improves as the hens age and their bodies become rhythmical.
Older Hens Have Fragile Blood Vessels
On the other hand, older hens can also lay eggs with blood spots.
As chickens age, their blood vessels can become a little weaker.
This makes them more likely to break during the egg-making process.
Note: It’s just a natural part of aging and doesn’t mean the hen is unhealthy.
Stress Can Trigger Blood Spots
Did you know that chickens can get stressed? And when they do, it can affect their eggs!
Loud noises, predators, overcrowding, or sudden changes in their environment can stress out your hens.
Stress can cause blood vessels to burst more easily, leading to those red spots.
What You Can Do
- Keep your chickens calm and comfortable to reduce stress.
- Avoid loud machinery, rough handling, or moving them around too much.
Poor Nutrition Plays a Role
Chickens need a healthy, balanced diet to lay strong, clean eggs.
If they miss important vitamins (especially Vitamin A), their blood vessels can weaken, making them more likely to break.
What You Can Do
- Make sure your hens get good-quality feed with all the nutrients they need.
- Add leafy greens, carrots, and pumpkin to their diet to boost Vitamin A.
ALSO READ: Treats That Will Make Your Hens Lay More Eggs
Genetics Matter Too
Some hens are more likely to lay eggs with blood spots because of their genes.
If certain breeds or family lines have weaker blood vessels or a tendency toward this issue, it can occur more often.
What You Can Do
- You might choose hens that lay cleaner eggs if you’re breeding chickens.
- If you’re concerned about genetics, keep track of which hens are laying eggs with spots.
Are Blood Spots in Chicken Eggs Safe to Eat?
Yes! Blood spots in chicken eggs are safe to eat.
They might look gross, but they won’t make you sick.
Here’s what you can do:
- Remove the spot with a spoon or a knife tip if it bothers you.
- Cook the egg normally, and you won’t even notice the spot.
- Throw it away only if the egg smells bad or looks spoiled.
Many people all around the world eat eggs with blood spots every day. It’s okay!
How Common Are Blood Spots in Chicken Eggs?
You might wonder, “Why don’t I see them more often?”
That’s because big egg factories candling eggs before selling them.
This means they shine a bright light through the egg to check for blood spots and cracks.
The good news is that store-bought eggs usually have blood spots removed.
On the other hand, farm-fresh eggs are more likely to have spots because they don’t go through candling.
Also, brown eggs might show more spots because their darker shells make them harder to see during candling.
If you raise your chickens, it’s normal to find blood spots in chicken eggs occasionally!
How to Prevent Blood Spots in Chicken Eggs
If you’re raising chickens and want fewer blood spots in eggs, here are some helpful tips:
- Feed your hens a balanced diet with plenty of Vitamin A.
- Keep their coop calm and stress-free. No loud noises or sudden changes.
- Handle your chickens gently so they feel safe.
- Give young hens time to mature before expecting perfect eggs.
- Choose breeding stock from hens that lay clean eggs if spots are frequent.
Even with the best care, it’s hard to completely avoid blood spots in chicken eggs.
However, there’s a way you can reduce how often it happens.
Is There a Difference Between Blood Spots and Meat Spots?
Yes, and it’s good to know the difference!
Blood spots are bright red and come from a burst blood vessel.
Meat spots are brown or tan and come from bits of tissue.
Both are safe to eat, but knowing what you’re looking at helps you feel better about your eggs.
Should I Worry About Blood Spots If I Sell Eggs?
If you sell eggs to friends or at a farmers market, blood spots in chicken eggs can make people nervous.
Here’s what you can do about it:
- Candle your eggs before selling to check for spots.
- Explain to customers that spots are natural and safe.
- Offer a discount or replacement if someone finds a spot and doesn’t like it.
Being honest and educating your buyers can turn a worry into a learning moment!
Fun Fact: Blood Spots Used to Mean Fertilization (But Not Anymore!)
Back then, people thought blood spots in chicken eggs meant the egg was fertilized.
But that’s not true.
Blood spots happen because of a tiny break in a blood vessel, not because a chick is growing.
So, whether the egg is fertilized, a blood spot can still appear!
How Parents Teach Kids About Blood Spots in Chicken Eggs
Parents and teachers can use blood spots in chicken eggs as a chance to teach kids about biology and where food comes from:
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Science lesson: Teach how eggs are formed inside a hen.
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Kitchen lesson: Show how to remove spots while still using the egg.
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Farm life: Help kids understand that farm-fresh food is natural and not always “perfect.”
This can help kids feel more comfortable cracking eggs, even when they see something unexpected!
Blood Spots in Chicken Eggs: Before You Go…
So, the next time you crack an egg and see a little red dot, don’t panic.
Chicken egg blood spots are normal, safe, and easy to handle.
They happen because a tiny blood vessel broke while the hen made the egg.
You can scoop out the spot, or just cook it as is.
If you raise chickens, a few simple steps like feeding them well and keeping their home calm can help prevent too many spots.
And if you sell eggs, remember that educating your buyers goes a long way!
Eggs with spots might not look perfect, but they’re still delicious and nutritious.
So crack on and enjoy your eggs!