Bloody egg shell (pics)

[Andi]

I have a California White that started laying about 3 weeks ago. She's quite regular with almost 1 per day. Today she laid an egg that had blood on it, which has never happened before. I checked her vent and it looks healthy and their isn't any blood on her feathers. I know who it was that laid it because she's the only white egg laying girl I have. She's behaving totally normal as well.

What causes it? I did a search on here but there weren't any answers, just 'I'm not sure, but it happens'. Is it the cold temps? The temps were in the teens when she laid it, but I had an EE lay one as about the same time today and that wasn't bloody. There's people that are much farther North than me that have chickens so I'm guessing it has nothing to do with the temps. I'm just putting it out there as a possibility.

Here's some pics. The bloodiest portion seems to be on the leading end of the egg.

 

[froggie71]

I just had an EE lay one like that 2 days ago. She is a pretty new layer. No signs of any problems and no further problems since.

I don't have an answer for you, but maybe someone else will.

 

[MontanaMomma]

I get bloody ones every now and then too. I was worried at first, but I think as long as it is a once and a while thing, and the hens are all acting okay and healthy, it is fine. Their plumbing is lined with a lot of blood vessels, so if one gets rubbed just the wrong way... I'm amazed that they don't bleed EVERY time they lay an egg, especially the big double yolk ones!

 

[LynneP]

Exactly- the egg chute is lined with blood vessels and it's easy for a young layer to break one. However this is something you can do to help her, and your other hens. From time to time provide some oil or fat for them in feed or treats. Wild bird suet is good for this. This will enhance the feathercoat, add calories for winter and lubricate the skin and all membranes, including those in the egg chute. She will love you for this!

This hen may have been a little tense in the cold air- heat tends to dilate the chute. Just a momentary shiver could have popped a blood vessel. Please let us know if this clears up.

 

[Andi]

Thank-you so much for responding and easing my mind.

She laid another egg yesterday and there was no blood. She continues to be behaving normally.

 

[redkan]

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This is good to know, especially as we come into cold weather.

 

[brwneggs]

Can you give them anything from home? Or does it have to be store bought? I have 3 to 4 hens this winter (and this is the first winter I have ever had chcikens) this has happened. Table scrapes of some sort that have the grase that they need? Not to make dieherra. I please hope to hear from someone ASAP..they are starting to eat the bloody wood chips.
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[gotweim]

I was just logging in to ask this same question!!


Last week we lost a hen who had prolapsed. Yesterday evening when I went to lock our girls up I found another has passed and was laying in the middle of the coop floor. Her bottom was very bloody but didn't appear to have prolapsed. I was too upset to remember to collect eggs so went out this morning I found a very bloody green frozen egg (she was our only green layer). I'm assuming she passed after laying it.

Now this afternoon I found this egg and am totally freaking out!! I can't lose another!! I found a slightly bloody brown egg yesterday afternoon as well and I'm wondering if the same girl layed this one. I checked everyone's bottoms and everyone looks fine.

 

[gotweim]

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Those are those little seed cakes, correct? Can it be any kind or do they have ones specifically for chickens? I'm going to try this with my girls since I've had the bloody egg issue. How offer do you give them?

 

[dawg53]

Perhaps lubing inside and outside the vent with olive oil might help some, not sure though.