Is this lash egg?

[Chickchicknewbie]

Not sure which hen it was but when I went to collect eggs I found this in the nest box. One of the eggs had a few specks of blood on it too, would that be related to this?

 

[LaFleche]

Yes, this is infectious material, usually called 'lash egg'.
Cutting it open you will be able to see all the different layers.

 

[BYC Project Manager]

Hi @Chickchicknewbie - here's an in-depth article on the subject: What is A Lash Egg? All You Need To Know & More

 

[Chickchicknewbie]

Yes, this is infectious material, usually called 'lash egg'.
Cutting it open you will be able to see all the different layers.

Is it possible it came from the same hen that laid a blood speckled egg? It was a blue egg so would help me narrow down which hen it was
Thank you for your input

 

[LaFleche]

It might have been laid by her. Did you notice any issues with her eggshells lately?

But it could have been laid by any of your other hens. A speck of blood or little smear can happen when pullets begin to lay or when older hens restart after a prolonged break.
You can check the vents of all your hens for any blood residues.
And I recommend to change the bedding of the nest boxes to prevent possible cross-infection to you other hens.

 

[Chickchicknewbie]

It might have been laid by her. Did you notice any issues with her eggshells lately?

But it could have been laid by any of your other hens. A speck of blood or little smear can happen when pullets begin to lay or when older hens restart after a prolonged break.
You can check the vents of all your hens for any blood residues.
And I recommend to change the bedding of the nest boxes to prevent possible cross-infection to you other hens.

I haven't noticed issues with any of the eggs or anyone's behaviour/health so this came as an unpleasant surprise. I will check them all this evening. They all seem to prefer a single nest box so all eggs get laid in that one, I changed the bedding out soon as I found the mass.
Thank you.

 

[LaFleche]

I will check them all this evening. They all seem to prefer a single nest box so all eggs get laid in that one,

Yes, sometimes the favourite box gets stuffed to the brink with hens, I have seen this here with mine too.
Putting nest eggs in the other nest boxes makes them more enticing.

 

[Chickchicknewbie]

Yes, sometimes the favourite box gets stuffed to the brink with hens, I have seen this here with mine too.
Putting nest eggs in the other nest boxes makes them more enticing.

Thanks for your advice! Much appreciated

 

[BackyardinWales]

Mine usually avoid a box with eggs in, UNLESS it's everyone's favourite box lol

 

[LaFleche]

Mine usually avoid a box with eggs in, UNLESS it's everyone's favourite box lol

Have you tried different materials and colours for the nest eggs?