Blood on Eggs - Normal

17 years ago

I was just now able to check on the 4 bb eggs for the first time in a week. I was out of town, and then we had two days of below freezing temps in Atlanta so I didn't want to open the box. It's warmer today and I checked on them.

All 4 eggs are there and "look" ok. But I noticed that 2 of them have dried blood on the outside of the shell. I know they turn the eggs and so I figure this is just from when she laid them. Is that correct, or does it mean bad news? The shells look wonderful but I know from experience that looks can be deceiving. Last year we had 2 that didn't hatch because of extreme heat.

I'll get pictures up as soon as I know. I marked the calender to start watching for babies tomorrow.

tara

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Comments (8)

renee_2006
17 years ago
I have read that a small amount of little specks of blood happens. Have you seen the female?
fairychick
Original Author
17 years ago
Hi Renee,

Yes. She's around every time I go out to feed them. At first I thought she was the same one as last year, but now I'm not so sure. This one seems a little less "mature". I'm positive it's the same male because of markings. Once in a while I see a second female as well. Looks like it might be the last chick from last year. Brad (the male) feeds her as well.

Guess I'll just wait as patiently as possible for the next 5 days to see what happens with the eggs. I pray they aren't frozen.

tara
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This happens every so often in the Spring with some of my hens, too, when their egg laying apparatus is gearing up. Now is their big push to lay eggs, holler about it and go broody. It doesn't necessarily mean they are ill. It's also not unheard of for a hen, especially a young one, to lay an egg followed by another the next day, so I suppose it's possible for her to lay two in one day...are you positive it was her? Watch them closely for any signs of illness--listlessness, not eating, drinking or carrying on normally, losing weight, etc. Check their bottoms for soiled or bloody feathers, and make sure they aren't bleeding from their vents. If an egg has rough calcium deposits on the outside, it might have torn them a bit on the way out (this happened to one of my hens about a week ago, now she's fine). Check their poops for worms and their feathers for mites, and make sure their water and food is fresh and not musty or moldy--same for their foraging area. Nesting material needs to be fresh and dry. If they look healthy and carry on normally, I'd say watch and wait. Check for any more bloody eggs, and bloody bottoms. If they are bleeding from their vent, isolate them to keep other birds from pecking at the blood, treat the bleeding with Kwik-Stop (a powdered styptic, get it at the pet store) or corn starch will staunch bleeding in a pinch. I've got a chicken info site here that may help more, here is the page on 'Health': http://jackshenhouse.com/VSChickHealth.htm Velvet ~:>
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anita55
17 years ago
Hi Tara, The only time I saw blood on the eggs (and I have been doing this for 10 years or so) the female had been wounded . There was blood on the back wall of the box as well. I got a good look at the female and her eye area had been pecked, so I'm guessing that there was an altercation inside the box, with mom BB the victor. I'm happy to say that she healed and the eggs hatched just fine but you should try to get a good look at mom and see if there are any wounds on her. Also did you check the walls of the box to see if there is any blood? I'm assuming that you have a sparrow spooker and baffle on your nestbox? If there are other reasons for blood on eggs I have not witnessed it (although I'm not saying it couldn't be so, I just haven't seen it here.) Good luck with your nesting.

Anita
fairychick
Original Author
17 years ago
I've seen the Mom several times and she seems just fine. Don't see any injury at all. I checked inside the box today and it's possible it's from where she ate some fat insect while in there. They aren't removing trash from the nest as much as they should though. It's ok, and I'm hoping when the chicks hatch they'll do a better job.

Today she's mad at the male. When I took worms out she flew out of the box and went for them herself. Normally she goes to a limb and waits for him. After she got a few she went to the limb. When he showed up and went to feed her she kept moving away from him. He had to chase her!!! Then she went back down and got a couple more worms herself. Wonder if he stayed out all night and is in the doghouse. *G*

Thanks for your help.

tara
fairychick
Original Author
17 years ago
Forgot to mention....I have a baffle but no spooker. Haven't seen Sparrows here in the yard (they hang out at the grocery store and fast food restaurants). I watch for them though. Watch for wrens too, but only have Carolina Wrens. The only birds that hang out much in the backyard are Robins, Woodpeckers, a very noisy Flicker, Titmice, and Thrashers. Later in the summer the Mockingbirds will be back there. OH, and bluejays. Also, squirrels, a raccoon, and a chipmunk. We also have three hawks that live nearby and I see frequently. They worry me the most but don't seem to visit the backyard much...it's easier to pick off the mourning doves in the front yard.

If I ever see any sign of a HOSP I'll make sure a baffle goes up. And I watch the birds around here a LOT.

Thanks again for asking though.

tara
bluebars
17 years ago
A small amount or blood or white spots on the eggshell is common, especially when they are newly laid. As the mother bird incubates and turns the eggs, moisture from her feathers will clean them.
Bluebars
anita55
17 years ago
Hi Bluebars, I've heard of that but never actually seen it in my nestboxes and I always check for eggs daily as they are laid. I wonder why I haven't seen it, though I don't doubt that it happens.
fairychick
Original Author
17 years ago
One hatched today but I didn't check to see which egg. We're supposed to have nice weather tomorrow (finally) so I'll get a quick but better look. I'm hoping the other 3 will hatch soon and all will be well.

Thanks for all your replies!

tara

Blood on Eggs - Normal

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Blood on Eggs - Normal

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renee_2006

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