I Cracked an Egg and It Had a Red Streak
You crack open an egg, ready for breakfast, and then you spot it—a red streak running through the yolk or egg white. It’s natural to feel surprised or even concerned. Is the egg safe to eat? Is it fertilized? Should you throw it away?
If you cracked an egg and found a red streak inside, it’s usually caused by a small blood vessel breaking during the egg-laying process. It’s harmless in most cases—and usually safe to eat.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what that red streak means, why it happens, when it’s okay to eat, and when you should toss the egg.
What Does a Red Streak in an Egg Mean?
A red streak in an egg is typically a blood vessel rupture, which occurred when the hen released the yolk from her ovary.
Here’s how it works:
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During egg formation, tiny blood vessels in the hen’s reproductive tract may break or bleed.
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This blood can end up as a streak, spot, or smear on or near the yolk, or even in the egg white.
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In most cases, this is completely natural and not harmful.
A red streak is not a sign that the egg is fertilized or spoiled.
Is It Safe to Eat an Egg with a Red Streak?
Yes—if the egg is fresh and smells normal, it’s typically safe to eat.
Here’s when it’s okay:
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The streak is isolated—just one visible mark.
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The egg smells fresh (no sulfur or rotten odor).
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The egg white and yolk look otherwise normal in color and texture.
Here’s when you should not eat it:
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The egg has an off smell (rotten, sulfuric, or sour).
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The egg has multiple or large blood streaks, or blood has pooled.
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There are signs of embryonic development (veins or a dark eye-like dot) and you keep roosters.
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The egg white is discolored (green, pink, or cloudy beyond normal).
What Causes Blood Streaks in Eggs?
Several common and natural reasons can lead to red streaks:
1. Ruptured Blood Vessel
The most frequent cause—happens naturally when the yolk is released and a vessel breaks.
2. Young Hens (Pullets)
New layers often produce eggs with more irregularities, including blood streaks and spots.
3. Stress or Trauma
Loud noises, handling, predator threats, or coop overcrowding can affect the laying process.
4. Nutrient Deficiency
Lack of vitamin A or K can lead to weakened blood vessels in hens.
5. Breed and Genetics
Some hens are more genetically prone to laying eggs with blood spots or red streaks.
Can a Red Streak Mean the Egg Is Fertilized?
No. A red streak does not mean the egg is fertilized.
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A fertilized egg looks normal unless it’s been incubated or exposed to heat for over 24 hours.
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Fertilization shows as a small white bullseye (blastoderm) on the yolk—not red streaks.
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If you don’t keep a rooster, fertilization is impossible.
If you do keep a rooster and the egg has multiple red veins or a dark spot in the yolk, it could be a very early embryo. In that case, discard it.
What Should You Do If You Crack an Egg With a Red Streak?
Here’s a quick checklist:
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Smell the egg – If it smells clean, it’s likely fine.
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Inspect the red streak – Is it small or large? Is there any sign of spoilage?
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Scoop it out (optional) – If the streak bothers you, you can remove it with a spoon.
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Cook thoroughly – Heat neutralizes any bacteria and makes it safe to consume.
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When in doubt, throw it out – Trust your instincts.
How to Prevent Red Streaks in Backyard Eggs
If you’re raising your own hens and seeing red streaks often, here’s how to reduce the occurrence:
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Feed a complete layer diet rich in vitamins A and K
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Keep your hens stress-free with a secure and peaceful coop
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Avoid overcrowding—too many hens in a small space increases stress and injury
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Use a well-designed coop setup to reduce aggressive behavior or injury
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Collect eggs daily to avoid heat or spoilage in summer
Want to make sure your flock has enough room? Use the chicken coop calculator to quickly calculate how much coop space your chickens need. A stress-free, spacious coop helps prevent egg-laying abnormalities like blood streaks.
Are Eggs with Red Streaks Sold in Stores?
No. Commercial eggs go through a process called candling, where eggs are held against a bright light to check for imperfections.
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Eggs with visible blood spots or streaks are removed from store cartons.
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That’s why you rarely, if ever, see this in supermarket eggs.
But if you raise backyard chickens—or buy from a local farm—you’re more likely to see these natural variations.
Conclusion: A Red Streak in an Egg Is Normal and Usually Safe
Finding a red streak in your egg might seem alarming, but it’s usually just a harmless blood vessel rupture. If the egg smells fine and looks otherwise normal, you can safely cook and eat it—or scoop out the streak if it makes you squeamish.
However, if the egg smells bad, looks questionable, or was stored improperly—discard it without hesitation.
Want to reduce these issues in your flock? Use the chicken coop calculator to ensure your hens have adequate space, lowering stress and improving egg quality.
A red streak might catch you off guard—but now you know it’s nothing to fear.
