I Cracked an Egg and It Had Blood Clots
Cracking open an egg only to find dark red or maroon blood clots inside can feel unsettling. It’s not what you expect from a fresh egg—and naturally, you’re wondering: Is this safe to eat? Should I throw it out? Is something wrong with my chickens?
If you cracked an egg and found blood clots, it’s typically the result of a ruptured blood vessel during egg formation—not necessarily a sign that the egg is spoiled. However, depending on the severity and condition of the egg, you may or may not want to eat it.
This guide breaks down what causes blood clots in eggs, when it’s safe to eat them, and what you should do next—especially if you’re raising your own backyard hens.
What Does It Mean If an Egg Has Blood Clots?
Blood clots in eggs occur when a small blood vessel in the hen’s reproductive tract ruptures during ovulation.
Unlike tiny blood spots, clots are larger, darker, and more irregular, and they often appear as:
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Dark red or maroon blobs floating in the white or stuck to the yolk
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Vein-like streaks or coagulated globs that look thicker than normal blood specks
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In rare cases, multiple clots or extensive blood coverage
Blood clots are usually not harmful and are different from signs of bacterial spoilage or embryonic development.
Is It Safe to Eat an Egg with Blood Clots?
Yes—if the egg smells and looks normal aside from the clot, it’s generally safe to eat after removing the clot and cooking the egg thoroughly.
Here’s how to decide:
| Condition | Safe to Eat? | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| One small clot, no foul odor | ✅ Yes | Remove clot, cook thoroughly |
| Multiple or large clots, no odor | ✅ Probably | Use judgment, remove clots |
| Clots + foul smell (sulfur/rot) | ❌ No | Discard the egg |
| Clots + strange coloring (green/pink) | ❌ No | Discard immediately |
If the egg smells off, has an odd consistency, or you’re just uncomfortable with what you see, don’t risk it—throw it out.
What Causes Blood Clots in Eggs?
A few common reasons can lead to clots forming during the laying process:
1. Ruptured Blood Vessels
This is the most common reason. During ovulation, a small capillary in the ovary or oviduct breaks, causing blood to leak into the developing egg.
2. Young Hens (Pullets)
New layers are prone to reproductive hiccups, including eggs with large blood spots or clots.
3. Vitamin Deficiency
Low levels of vitamin A or K can weaken blood vessels, making them more prone to rupture.
4. High-Stress Conditions
Stress from predators, loud noises, rough handling, or overcrowded coops can interfere with egg formation.
5. Aggressive Roosters or Mating Injuries
Physical trauma from mating can also result in excessive bleeding during ovulation.
Want to prevent clots caused by stress or crowding? Use this helpful tool to calculate how much coop space your chicken needs and ensure your hens have a low-stress, safe environment.
Is a Blood Clot the Same as a Fertilized Egg?
No—blood clots are not signs of fertilization.
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Fertilized eggs contain a tiny white bullseye on the yolk called a blastoderm.
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Fertilized eggs do not contain blood unless they’ve been incubated for more than 24–48 hours.
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Blood clots occur in both fertilized and unfertilized eggs and are a result of laying trauma—not embryo development.
If you see veins or an eye-like structure, and you have a rooster, you might be looking at early development. In that case, discard the egg.
What Should You Do If You See Blood Clots in an Egg?
Follow these steps:
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Smell the egg – A fresh egg won’t have any odor. A bad egg smells rotten or sulfur-like.
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Inspect the clot – Is it small and isolated, or large and widespread?
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Scoop it out – Use a clean spoon or knife to remove the clot if you want to cook the egg.
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Cook thoroughly – Heat kills any bacteria and makes the egg safe to eat.
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Discard if in doubt – When in doubt, don’t risk it.
How to Reduce Blood Clots in Backyard Eggs
If your flock’s eggs often have blood clots, it’s worth evaluating your care practices:
✅ Feed a balanced diet:
Ensure your hens are getting adequate vitamin A and K—these are crucial for blood vessel health.
✅ Reduce stress in the flock:
Loud noises, frequent disturbances, and predators can trigger stress-induced laying issues.
✅ Avoid overcrowding:
Overcrowded coops can lead to injury, stress, and egg abnormalities. Use the chicken coop calculator to determine how much space each hen needs.
✅ Separate aggressive birds:
If one bird is pecking or bullying others, it can cause laying trauma.
✅ Collect eggs daily:
Leaving eggs in the nest box too long can expose them to temperature fluctuations or contamination.
Why Don’t I See Blood Clots in Store-Bought Eggs?
Store-bought eggs are candled—a process where eggs are lit from behind to inspect their interior. Eggs with blood spots or clots are usually removed before packaging.
Backyard eggs, on the other hand, are unfiltered and unprocessed, so you’re more likely to see nature in its raw form—including the occasional blood clot.
Conclusion: Blood Clots in Eggs Are Natural, But Use Common Sense
Finding a blood clot in an egg can be off-putting—but it’s usually just a natural byproduct of the egg-laying process, especially in young or stressed hens. As long as the egg smells and looks fine otherwise, it’s safe to eat after removing the clot and cooking it well.
Still not sure? Toss it. Your health and peace of mind are more important than salvaging one egg.
To keep your flock healthier and your eggs cleaner, use the chicken coop calculator to calculate how much coop space your chickens need—and keep your hens comfortable, stress-free, and laying strong.
Now you know—those blood clots may look scary, but they’re just part of a hen’s hard work behind the scenes.