I Cracked an Egg and Saw a Blood Spot
Cracking open an egg only to find a blood spot on the yolk can be a bit unsettling. You might wonder—is it still safe to eat? Did the hen lay a bad egg? Was it fertilized? The good news is, a blood spot is usually harmless, and it’s more common than you might think—especially if you’re raising your own backyard chickens.
In this guide, we’ll break down what a blood spot really means, why it happens, and whether you should toss the egg or cook it up without worry.
What Is a Blood Spot in an Egg?
A blood spot is a small red or dark brown speck you might see on the egg yolk.
It forms when a tiny blood vessel in the hen’s ovary or oviduct ruptures during the egg-laying process. This happens naturally and doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with the egg—or the hen.
Here’s the key point:
A blood spot is NOT a sign of a fertilized egg or an unsafe egg.
It’s simply a cosmetic imperfection and doesn’t affect the taste, nutrition, or safety of the egg in most cases.
Is It Safe to Eat an Egg with a Blood Spot?
Yes, eggs with small blood spots are generally safe to eat.
Here’s why:
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The egg is not spoiled or contaminated.
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Blood spots are a natural result of how eggs form.
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Cooking the egg will kill any potential bacteria, just like with any other egg.
If the blood spot grosses you out, you can simply remove it with a clean spoon or knife before cooking.
When to avoid eating it:
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If the egg smells bad (like sulfur or rot)
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If the egg has odd coloring throughout the white or yolk
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If you’re uncomfortable with it for personal or religious reasons
What Causes Blood Spots in Eggs?
A few key things can increase the chance of blood spots:
1. Young Hens (Pullets)
Pullets often lay eggs with imperfections, including blood spots. Their reproductive systems are still maturing.
2. Nutritional Deficiency
Hens lacking vitamin A or K may have weaker blood vessels, leading to more breakage during ovulation.
3. Stress
Sudden noises, overcrowding, rough handling, or predator threats can stress hens and trigger egg-laying abnormalities.
4. Breed and Genetics
Some chicken breeds are more prone to blood spots than others. Genetics play a big role in reproductive quirks.
5. Overcrowding
Tight spaces can stress hens, cause injuries, and increase egg-laying complications like blood spotting.
Want to reduce stress in your coop? Use this chicken coop calculator to figure out exactly how much space your chickens need. Giving them the right amount of room is one of the best ways to prevent stress-related laying problems.
Why Don’t Store-Bought Eggs Have Blood Spots?
If you’ve mostly bought eggs from the store, this may be your first time seeing a blood spot. Here’s why:
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Commercial egg producers use a process called candling, where eggs are lit from behind to detect internal imperfections.
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Eggs with visible blood spots are removed and not sold in retail cartons.
So, while blood spots happen in store-bought eggs too, they’re usually filtered out before they ever reach your fridge.
If you raise your own hens or buy eggs from local farms, you’re more likely to see natural variances like this.
Can a Blood Spot Mean the Egg Was Fertilized?
No, a blood spot does NOT mean the egg is fertilized.
Fertilized eggs have a tiny white disc on the yolk called the blastodisc or germinal disc, which might look like a faint bullseye. That’s completely different from a red or brown blood spot.
Also, unless your flock includes a rooster, it’s impossible for your hens to lay fertilized eggs.
What Should You Do If You See a Blood Spot?
Here’s a step-by-step:
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Check for odor – If the egg smells fresh, it’s likely fine.
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Scoop out the blood spot with a spoon or the tip of a knife if it bothers you.
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Cook the egg thoroughly – This neutralizes any risk of bacteria.
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Use your judgment – If the egg looks off in other ways (cloudy, discolored, etc.), don’t risk it.
Most people choose to eat the egg. But if you’re uncomfortable, it’s okay to discard it.
How to Prevent Blood Spots in Backyard Eggs
If you’re seeing blood spots frequently, take a closer look at your flock’s health and environment.
Tips to reduce blood spots:
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Feed a balanced layer diet rich in vitamin A and K
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Avoid overcrowding: Use the chicken coop calculator to ensure proper space
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Reduce stress: Keep predators away, avoid loud noises, and limit flock bullying
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Offer clean water and natural lighting
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Choose breeds known for laying clean, uniform eggs (like Leghorns or Australorps)
The better the living conditions, the fewer irregularities you’ll find inside the eggs.
When Should You Worry?
Blood spots are generally harmless, but there are a few red flags to watch for:
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Strong odor: Sulfur or rotten smells indicate spoilage
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Green or pink egg white: This could signal bacterial contamination
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Large blood clots or dark streaks throughout the egg: Could be a sign of a sick hen
If you encounter any of these, discard the egg and monitor the health of the hen that laid it.
Conclusion: A Blood Spot Is Normal—Not a Reason to Panic
Finding a blood spot in your egg might be surprising, but it’s almost always harmless. It’s a natural occurrence in the egg-laying process and doesn’t mean the egg is fertilized, spoiled, or dangerous.
As long as the egg smells fresh and looks normal otherwise, you can safely eat it—just scoop out the spot if you prefer.
Raising your own chickens? Be proactive. Use the chicken coop calculator to calculate how much coop space your chickens need, minimize stress, and keep your hens healthy and productive.
A small red speck isn’t a disaster—it’s just part of the backyard chicken experience.
