Why do you get blood spots in eggs?

Blood spots in eggs occur when a small blood vessel ruptures on the surface of the yolk. This can happen for a number of reasons, including:

* Stress: When a hen is stressed, her blood pressure can increase, which can cause blood vessels to rupture. This is why you're more likely to find blood spots in eggs from hens that are kept in cramped or stressful conditions.

* Injury: If a hen is injured, she may accidentally break a blood vessel on the surface of the yolk.

* Disease: Certain diseases, such as Marek's disease and avian influenza, can cause blood vessels to become brittle and more likely to rupture.

Blood spots in eggs are not harmful to eat. However, some people may find them unappetizing and prefer to remove them before cooking. To do this, simply hold the egg up to a light and use a sharp knife to cut out the blood spot.