What can a blood covered chicken egg mean?

1. Blood Spot: This is the most common explanation. It's simply a small blood vessel that ruptured during the egg's formation. This is usually harmless and the egg is still safe to eat.

2. Internal Bleeding: A larger amount of blood might indicate more significant internal bleeding within the hen. While still generally safe to eat, it might be a sign that the hen needs to be checked by a veterinarian.

3. Egg Yolk Blood Clot: If the egg has a red clot inside the yolk, it means that the yolk was damaged during formation. This is usually harmless and doesn't affect the taste or safety of the egg.

4. Disease: While rare, a blood-covered egg could be a sign of a disease in the hen, such as Salmonella. It's important to check for other signs of illness, like lethargy, loss of appetite, and diarrhea.

Here's what to do if you find a blood-covered egg:

* Inspect the egg closely. If it's just a small blood spot, the egg is likely safe to eat.

* Consider the hen. Is she showing any signs of illness? If so, contact a veterinarian.

* Discard the egg if you're concerned. It's always better to err on the side of caution, especially if the egg has a large amount of blood.

It's worth noting that blood-covered eggs are usually a harmless anomaly. However, if you have any concerns about the hen's health or the safety of the egg, it's always best to consult a veterinarian.