[hectorshome]

Hens all happily rooting about outside, all laying incredibly well ... However went to the hen house and found an egg with a smear of blood on the shell.  Should I be worrying?  Glanced at all the hens nether regions and no ominous signs of anything!

Liz

[joyfull]

are they young? was it a very large egg?
it can be quite normal but just keep an eye on her anyway 

[hectorshome]

Actually yes to both questions!  It was slightly larger and we haven't had them that long ....

Thanks!

[nicky d]

you could also check the coup for redmite    nickyx

[hectorshome]

Pardon my ignorance - can you explain what I am looking for?  Small red creepy crawlies?  The hens have been wormed in the last six weeks.

[joyfull]

go out to your chicken coup when it is dark (take a torch and a white piece of paper). using the torch visually check the coup (red mites come out at night to feed on the hens) and slide the paper into any nooks and crannis such as wooden joints along the edges of perches, roof joints etc. If you see any reddish marks on the paper then you have red mites that have filled up on blood and your coup will need completely emptying, scrubbing and treating with a product like poultry shield. For severe infestations you may need to repeat this. if it continues there is stronger items but start off with a standard item like poultry shield first. Any mites washed off onto the ground can live for a short while so really either treat the ground or move the coup.

[GrannieAnnie]

They can live without feeding for about 38 weeks Joy, according to what I've read over the years!   

[joyfull]

wow I wish I could 

[hectorshome]

Thanks again for the advice.  Fortunately we have not had a repeat of the blood on the egg but I will definitely check the hen house after dark just in case.

[GrannieAnnie]

wow I wish I could 

Mmmm me too!!!