Dirty eggs: the real reasons (and how to get clean eggs again)

First: when it’s urgent

If you see any of the below, stop Googling and get proper help (urgent vet / poultry expert):

• Eggs smeared with blood or unusual discharge.
• Multiple birds have diarrhoea or look unwell.
• A hen has a filthy vent and seems sick or lethargic.
• Strong ammonia smell in coop (air quality issue).
• You suspect mites or parasites are driving abnormal behaviour.

Quick checks (60 seconds)

• Is nest box bedding clean, dry, and deep enough?
• Are hens sleeping in the nest boxes (pooping where eggs are laid)?
• Are there enough nest boxes for the flock?
• Are eggs being collected daily (or sitting there getting stepped on)?
• Is the run muddy (dirty feet = dirty eggs)?
• Are perches comfortable and properly placed (so they choose to roost)?

Likely causes (the usual suspects)

• Dirty or insufficient nest box bedding.
• Hens sleeping in nest boxes due to perch issues or overcrowding.
• Too few nest boxes causing traffic and trampling.
• Wet, muddy run conditions leading to dirty feet.
• Infrequent egg collection (more stepping/pooping on eggs).
• Poor coop cleaning routine allowing build-up.

What to do today

1. Empty nest boxes, clean them, and add fresh dry bedding.
2. Make roosting easier than nest sleeping (good perches, enough space).
3. Collect eggs more often for a few days while you reset the system.
4. Address mud: add a dry standing area, use chips/sand, and improve drainage.
5. Put a repeatable cleaning routine in place so it stays fixed.