2 questions????

[Redfeathers]

Well Said. Seems like a very good, logical answer.

I like your roo as well, I have one just like him named Onslo.

 

[bantymum]

I sometimes get dirty eggs but find that If I change the hay in the nestboxes regularly the eggs will stay nice and clean.

 

[muddler6]

O.K., to wash or not to wash? If I have my own home flock, how "Hot" should the water be? And do they need washed only if they get some kind of soil or blood on them or as a regular practice? I want to do what is right for my family and anyone else who I may sell or give them to. Would I be better off to get some of the commercial egg wash in the catalogs?

 

[CovenantCreek]

Quote:
Check with your state's Dept of Ag to find out what's needed for your situation.

 

[Charlie Chicken]

Quote:
You can use hot water from the kitchen sink, the same temperature that you would use to wash your hands with. A commercial egg sanitizer adds further protection but for a backyard flock wouldn't be necessary.

If the egg is clean there is no need to wash it. The object is to remove any soiling on the egg which harbors bacteria. The dreaded salmonella bacteria which can cause food poisoning can develop in unwashed eggs. If the eggs from a home flock are routinely washed any danger of contaminated eggs can be avoided.

If a home flock owner chooses not to wash their eggs for some reason that's their choice and it isn't illegal in most cases. (Some local regulations require washing of eggs that are to be sold.) If we choose not to wash the eggs we are needlessly putting ourselves and our customers at risk.

When I worked for the USDA as an egg inspector I had cause on several occasions to condemn entire trailer truck loads of eggs when inspection via black light indicated salmonella bacteria was present. In all cases those eggs were not properly washed and the bacteria grew while they were in storage. The U.S. Government did not want to allow those eggs to reach consumers and the eggs were sent to a local dump for disposal.