Dirty Eggs: More lately than before. Bigtime!

[Brian]

I know that we are into Fall, and that the ground isn't as "clean" as in the drier times, still, even on dry days, my hens have been giving me a lot of dirty eggs lately. The nest boxes are clean, so it's not that. Any suggestions???

When I get dirty eggs, I have to wash them, which then means I have to refrigerate them. I prefer to keep them unrefrigerated until I give them away. So, it would be nice to have cleaner eggs.

Honestly, the only thing I can think of is that these 9 month old hens have dirtier bottoms than they use to. I've even wondered if I should catch them, one at a time, and pull a few of those soiled downy feathers around their vent.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Brian

 

[Omran]

I think it is a good Idea if you can use some wet wibs and try to clean them, I did that for all my new pullets and put that poweder against lice under thier wings and on the other area.

Omran.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

How clean are their feet? If their feet are dirty, that can give you dirty eggs, too.

 

[notsooldmcdonald]

Do you use shavings in your nest boxes? Mine are always clean, but I noticed that if the level of the shavings got too low, then the eggs tended to be less clean. Now I add shavings weekly to keep them nice and deep. Also, with all the rain we've had lately, it has been tough to keep their feet clean, this can cause the eggs to be dirty (as someone mentioned earlier). I'm going to put wood chips in the uncovered section of the run. I know sand would be better, but I can get the chips for free (chips, not shavings.

Anyway, that's helpig me to keep my eggs cleaner! Good-luck.

-Christian

 

[Brian]

Yes, I use straw, and I keep the boxes immaculate, so it's a bit perplexing. Maybe dirty feet, but it seems like the eggs are a little poopy.
Brian

 

[cmom]

Tis a mystery.