Dirty eggs

[5templetonchicks]

My chickens have been laying for 6months now, and up till last week, all the eggs have been pristine. Absolutely not a mark on them, even when their run was muddy from the rain. Suddenly, their eggs are scuffed and stained. It does not appear to be poop. In fact, it’s very difficult to wipe them clean. I clean their nesting box and small coop daily, and add fresh Coop Clean, so they’re not walking through their poop. Any ideas? I saw a You Tube video, in which a woman said that if your eggs are soiled, it indicates that they have worms. Is that a possibility? Would appreciate your thoughts.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Dirty eggs come and go around here. I don't use those that are too soiled, I feed them back to the chickens. Those that aren't too bad get a quick wash in hot running water before being refrigerated.

I never worm my chickens. Most of my eggs are laid clean. I would check your hens bottoms to see if anyone needs cleaning or a trim.

 

[SueT]

Welcome to BYC! Maybe they tracked mud in ...is it muddy there?

 

[aart]

In fact, it’s very difficult to wipe them clean

Welcome to BYC @5templetonchicks !
Did you try washing under warm running water and scrubbing with your hands?
Pics might help here.

 

[love4mychickens]

Welcome to BYC @5templetonchicks !
Did you try washing under warm running water and scrubbing with your hands?
Pics might help here.

Yes, try washing them under warm water. If mine are too soiled I toss them. Hmm...I've never heard of the worm theory, I have never wormed my chickens I don't think I would worry about it too too much.

 

[GC-Raptor]

My hens are 22 months and never been wormed. The eggs I collect are clean, except after a rain or thaw and they've been in the run and there are multiple eggs in nest.
Hens feet will touch eggs when settling in to lay, and if their feet are wet and dirty will rub off onto eggs. Also check their bums for poop. Some people trim the feathers around the vent.
I wash all my eggs with a nail brush under very warm water, because my customers demand it. GC

 

[5templetonchicks]

To all who replied to my concerns about dirty eggs, thank you so very much. It certainly appears that I may have overreacted. It very likely is that they tracked mud into the nest box with their feet. We did have a bit of a muddy area in their run, plus we’ve had to turn the sprinklers back on because of the heat. I just love these 5 little girls, and don’t want anything to happen to them. Thank you again.

 

[4 ever Orpington]

My chickens have been laying for 6months now, and up till last week, all the eggs have been pristine. Absolutely not a mark on them, even when their run was muddy from the rain. Suddenly, their eggs are scuffed and stained. It does not appear to be poop. In fact, it’s very difficult to wipe them clean. I clean their nesting box and small coop daily, and add fresh Coop Clean, so they’re not walking through their poop. Any ideas? I saw a You Tube video, in which a woman said that if your eggs are soiled, it indicates that they have worms. Is that a possibility? Would appreciate your thoughts.

 

[aart]

because of the heat.

Ahhh.... you must be 'down under'?
Good to put your location in your profile,
easy to do then it's always there!