Do eggs need to be washed?

[elsathecat]

Once my chicks start laying eggs, do I need to wash them before using or storing?

 

[4-H chicken mom]

I will wash my eggs if they are really dirty otherwise I just brush any shavings off.

 

[Centralflafred]

I just rinse mine under a little running water and rub them clean. nothing fancy.

 

[LarryPQ]

Only if poopy or a new layer had a hard time.

 

[jacyjones]

If you wash eggs you remove the 'bloom' which protects the shell and keeps out bacteria - best to leave them alone unless they are really pooey!

 

[gritsar]

Lots of info. here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=330933