Do you wash the eggs off before they go in the Incubator...PLEASE HELP

[Chrissyc1]

Ok this will be my first time doing the incubation thing... so go easy on me. I have the incubator plugged in (for 2 days) and have the temp right at 99.5 to 100.0 I just got my eggs today from the Post Office. Some are a dirty with poop. Which I assume is normal. Should I wash them before putting them in tonight? Any other suggestions before I start? I am really hoping for the best!!!! Cross your fingers and say a little prayer for me!!

I am soooo nervous!

 

[jbowen9]

I never wash mine i just brush off what poop or dirt on them and then plunk them in the incubator and i have always had good hatches

 

[HenPen]

No,don't wash them but since they were shipped do let them set for a few hours before putting them in the incubator....

 

[homesteadingcowgirl]

no, washing them is inviting bacteria which wouldn't be a good thing for the babies. You could try to scratch some of it off, being careful not to crush it-good luck

cowgirl

 

[homesteadingcowgirl]

kinda' funny -all of us posted responses at the same time!!

 

[TexasVet]

Some people do, some don't. I've done it both ways, and got good hatches regardless. If you're not entirely comfortable with washing them, just wipe them with a damp papertowel.

Kathy, Bellville TX
www.PivotalForce.com
www.CountryChickens.com

 

[Chrissyc1]

Man, this website is GREAT! Everyone is so nice and helpful! Also, thanks for the tip about sitting them out for a couple of hours before putting them in. Does that mean I should take them out of the egg carton and lay them flat or are they ok sitting in that. (they are out of the packaging but now just sitting in the egg carton)
I have 19 chickens and just started getting them in April (my mother-in-law hatched my first eight for me) and I have been collecting chicks ever since. So I am really excited about hatching my own.
I don't have a humidifer themomater, but can I get that in place tomorrow. My hubby says he put the right amount of water in there.
I am soooo nervous, I want these babies to hatch!!!

 

[Rootball]

Alot of people dont wash....If you do wash in the future use a specialized egg washing solution, you can order it online somewhere. The shells are somewhat porous and water can carry bacteria through the egg shell and into the embryo. The key when washing eggs is temperature. The wash solution needs to be (dont quote me here) say 20 degrees warmer than the egg. Look up directions for egg washing solution....anyhoo you wont be washing any till next batch so just scrape off the poo with your fingernail. I always like to wash and dry my hands before handling my eggs and try not to handle them too much .


When you let your eggs rest just keep them large end up in the carton. Technically it is best to store hatching eggs at around 55 degrees with a high humidity and if you store them for more than a day they should be turned.



edited to add: here is a link to the directions for incubation disinfectant