Don't clean eggs?

[vfem]

I was told not to wash the eggs I am trying to hatch. They are a bit dirty and I can't see them well when I'm candling them, they have mud spots all over them (duck eggs). Can I wash off the mud, is it safe or dare I not?

 

[panner123]

How would mama duck get the mud off. The eggs have a protective layer on them. Wash the eggs removes this.

 

[austinhart123]

i would try not to use water much - try a moist towel and try to get it off- do not scrub the egg or put soap on it

 

[austinhart123]

.....duck eggs are notorious for smelling bad whn they are not fertile...so if u smell one that reeks and has gone rotten, throw it out

 

[vfem]

Oh I wasn't planning on soap at all... I knew there was some kind of clear coating on eggs from mama. I just can't quite see anything while I'm candling them because of all the muck. Maybe a like a rung out wet paper towel with some water. I did read someone say something about misting them? Maybe mist them to loosen the mud?

Yeah I'm going to check them regularly... I just didn't realize I would be such a worry wort over this!!! It's like I'm pregnant all over again.... but no doctor to call everyday!!!!

 

[austinhart123]

Quote:
try the rung out towel and not too much scrubbing trying not to remove the layer

 

[MagsC]

The protective coating is called the "bloom".
I think if I was going to do anything, to just take a cloth or paper towel (dry) and wipe off the worst of it if they are that bad. Otherwise I would leave them as they are. JMO.

 

[vfem]

these are how dirty they are... if you think its best to leave them, i will just leave them and do a smell test!

I just know I'll be so bummed if I don't even get one duck. I've wanted ducks so badly for months now since the one's that were here are gone.

 

[MagsC]

The duck eggs I had were filthy so I cleaned them off, probably more than I should have because the hatch was a disaster.

If the "poo" is a little drier it should be fairly easy to wipe off most of it?(Sigh, its what I SHOULD have done. Live and learn I guess!)

 

[vfem]

Ok, learning from others... that is important. I'm sorry your hatch didn't go well. But I am learning from you, and I will just not touch the eggs.... they have a better chance if I don't!

I wish you a better hatch next time... but thank you!