Egg Washing Experiment *1st batch results in*

[jenjscott]

Today I set approximately 4 dozen eggs. Half of them were washed in a betadine solution on collection and half were left as collected. Each day I randomly split up the eggs from each pen so I could have a good sampling. Both batches should have fairly even distribution of age of eggs and pen of origin. I am going to see if there is any difference in hatchability. I plan on doing this for several batches until I have done a couple hundred eggs, or until I see a very obvious difference. If none of the washed eggs hatch, for example, I will terminate the experiment early.

 

[little_grey_bantam]

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I saw a documentary of a Hatchery (Pekin Ducks) and they dip the eggs in a chlorox bleach dilute solution (for how long, I have no idea???) - it kills the germs and leaves a clear coat of protectiveness over them (I know, I couldn't figure out a way of wording them). I tried (on my own) some eggs in a dilute (I can't remember the type of soap) dish washing detergent soap (the kind used to clean off the oil off birds in the ocean in oil spills) and I get a pretty darn good hatch rate!

I don't ever ship out washed eggs, but I suppose if someone was interested, I could lol people are really weary about washing them, but I do it only with my own eggs. The hatchery documentary seemed to get a REALLY good hatch rate! I'm thinking about trying it, but BF says no more chicks

LOL

 

[The Sheriff]

 

[jenjscott]

OK, the results are in on the first batch.
Set 53 eggs
28 washed (W) as described in the first post and 25 unwashed (U)

clear = 1W 1U
early quitter = 3W 2U
Died at point of pip = 2W 2U - moved to hatcher late and I think humidity was too high

.
Hatched = 22W 20U

I am continuing with this experiment. This much already tells me if I don't want to set dirty eggs, I can come out ahead washing them rather than throwing them away.

 

[smarsh]

In the real world, prior to man's manipulation, original jungle fowl layed in outside nest. The eggs got wet; maybe many times. It doesn't surprise me that they hatched just fine.

 

[Chicky Tocks]

Wow! Congrats Jen and thanks for this tidbit of info! Doesn't look like there's any excuse for sending dirty eggs in the mail anymore!

 

[thespinningcottage]

Great experiment! To prevent people (like me) from damaging their dirty eggs by washing them incorrectly, will you be posting your exact recipe for the wash and your entire procedure for washing them?

 

[Bantimna]

What a intersting experiment!
Is there more comming?

 

[bigstack]

The OP said they would continue until they have done 100 egss. This is so cool! another Myth Buster. LOL

God Bless!

 

[dovecanyon]

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