Eggs being used for hatching should not be washed, but...(help)

[ItsSuzzie]

Ok, I have read in several places, do not wash your hatching eggs, you could push the bacteria inside the egg and kill the chick.

You also risk the chance of removing the film on the egg that protects the chick.

I have also heard others who disinfect their eggs before they incubate.
And I have read that the best way to clean a hatching egg, if you must use that egg, is to use a light sand paper.

Well, it has been snowing here and the eggs look real bad, splashed messy.

I am learning to use the Bator right now, so I do not want to pitch these eggs. Just not interested in infecting the bator.

Just what do you use to clean a hatching egg you want to use?
What Chemical, if any? What temperature water, if any?
Have you cleaned eggs for your own hatch? How did it turn out?

 

[Katy]

I don't wash my hatching eggs. I wipe what I can off with a dry paper towel. If they're too dirty I just don't put them in the bator. Not worth the risk to any other eggs I've got in there.

 

[MandyH]

If you MUST wash an egg, take a small bucket and fill it about half way or so with some fine sand. Rub the egg with the sand and MOST of the goo will come off. I use this method when necessary and it's not near as harsh as sandpaper, it kind of polishes the egg and doesn't scratch it.

 

[Katy]

Quote:
I like this idea alot. I never did like the idea of using sand paper.

 

[MandyH]

Hey, us country folk gotta use whats handy!! It does work really well. I just took some sand out of dd's sandbox, because play sand is SOOOO fine.

 

[ItsSuzzie]

All right, fine sand. That makes perfect sense. It should work, eggs are not hen dirty...get my drift? Eggs are Rain dirty, we had snow here a couple of days ago.

Thank you all for your help!!!

Anyone else can add to this, I will review it again. The person who disinfected their eggs was a 4H'er. Love the clues, especially if they work.

 

[Litewings]

Wow! Fine Sand!
I like that idea.

Litewings

 

[chickalator]

i used a firm toothebrush.

 

[becky3086]

I have heard the bacteria arguement before but I used to wash off any spots on mine that needed it with just plain water or a wet paper towel, they still hatched.
Becky

 

[Rufflemyfeathers]

Got lot of sand here in Florida..