[I am investing a significant amount of my time cleaning my eggs. I must admit my chickens leave quite soiled eggs. I don't get home until 7:30 p.m. and most of the mess has dried and adhersed very good to the eggs. I tried soaking them for a while, but I find that weakens the shell. It seems that I have to use a scrub brush the majority of the time. Any other suggestions? Thanks./b]
cold water and a gentle scrub - but clean straw in the nest boxes has virtually wiped out egg-cleaning except for a rinse.
We have a soft bristle, vegetable brush that we bought especially for that purpose--as we rinse under warm water we brush the eggs--but, as above, if you keep the straw in the nest boxes clean it is less of a job.
We keep the nest boxes clean. No need for egg washing. Unwashed eggs keep better, longer than washed eggs.
Here's what I do, and what people had to say about it. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=4840324#p4840324 DD
I wash my eggs just before I sell them or just before we use them. My girls are pretty good, most of the time no poo in the nesting boxes. Did have 3 times that one of the sex links laid her egg with poo on it but that is no longer happening. Most of the time I'm able to just use warm water to rinse off and a clean dishtowel to dry them before a sale.
As said before..prevention is worth a pound... I find that using the deep litter method of bedding really tends to clean off the debris of muddy feet before girls get into the nests. Keeping the bedding clean and dry is also a plus. Also, you might look into if you have enough nest boxes to provide less crowding. The less birds getting into each nest, the less debris tracked onto the eggs already there. Also, if your eggs have a lot of manure residue, you might look into what you are feeding. Most chicken manure should be a healthy, firm blob that drops from the vent and doesn't adhere to the feathers surrounding the vent. If your chickens are running around with wet vent feathers you may either be feeding the wrong feeds or your run is too wet and muddy. I keep a hay bale in the building next door and, when I gather eggs and find a soiled nest, I simply flip that out into the bedding on the floor and grab a fresh handful to refresh the nest. It only takes a matter of seconds to put fresh nesting material in. When I find soiled eggs that have dried matter that doesn't wipe off easily with a damp cloth, I either use that one for supplemental protein on the dog's food or will return it to the manufacturers. If I really need that egg to fill an egg order, I will brush the debris lightly with a dry scratcher and then wipe it gently with a damp cloth.
