Homesteaders

You have to wash for 3 minutes. I can twiddle my thumbs for 5.
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I wonder how your fingers would feel after 15+ dozen eggs.
I can't imagine washing that many eggs by hand. I don't get more than a dozen a day on a good day. Do you have to wash eggs if they're not dirty? Seems to me a clean nest box keeps eggs clean enough. Mine do.

Not always though. I've got a hen that insists on roosting with her butt inside the nest box. I chase her out but she's right back there the next evening.
 
I have customers that want their eggs washed even though I tell em they would last longer without washing and most aren't dirty, but they pay.. so I wash. I only wash shortly before they get picked up.
interesting... washing actually increases odds of bacteria entering the egg! do you use egg wash? I was looking at the bucket of egg wash at the farm store the other day and it said that the solution should be sprayed on the eggs until clean and eggs should not be immersed or in standing solution. That was the first time i have ever read anything about egg washing as we dont wash (Clean nest boxes pay off) so it could be just that kind.

Im always up for being educated on how others do things.
 
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Washing does increase the odds of bacteria entering the egg because you are removing the bloom, but there are "safe" ways. Cold water will cause the contents of the egg to shrink, creating a vacuum that will pull bacteria and other nasties into the egg through the porous egg shell. Warm water, on the other hand (at least 20 degrees warmer than the egg), will cause the contents to expand against the shell, preventing bacteria from entering. Always dry the egg thoroughly after washing and store in the refrigerator. If you are going to wash, it is much better to make it as quick as possible. Do not "soak" the eggs. BTW...there are about as many opinions on how to clean eggs as there are chicken keepers.
 
Washing does increase the odds of bacteria entering the egg because you are removing the bloom, but there are "safe" ways. Cold water will cause the contents of the egg to shrink, creating a vacuum that will pull bacteria and other nasties into the egg through the porous egg shell. Warm water, on the other hand (at least 20 degrees warmer than the egg), will cause the contents to expand against the shell, preventing bacteria from entering. Always dry the egg thoroughly after washing and store in the refrigerator. If you are going to wash, it is much better to make it as quick as possible. Do not "soak" the eggs. BTW...there are about as many opinions on how to clean eggs as there are chicken keepers.


Isn't that the case with most things chicken related :)
You know what they say, opinions are like... Uh... "Belly buttons"
 
Isn't that the case with most things chicken related :)
You know what they say, opinions are like... Uh... "Belly buttons"
well I love hearing all the opinions here as long as all "belly buttons" are kept private. From the info I gather in the 2 threads I follow I have some very happy healthy thriving chickens, and a great homestead. So thanks to all.
 
well I love hearing all the opinions here as long as all "belly buttons" are kept private. From the info I gather in the 2 threads I follow I have some very happy healthy thriving chickens, and a great homestead. So thanks to all.

I very much agree! I love coming here and learning what other people are trying and sharing my own experiences. Everyone stands to gain something :)
 
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Correct.. that's why I recommend that the eggs not be washed.. but again.. they want it, they pay.. I wash. I don't use any egg wash solution as the eggs generally are "clean" with only the odd feather or bit of straw stuck to the eggs. The egg washer removes these bits quickly. Since I have arthritic fingers, if I must wash eggs it's easier using the washer as I don't have to worry about dropping eggs washing by hand. If I actually get a "dirty" egg on occasion. I use a scotch pad and rub the dirt off and keep for personal use.
 

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