How do I clean eggs?

[Fabiola]

I just got a shipment of fertile eggs, but they are all dirty with chicken feces, I read that it is important not to clean them, but I also read that the bacteria may penetrate the shells killing the chicks, can someone advise me what to do in this case?

 

[cochins1088]

If they are going under a broody, I wouldn't clean them. But if they are going into an incubator and the incubator is sterile, go for it. I always clean my incubator eggs. I gently wipe them with water just a bit warmer then they are. Don't use soap, and don't sumerge for any longer than 2 minutes. Since it does remove the outer membrane, bacteria can get in a bit more easily, but as long as your incubator is clean, you won't have a problem. Like I said, I always clean my eggs and usually get a 95% hatch rate.

 

[igetallthechix]

the answer to that is - don't clean them. The muck on the outside won't transfer inside if you don't destroy the protective waxy coating.
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[Fabiola]

If they are going under a broody, I wouldn't clean them. But if they are going into an incubator and the incubator is sterile, go for it. I always clean my incubator eggs. I gently wipe them with water just a bit warmer then they are. Don't use soap, and don't sumerge for any longer than 2 minutes. Since it does remove the outer membrane, bacteria can get in a bit more easily, but as long as your incubator is clean, you won't have a problem. Like I said, I always clean my eggs and usually get a 95% hatch rate.

Thanks a lot for your help..

 

[Fabiola]

the answer to that is - don't clean them. The muck on the outside won't transfer inside if you don't destroy the protective waxy coating.

Cool, thank you for your information...