How to keep fertile eggs from hatching...

[IggiMom]

Earlier today, someone asked how to keep eggs from being fertile.

Of course, the obvious is to segregate the roosters, but I had the impression the OP wanted to sell eggs for eating and not have anyone hatch them out. They were her extra hatching eggs. I think.

I cannot remember the name of the thread, but I was getting my eggs ready to sell this evening, and the answer came to me.

Of course--just treat them the way I do. I wipe a very very thin layer of eating quality mineral oil on each egg. I do this so they remain fresh longer; old homesteaders trick. They look pretty and shiny, too, but the main reason is freshness. I have no idea how long my eggs treated this way would actually remain fresh, but I have certainly never had one go bad. And people often comment on how my eggs are always fresh. I do this right after they come inside, and they have no chance to dry out.

And I don't see how they could hatch, even should they be fertile (as they probably are) because of course they couldn't breath. You should NEVER do this to any egg you intend to hatch.

I hope the person who wanted to know reads this.

Catherine

 

[Kansaseq]

I do the same thing. I read that commercial egg producers use food-grade mineral oil to help keep the eggs fresh. It doesn't alter the taste at all, and does give them a pretty sheen.

 

[Chickie'sMoma]

do either of you know where to find food grade mineral oil other than to get it online?

 

[Kansaseq]

No, I ordered mine off of Ebay. You might try a homeopathic store, though.

 

[Chickie'sMoma]

thanks!

 

[IggiMom]

I got my initial food grade mineral oil from Eggcartons.com. Then I read through the list of ingredients, and it was expensive, and ALL IT WAS WAS MINERAL OIL.

The only advantage to the eggcartons.com mineral oil is that they have it in spray form, which is rather handy.

So now I go to the laxative section of Walmart and get the mineral oil they sell to be a laxative.

There is so little on the egg that even should you suddenly decide to eat the shell (and I guess some people do), I cannot think that it would have any effect.

Before I put it on my precious eggs, I read all up on it, and mineral oil is harmless stuff. It is the main ingredient in baby oil, with a little fragrance added.

Catherine

 

[IggiMom]

Quote:
Hey, I didn't know anyone else did this! Good to know. The only disadvantage is that they stay fresh so long that if you want to use them for Deviled eggs, for example, the shells may not want to come off.

People always comment on how pretty my eggs are. Of course, they are pretty to start with too! Rainbow basket.

Catherine

 

[PaulaJoAnne]

Is the food grade mineral oil still made with petroleum?

 

[lavacaw]

Quote:
Yes. However, mineral oil is used for almost all make-up removers, baby oils, treating wooden cutting boards, as well as a laxative. Not all petroleum products are bad.

 

[Chickiemama1010]

why cant you just keep the fertile eggs cold? Nearly every egg I crack is fertile, and they go straight from the chicken to the fridge after a washing to remove any debris/poo/otherwise unappetizing material. How long can a fertilized egg remain viable after refrigeration? I cant imagine its that long, a few days maybe? A week TOPS?

That said, im afraid to make deviled eggs or even boil mine, as i occasionally find a little red spot inside, sometimes just a speck, sometimes enough of a chunk for me to feel the need to fish it out with a fork before cooking the eggs. Sometimes when my girls are in full swing, (and i get the eggs before they freeze-which has been an issue lately) we have several dozen eggs in the fridge all at once. Then we have quiche for dinner, then frittata, then "breakfast" then the neighbors get some, and the in-laws, and the co workers etc etc. But they are always fresh, delicious eggs. If I could get over it, and boil them, they would be sent in lunch boxes and eaten faster...

"fresh" can be a relative term. If its less than 10 days old, its fresh to me. The commercial eggs in the grocery store (are gross in comparison) can be weeks old when you buy them. Sometimes they are 2weeks old when they get to the store. Then they have a sell-by date a month away(not necessarily and eat by date)

NOT fresh. Definately NOT