Our Buff Orphington, Laydy Madonna, started setting on the eggs in the nesting box 3 days ago. This is the second time she has been broody. She's a great setter and mom. She's in a closed off area with food and water and seems content. She's very sweet. Today she let me lift her off the eggs--I wanted to see how many were there (13) and what shape they are in. Well, one had broken and several of the eggs have broken egg and nest stuff/downy feather stuck to them. I relined her nest and put the eggs (as is) back and her back on them. My question is, the next time I check the eggs should I try to clean them? With what? When?
I would advise you not to clean them. if you do they will lose the natural protective coating and lose moisture too quickly.