To wash. Or not to wash. That, is the question.

[rjohns39]

My chief concern is any form of "cleaning" will likely remove the bloom, thus exposing the egg to outside bacteria. So I'm either all in or all out. I store eggs as collected in the pantry until I'm ready to cook or refrigerate. Then I use an egg brush and hot water to thoroughly clean them and in the fridge or pan they go. Eggs I'm going to sell go into a wine fridge that I have dedicated to them. Many of my customers would prefer unwashed/un-refrigerated eggs, but I'm just not willing to take the risk of fines etc...

 

[alexa009]

I really don't even have to worry about washing my eggs in my one flock because I separate the nesting boxes from the actual coop and my chickens never leave droppings in the nesting boxes.

 

[Anna Ranieri]

My chief concern is any form of "cleaning" will likely remove the bloom, thus exposing the egg to outside bacteria. So I'm either all in or all out. I store eggs as collected in the pantry until I'm ready to cook or refrigerate. Then I use an egg brush and hot water to thoroughly clean them and in the fridge or pan they go. Eggs I'm going to sell go into a wine fridge that I have dedicated to them. Many of my customers would prefer unwashed/un-refrigerated eggs, but I'm just not willing to take the risk of fines etc...

My hens haven't started laying yet, I won't be selling any eggs but intend to gift them to family and friends. I've decided to go with British consumer laws so won't be washing the eggs. Over here only grade A eggs can be sold in retail, grade A eggs can not be washed and can not be stored in a fridge they must be stored and sold at room temperature - grade B can be washed but can only be sold to food business' which will process the eggs. Apparently our eggs would be illegal to sell in your country and vise versa.

 

[Anna Ranieri]

I really don't even have to worry about washing my eggs in my one flock because I separate the nesting boxes from the actual coop and my chickens never leave droppings in the nesting boxes.

Very wise and probably the best answer

 

[Smiling Angel]

Just went out to the coop this afternoon, and, boy! I came in with 26 eggs, and I’m pretty sure at least a couple of our Brahma pullets are laying already. They are only 3 months old. Anyhow, the pretty egg holder in the kitchen sure got filled up!