washing egg off of eggs

[Minniechickmama]

I wash mine in cold water if they need it, otherwise, I just put them in the frig. I have read on here before that it is recommended to wash with cold because the warm water somehow forces the bacteria into the cells in the eggshell or it clears off the bloom ( mucousy layer that dries on the shell naturally, sealing it) which is there to protect it. Just running cold water and rubbing gently with my finger does the trick. They should be find after that.
Have you tried separating this hen out for a little while and giving her some TLC? and some supplementary feeding of say cooked then cooled oatmeal? Or maybe some cooked and cooled scrambled egg or pieces of fruit? It may have traumatized her having the two roos after her so much. Then again, strange things happen with animals that we just can't explain sometimes.
What breed is she?
Good luck.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Quote:
Actually, it's just the opposite. Water colder than egg causes the egg contents to contract and can draw bacteria into the egg, hence the USDA requirement for water that is 20 degs warmer than the egg.

 

[georgia2]

THanks everybody!
It did seem to me to just use good sense. I'll do a quick wash like you suggest.

Yes, at least I offer the oyster shell. I guess she eats it. I've been putting the shell powder on top of their food in the hopes that would help too. I've also begun to give her yogurt. I also have been making a treat of oatmeal, wheat germ, and ground up egg shells mixed with very warm water in the morning when they first come out of the coop because it is so cold. THey love it. I also took the bully hen into sleep alone inside for a few nights and it seems to have taken that meanness out a little. SO hopefully she'll be able to relax and quit stressing and start laying harder eggs.

 

[countrychics]

good luck. sounds like youve already gotten some really great advice!!!!!!

 

[Minniechickmama]

Quote:
Actually, it's just the opposite. Water colder than egg causes the egg contents to contract and can draw bacteria into the egg, hence the USDA requirement for water that is 20 degs warmer than the egg.

Thanks for setting me straight. I just read too much and get it all jumbled sometimes unless I print it out.