Washing the duck eggs...

[Mom2Munchkins]

First, I know this is a no-no....

But my ducks lay their eggs in the mud, and sometimes I even have to dig them out! Lately they've even been hiding the eggs from me!

Anyway, could I have some opinions on those of you that DO wash eggs, have you experimented to see if it affected your hatch rates?? I am torn, I washed some of my eggs, but some in there are quite muddy. Muddy enough that it makes it hard to candle!

Any opinions are appreciated!!!

 

[duckyfromoz]

I am still waiting to see how it may effect hatch rates- as the only eggs I have washed are still in the bator with a week to go. What I do is run the water til its warm..Then pop the egg under for about 3 seconds...Just to soften everything- and then wipe the muck off with a damp cloth. If I can collect the eggs quick enough in the morning they are sometimes still warm- and I just give them a quick wipe. Ones that are too dirty and that would need more cleaning I dont set at all.

I have heard that the best way to clean a hatching egg is to let the mud dry- and then give it a very light scrub with some very fine sandpaper. I keep meaning to buy some to try it... And think it may be a better way to ensure the egg still keeps some of its protective coating.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

I have had to wash some and they hatch fine. Ive been washing most of the mandarin eggs as they go play in the mud by their waterbowl and then go in the nest and get the eggs muddy.

Just make sure to wash them with water warmer than the egg.

 

[chickboss]

I have zip on practical experience, but Holderreads recomends washing.

 

[Brickman House]

I sprayed off and gently wiped the eggs I set in my last hatch (they were really gross!), and had 15 of 17 hatch. So at least in my limited experience, washing didn't hurt the hatch at all.