Kitchen Garden Forum

Hi Everyone

As result of this lovely weather we are having my hen run is like a mud bath it doesn't matter how much straw and wood chippings I put in their run and coop the eggs are somewhat dirty now i don't normally wash my eggs as they say it shortens the length of time you can keep them

My Question is Would you wash them

Regards

Arnie

I don't until I'm about to use them.

Mine chickens are in a similar state to yours.

I just give them a gentle wipe if they need it.

Maybe if you could get a few pallets down in the run , it would help keep their feet dry?

I would say a gentle wipe as shells are porous and you could wash dirt in. If the shells are dry when you come to use the egg it should be OK without washing if you're careful. Commercial pheasant hatcheries always wash their eggs but they're not going to eat them!

MW

I always wash the mud off in cold water as soon as I can. If you leave it on to dry it can mark the shell and is much harder to remove and as the shells are absorbent I think it is more hygienic to clean them. I haven't noticed any reduction in shelf life, but use them up fairly fast any way.