Wanted Please - Harrogate / York / Leeds area

[pullusleggus]

Does anyone know how safe, or otherwise, my eggs are? They have poo on them always as my chickens will poo in the nesting box but lay in the night so I can't block them from it. I have started washing them thinking that might be safer (but it sounds as if I might be wrong). I also have plenty of dirty eggs that I have had for a few weeks and ought to pass to neighbours but don't dare in case they become ill! What should I do ? All suggestions gratefully received.

[cockadoodle1]

According to some know-it -all on Come Dine With Me all eggs have bacteria on them so hand washing is advised. My hens lay in the nest box so I have the same problem, all I do is wash the poo off and they are as good as new. No bacteria gets inside the shell cos the egg is virtually shrink wrapped. eggs will last about three weeks. We don,t put ours in the fridge.any older than that I would not give away. We always date the egg the day they are laid

[emchook]

I have always just washed mine under the tap as soon as they have been collected .. I have been doing this for a year and no problems.

[Saronne]

If the eggs are really mucky, I very gently rinse them under the tap and pat dry with paper towelling. If they look clean, then I tend to leave them alone.

 

 

Saronne x

[pullusleggus]

Thank you all for the tips. I shall wash and date my eggs in future.

[Plum]

As I understand it, but can't give you the evidence it is fine to wash them but they may deteriorate quicker because they loose their protective 'bloom'.