Bluebell1985 Posted March 31, 2021 Share Posted March 31, 2021 What's the score on egg washing? Decades ago I had chickens and only ever brushed eggs clean if I thought they needed it. I was going on the idea of the egg having a protective coat that getting wet would compromise. Is this information now outdated? What is your process from nest box to kitchen for your eggs? All advice very much appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted March 31, 2021 Share Posted March 31, 2021 I don't do anything to my eggs ever. It is even prohibited by law for commercial egg producers to clean or treat eggs in any way. And eggs don't tend to be refrigerated here either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted March 31, 2021 Share Posted March 31, 2021 The egg does have a protective coating called a ‘bloom’ which prevents bacteria getting in through the pores in the shell. I don’t wash mine. I keep my nest box clean so unless it’s very wet and someone takes a load of mud in there, or eggs are laid in an unauthorised location (!) they don’t tend to be too dirty. If one was dirt I’d let it dry and then just brush off most of the dirt. I don’t think it matters whether you wash them or not. The only time it’s a bit controversial is if you’re incubating them to hatch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted April 1, 2021 Share Posted April 1, 2021 If you wash eggs they must be refrigerated and consumed within three days. As Mullethunter says, they have a protective coating on them called a 'bloom', which when removed by washing allows bacteria to enter the shell. They would be washed with egg steriliser solution immediately before incubation, which is the only time we wash eggs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluebell1985 Posted April 4, 2021 Author Share Posted April 4, 2021 Thanks for the answers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...