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Should Hatching Eggs Be Cleaned? A Comprehensive Guide
Whether hatching shipped eggs, your own, or your neighbor’s, cleaning eggs can be a dilemma that many face. How dirty is too dirty? Does cleaning harm the eggs? Anxious breeders often ask these questions, and we’re here to help answer them.
Below is more information from Brinsea, the Incubation Specialists. For more help, you can contact us at (888) 667-7009 or message us on Facebook or Instagram.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid Cleaning When Possible: Cleaning eggs removes the natural protective layer (cuticle), increasing the risk of contamination.
- Prioritize Nest Hygiene: The best way to get clean eggs is to maintain a clean nesting environment for your flock.
- If You Must Clean, Be Cautious: Use dry cleaning for light dirt, and only use warm-water wet cleaning for heavily soiled eggs as a last resort.
The Role of the Eggshell
Eggshells are one of nature’s many wonders. These seemingly simple barriers store calcium for the growth of the embryo, conduct heat, allow water evaporation, and regulate respiration. The most important job of the eggshell, however, is protecting its contents against injury or contamination.
You can’t see it with your naked eye, but eggshells are covered in pores that allow oxygen to get to the embryo inside while carbon dioxide exits. This is also what allows the egg to lose weight during incubation, which we discuss in greater detail in our Humidity in Incubation article. The outer layer of the eggshell, also known as the cuticle or bloom, is the first line of defense for the embryo. If contaminants are able to enter the egg, no amount of cleaning will fix the problem. Due to this, proper nest hygiene and frequent collection of eggs are crucial.
The Hygiene of Your Flock
If you are hatching your own eggs it is important to pay attention to the hygiene of your flock. We recommend a few simple steps to ensure the eggs you are collecting remain free from contaminants:
- Train your flock to use their nesting boxes early on. This can be done by adding fake eggs.
- Keep the nesting materials clean. Clean once a week for poultry and more often for waterfowl.
- Gather eggs at least once a day or more often if possible.
If you do happen to collect a few dirty eggs, store these in a separate container from the clean eggs to prevent cross-contamination.
The Risks vs. Rewards of Cleaning
Risks of Cleaning
- Removes Cuticle: You strip the egg’s natural, antibacterial barrier.
- Causes Contamination: Improper washing can push bacteria *into* the egg.
Rewards of Proper Cleaning
- Salvages Soiled Eggs: Allows you to incubate an egg that would otherwise be discarded.
- Reduces Contamination: Prevents one dirty egg from spreading bacteria to the entire incubator.
Proper Cleaning Procedures (If Absolutely Necessary)
Dry Cleaning
This method uses abrasives to brush off lightly soiled eggs. Dry cleaning runs the risk of breaking the egg if not done gently and can weaken the cuticle. Abrasion also creates fine dust that can cause respiratory issues for the embryo.
Wet Cleaning
This is a more complicated method. Bacteria on dry eggs are mostly dormant, but wet cleaning gives them a vehicle to enter the egg's pores.
Crucial Rule: The wash water must be significantly warmer than the eggs (ideal temp: 105°F). Colder water creates a vacuum, pulling bacteria inside the shell.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean eggs without removing the bloom?
To preserve the protective bloom, dry cleaning is the only recommended method. Gently use a soft brush or dry cloth to remove debris. Avoid water entirely.
What is the best disinfectant for hatching eggs?
When a disinfectant is necessary, it's crucial to use one specifically formulated for hatching eggs, like the Brinsea Incubation Disinfectant Concentrate, which is proven safe and effective.
Can you incubate dirty eggs?
It is strongly not recommended. The warm, humid incubator environment is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which can contaminate the entire hatch.