If you keep laying hens, you may find fresh eggs in the coop every day. Eggs freshly taken from the coop may be muddy, dirty with bits of nesting material, and even chicken droppings and should be cleaned first. Try scrubbing waterless eggs with a scouring sponge or brush first to clean them. If a dry brush doesn't work to clean the eggs, you may need to wash them in hot water.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Keeping Eggs Clean
Step 1. Collect the eggs every day so they don't get too dirty
Check the nest box at least once a day to see if the chickens have laid eggs. Immediately take the eggs when found so they are not dirty due to chicken droppings or other dirt when occupied by chickens. Immediately discard the broken eggs so that the nest box is not too dirty.
Check the chicken coop every day at the same time so that no eggs are missed.
Step 2. Place the nest box lower than where the chickens live
Chickens will sleep in the highest areas so that the eggs are easier to break. So, position this nest box lower than the hen's bed to prevent the hen from breaking or damaging the eggs.
Tip:
Place the nest box on the far side of the cage door so that the chicken feet are not too dirty when laying eggs. An arrangement like this will help make the eggs a little cleaner.
Step 3. Change the nest box material every 1-2 weeks to keep it clean
Check the cleanliness of the hay or pads in the nest box. If you notice a lot of mud, chicken droppings, or feathers in there, replace the nest box material with a new one to keep it clean. Even if it doesn't look dirty after 2 weeks, still replace the nest box material with a new one to prevent bacterial growth.
Use a paint scraper if there is chicken droppings or mud stuck to the bottom of the nest box
Step 4. Bathe the chicken if the rectum is dirty
The anus is located on the back of the chicken and is where the eggs come out. Fill a shallow bucket with warm water then add a few drops of dish soap and stir until foamy. Put the chicken in the bucket and rub the feathers with soap. After cleaning the back of the chicken, put the chicken in another bucket of clean water to rinse off the soapy suds. Pat the chicken dry with a towel then finish with a hairdryer on the lowest setting.
If the chicken's rectum is very dirty again, contact the veterinarian to determine if the chicken is infected with bacteria
Method 2 of 3: Scrubbing Eggs Without Water
Step 1. Discard any cracked or cracked eggs
Sort the collected eggs and check for damage to the shells. Watch for cracks and shards that could easily allow bacteria to enter the egg. Throw away all damaged eggs so that the good ones are not contaminated.
If any eggs are coated with Fill other broken eggs or thick chicken manure, it might be easier to throw it away as well instead of trying to clean it.
Step 2. Remove dirt and debris from the eggshell with a scrubbing sponge
Hold the egg carefully in the palm of your hand so that it doesn't fall or break easily. Use your dominant hand to gently scrub the surface of the egg with a scouring or regular sponge. Rub the sponge in a circular motion over the surface of the egg to remove any adhering dirt. Eggs are safe to eat after chicken manure or other debris has been removed from the shell.
- You can also use an egg brush or a small number 220 sandpaper to clean the eggs.
- After cleaning 4-5 eggs, clean the scouring sponge using a solution of 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of bleach in 4 liters of water, or replace it with a new one.
Step 3. Store eggs at room temperature or in the refrigerator
Place the cleaned eggs into the egg holder by adjusting the width facing up. Fresh eggs can be stored in the kitchen cupboard at room temperature for 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
- You can buy reusable egg boxes online.
- You can also store eggs in a large bowl if you don't have a reusable egg case.
Warning:
Don't store eggs that you buy from the store in the kitchen cupboards as they are usually washed before selling so their shells are weaker and more susceptible to bacteria.
Method 3 of 3: Washing Eggs
Step 1. Pour warm water with a temperature of 40-45 degrees Celsius into a bowl
Use a shallow bowl as the eggs don't have to be completely soaked. Make sure the water temperature is in the 40-45 degrees Celsius range to minimize the possibility of bacteria contaminating the eggs. Place the bowl on the kitchen counter or table near the sink.
- If you wash eggs in cold water, harmful bacteria will be attracted to the shells, causing them to become contaminated.
- Do not use water with a temperature exceeding 45 degrees Celsius because it can boil eggs.
- If you plan to sell eggs commercially, check the regulations as you may have to use certain cleaning agents to wash your eggs.
Step 2. Wet and clean the eggs one by one with a scrubbing sponge
Dip the eggs into the hot water one at a time and then rock them in the water for a few seconds to loosen the dirt. Remove the eggs from the water and use a scrubbing sponge or egg brush to scrub the shells clean. Put the eggs back in the water if you need to wet them again.
Do not immerse eggs in water because there is a risk of causing harmful bacteria such as Salmonella to seep in.
Step 3. Set the eggs aside on a towel then pat them dry
After washing, place the eggs on a soft towel then pat them dry and no longer wet. Leave the eggs on a towel to dry completely before storing.
- You can also use kitchen paper if you want.
- If the towel you are using is wet, replace it with a new one to prevent the eggs from getting wet.
Step 4. Store the washed eggs in the refrigerator
Place the eggs in a reusable egg box or large bowl and store them in the refrigerator. Keep eggs away from strong-smelling foods such as onions or fish, as these can absorb the aroma and change the taste. Store eggs in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
You should not store eggs that have been washed in water at room temperature because these eggs have lost the protective coating on the outside of their shells
Tip:
Write the expiration date of the egg in pencil so you can remember it.
