Serious question, did anyone else think you had to wash eggs right away?

For my first two years keeping birds, I would run inside and scrub every egg with warm water as soon as I collected it. I saw a video from a farm in Oregon where they just brushed off the dirt and stored them on the counter. They explained the bloom keeps them fresh. I tried it and my eggs lasted way longer. How do you all clean your eggs?

3 comments

3 Comments

sam_anderson7d ago

My grandma in Wisconsin taught me to never wash an egg until right before you use it. She kept her basket on the cool pantry shelf for weeks. That natural coating is like a built in lid. Washing it off, especially with warm water, opens up the pores and lets bacteria in. I just give them a quick dry brush if they're dirty.

robin_foster16d ago

Yeah that "natural coating" thing is key. I learned the hard way after washing a whole dozen and they went bad way faster. Now I just keep them on the counter and wipe off any dirt or feathers with a dry paper towel right before cracking. Warm water really does pull that protective layer right off.

green.victor6d ago

My neighbor's chickens taught me the same thing, and I felt for Robin when she mentioned losing that whole dozen.