CDC says - Never wash eggs w water?
Our take
When it comes to the delightful world of backyard chicken keeping, there’s always something new to learn—even if you think you’ve got it all figured out. Recently, I stumbled upon an eye-opening article from the CDC discussing salmonella outbreaks linked to backyard chickens, and it left me both aghast and intrigued. The crux of the article was a surprising recommendation: never wash your eggs with water. As someone who has proudly kept hens for four years, this was a cluck-tastic revelation that shook the very foundation of my egg-cleaning routine. If you’re also navigating the tricky waters of chicken care, you might be wondering, “How do I keep my eggs safe?” The CDC suggests frequent egg collection to avoid dirtiness and breakage. Instead of a wash, they recommend using a cloth, brush, or even sandpaper to clean off any messy business. It’s a bit of a game-changer, isn’t it?
This advice is especially pertinent when considering the health implications of our feathered friends. The CDC's guidance stems from the understanding that washing eggs can inadvertently draw harmful germs into the egg. This is crucial for all of us who cherish our chickens and their contributions to our breakfast tables. It’s a reminder that even the most seemingly mundane tasks—like cleaning eggs—can have hidden risks. For those of us who might have been “chickening out” on food safety protocols, this information is eye-opening. In fact, it echoes the sentiments expressed in our Help article, where members of our community seek advice on various chicken-related concerns. Just like that, egg cleaning has become a topic of serious discussion among us backyard chicken enthusiasts.
The playful side of this revelation is that it’s a bit like a fowl game of hide-and-seek. How many of us have felt the temptation to give our eggs a good wash after they’ve been nestled in a cozy nest? This new guidance prompts us to rethink our habits and approach the task with a fresh perspective. The truth is, despite our love for our chickens, they can be a source of anxiety. The fear of salmonella can loom large, especially with our precious eggs on the line. It’s comforting to know that we’re not alone in this journey. Our community has shared experiences that reflect this blend of humor and vulnerability, as seen in another article, Chicken started honking?, where the oddities of chicken behavior spark both concern and amusement.
As we continue to learn, grow, and laugh at the quirks of chicken ownership, it's vital to stay informed and engaged with best practices. The CDC's recommendations highlight the importance of not just caring for our feathered friends but also protecting our health and that of our loved ones. So, what’s next on the horizon for chicken enthusiasts? Perhaps more guidelines will emerge that blend safety with the joy of chicken keeping. As we navigate this whimsical world, let’s keep asking questions and sharing our discoveries. After all, in the delightful chaos of poultry parenting, every cluck counts! Do you have any egg-cleaning tips or experiences that might surprise us? Let’s keep the conversation going!
I was reading an article posted on the CDC about a recent outbreak of salmonella in some back yard chickens that were distributed in the Eastern U.S., in the article it states the following, I was kind of mind blown, it's all I've ever known and read, though I'm fairly new to this only had hens for four years.
How do you clean your eggs?
"If you are handling backyard poultry's eggs, the CDC recommends collecting eggs often, as allowing them to sit in a nest can cause them to break or get dirty. Any broken or cracked eggs should be thrown away. You can clean off any dirty eggs with a cloth, brush, or sandpaper—but never wash the eggs as the water can draw germs into the egg. "
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