I have 5 hens (1rooster) who lay often. They never stay on the nest. Does it mean the eggs aren't fertile? :)

Question

I would like to leave the eggs in the nest to wait and see but if I do, I am afraid they will get bad as the temps have been around 90 here. (I think they said you can tell in a week). I would like a few fertilized eggs before I separate the hens/rooster (to give their feathers a chance to grow back and give them a break). Also, how do you clean the eggs before cooking with them? I would appreciate any info you could give me. I am new to raising chickens but want to learn everything I can about it. Thanks!

Answer 1

Different breeds of chickens have different "nesting" tendencies. Generally speaking the white leghorns and other commercial hens have had a lot of that instinct bred out of them in exchange for a greater number of eggs each year, while some of the less common breeds, like the cochins, have a very strong mothering instinct and will even sit on eggs belonging to other species like ducks and geese.

If you have a rooster in with the hens, the eggs are probably fertile, but you're best bet for actually hatching them from hens that aren't broody, would be to buy an inexpensive incubator and put a few fresh eggs in there to hatch.

There are dry soaps you can use t clean eggs, they are available from large chicken wholesalers like Murray McMurray farms. I've used handsoap and dishsoap with no problem, but you don't want to leave the eggs submerged in water if you can avoid it as they may "breathe" it into the shell.

Answer 2

It depends on what breed the hens are some are very broody and will sit every time they're given the chance and some seldom ever sit.

You don't need to clean the eggs. If there is poo or anything just wipe it off with a damp washcloth, otherwise they'll be fine. But if your going to save some eggs to cook with later don't get them wet or they will spoil faster. Only clean right before using. Keep any eggs for cooking in the fridge.