Home Egg Quality

Keeping fresh eggs safe at home

Source: Wikipedia

I do from time to time scan other sites regarding the home flock.  One of the biggest debates is whether to wash eggs at home or not.  The USDA does not recommend washing eggs at home because they make the assumption that US consumers are buying eggs from grocery stores that sell farm washed eggs.  Eggs washed once should not have to be washed again.  But, what about local farm eggs?  Eggs do have natural defenses against bacterial intrusion, but that is only for a short period of time.  Heavy soiling of eggs can contribute to bacterial contamination, and this is why washing is done.  Sanding eggs to remove dried manure and urates actually breaks down the outer bloom of the egg and could lead to contamination.  Improper washing can also lead to contamination of eggs through thermal checking and osmotic pressures.  So, if you have to wash eggs, be sure that the room temperature eggs are washed quickly in soapy water that is 10 degrees hotter than the egg temperature.  Rinse water should be 10 degrees hotter than the wash water.  Short durations in each bath should do the trick without a drop in egg quality.  Use a cool blow drier to remove any excess rinse water.

In any case, eggs should always be refrigerated.  Refrigeration  is the best method for keeping any bacteria from growing too fast.  If you eat home raised eggs on a regular basis you should do so to keep the supply in the refrigerator fresh.  The lowest portion of the refrigerator is the coldest, so store eggs there in a covered egg carton or bowl for protection from food spills and bumping.

More info at:
USDA Food Safety - Eggs

Cooling Equipment Checks in time of Heat

To keep Your Cool, Maintain what keeps you Cool...

Photo:thelifeofafarmerswife.blogspot.com

For the most part the equipment on most poultry buildings is well designed and is sized for the flock you housed.  But, just like your vehicle, these houses require normal maintenance checks to ensure optimal efficiency and long useful life.  Cooling pads need to be examined for proper distribution of water.  Reservoirs should be checked for proper fluid levels and condition of water.  Pump screens should be checked for algae or other obstructions that would limit flow.  Drain reservoirs that contain heavy sand / dirt that may accumulate near farm lanes.  Follow manufacture's recommendations for cleaning pads if you are in areas of hard water or notice residues forming on the pads.  During peak use, observe the pads to see that all areas are saturated to prevent hot air by-pass through the cell.  A small piece of wire or pipe cleaner is handy for unclogging cell water distribution pipes.  Be sure to have a few extra cells on site in case they are needed for replacement of cells damaged during load-out or de-lamination of the cell itself.  On the other side, be sure to power down and brush / blow off fan blades for proper operation.  Check belts and pulleys as you do this for proper adjustment and wear.  Proper weekly checks of the systems will ensure proper cooling when you need it.