Just jumped into it again with both feet - got over 200 pheasant eggs to incubate for a buddy. The eggs were for the most part clean, but I have over 50 which are literally crusted with bird s***. I know I can't wash them off - can I use a fine sandpaper to scrape off the worst of it - I am trying to mark the eggs' outsides with x's and o's to help me when it's time to turn them over. Which, as I understand it, is supposed to be 3-5 times each day. So much for a life outside the home for me over the next 23 days! Also, any suggestions? I have hatched out chickens, but this is my first experience w/pheasants, so any input would be greatly appreciated. Judi

-- Judi (ddecaro@snet.net), April 20, 2000

Answers

Well, since the developing embryo has to have air move in and out of the shell, I'd go ahead and carefully sandpaper them then wipe with a damp cloth. Even a gentle quick wash (not too hot and not too cold) and scrub with a brush if the eggs were still pretty dirty. If the eggs are that badly crusted, they're not likely to hatch anyway so damage to the outer coating of the shell isn't important. Just remember to always always turn eggs gently so you don't rip the embryo loose from its mooring.

I'm guessing you're just going to have the eggs on a screen since you'll be hand turning them. I just figure out about how many eggs would fit across in one row. Then I put 2 less in every row. Each time I roll them, I only go about 1/4 turn toward the end that is "missing" eggs. When the rows of eggs end up on the far side, I just start quarter turning them back to where they started. If I have so many eggs I fill the incubator, I remove one egg from the top row (holding it in my hand or putting it on top of the other eggs well back from where I'm working. Then each egg gets a quarter turn and a wiggle into the spot where the egg in front of it was. One egg from the second row gets a turn and a move to the first row and so on until I get to the end of the last row where I put the original first egg. If you can hatch chickens and these are good eggs, you shouldn't have too many problems. Gerbil

-- Gerbil (ima_gerbil@hotmail.com), April 20, 2000.

If they're that badly crusted, you might wash them and have a big omelet. I have found the odds are poor with these types of eggs. Problem is - washing tends to fill the pores with the "stuff", but a few might come through. Sandpapering is an interesting thought. Try some of each and let us know how you do (This assignment is due in 3 weeks). GL!

-- Brad (homefixer@mix-net.net), April 22, 2000.