I saw a nestbox at the Gateway Sales booth at the London Farm Show and just had to share. They sell sturdy chicken coops that are easy to move and convertible, plus they also sell accessories.
The nestbox pictured is one of the accessories. It is set up so that eggs roll away into a compartment after being laid. The compartment serves to keep the eggs clean and away from potential pecking but accessible for gathering. An added option, these nestboxes can be easily flipped for rear gathering or front gathering.
Both features help to maintain the bloom on the egg. The bloom is laid down before the egg is laid, (but after it is coloured as all eggs start white and colour depending on breed). The bloom is a protective layer that seals the eggshell to prevent bacteria like salmonella from entering the egg. It consists of glycoproteins, lipids, polysaccharides and inorganic phosphorus.
Some hens lay a heavier bloom, and some are a bit lighter, but generally between ten and thirty micrometers thick. Maintaining the bloom is important as it acts as a barrier to infection, for health of the chick.
This nestbox works to maintain the bloom by keeping the eggs clean and dry. Washing will compromise the bloom. If an egg bloom gets wet or even rubbed away, the seal is broken. If eggs are for human consumption, they need to go into the refrigerator if the bloom is compromised.
If your eggs are unwashed with bloom intact, they can sit on your counter at room temperature for up to a month!
Editor’s tip: One nestbox can be used for up to twelve hens.
Contact Gateway Sales for more information on the roll-away egg nestbox at 1-800-705-4221 or gateway3941@gmail.com.
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