468 POULTRY PRODUCTION 



with dry mash, and that the furnishing of free range for 

 laying hens brought about a marked reduction in the numbers 

 of bacteria found in their eggs. 



The poor packing of eggs for the purpose of taking the 

 eggs to market or for shipping is likely to result in cracked 

 eggs that leak. The contents of one egg smeared over several 

 others not only moistens them, but at the same time furnishes 

 a very excellent medium for the development of bacteria 

 and moulds. 



The eggs obtained from different hens also vary widely in 

 their keeping quality. For instance, two hens at the Kansas 

 Experiment Station laid eggs of which only 4 per cent, 

 spoiled; while at the same time 33.8 per cent, of the eggs 

 laid by another hen spoiled. This is a difference of almost 

 30 per cent. Unfortunately, we have, at the present time, 

 no practical means of eliminating such hens whose eggs show 

 an exceptional susceptibility to spoilage. 



Absorption of Odors. — Eggs, like milk and butter, readily 

 absorb strong or penetrating odors. When kept for any 

 length of time near onions, fish, or citrus fruits, or in a vege- 

 table cellar where there is more or less decay, or even when 

 laid in nests recently sprayed with an odorous disinfectant, 

 they will absorb enough of the flavor to taint them very 

 noticeably. While this cannot be detected by the candler, 

 except in extreme cases, it is a real source of loss in that a 

 tainted egg disappoints the consumer and tends to limit 

 consumption. Limited consumption means a lower price. 



Stains. — Besides causing increased infection, foul and dirty 

 nests are responsible for numerous soiled eggs. Such an egg 

 can only rank as second-class commercially, even if it is 

 carefully washed. 



"A year 'round observation of New York egg receipts 

 showed that over 12 per cent, were dirty shelled, and sold 

 for a lower price on this account."' Damp, muddy yards 

 are also responsible for a large number of dirty eggs. When 

 the houses are so crowded that it is necessary to allow the 

 birds to run at large, even during rainy weather, a certain 



' Pennington, Open Letter to Buyers and Shippers of Eg);s, August 6, 

 1913. 



