How to Clean Ostrich Eggs

The ostrich, a long-necked and flightless bird, has an approximate top land speed of 45 mph. Ostriches are also the largest species of bird, and their eggs are the largest of any bird as well. These eggs, sometimes used by humans for making specialty omelets, jewelry or ornaments, can weigh around 3 pounds each. Before incubating an ostrich egg, it must first be cleaned. This keeps dirt, bacteria and other contaminants from entering the pore openings of the shell.

Things You'll Need

  • Shoe brush with soft bristles
  • Blow-dryer (optional)
  • Commercial egg disinfectant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Dry the ostrich egg's shell, if it is wet, using a blow-dryer. Make sure that the egg is thoroughly dried before attempting to clean off any particles.

    • 2

      Buff the dry ostrich egg gently with the soft-bristle shoe brush. Scrape off any visible dirt or residual particles that coat the shell.

    • 3

      Coat the egg shell with commercial egg disinfectant that contains either phenolic compound or quaternary ammonia. The disinfectant may be applied by a fogging system, aerosol or hand spraying.

    • 4

      Allow the egg to dry completely. Store the egg on a clean wire rack where the temperature ranges from 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The egg can be stored in this manner for up to one week before taking it to an incubator.