Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-04-29
NAMES BIG EGGS
HOW TO PACK EN-
AVOID BREAkACE

orono. April 2s.--Breakage Is
found in from 80 to 80 per cent OF
the cases of eggs shipped from
Maine to outside markets and at
least 80 per cent Of this breakage is
due to lend crush" of the large and
long eggs which stick up above the
top Of the filters.
The above statement was made by
O. M. Wilbur author Of bulletin No.
1856 producing and Handling Quality
Eggs recently published by the
Extension Service of the College OF
Agriculture. Mr.. Wilbur, who is
poultry specialist. has made study
Of the poultry industry in the State
of Maine. He has found among
other things that breakage in transit
is causing one of the greatest losses
to Maine poultryman. The avoiding
of breakage and the necessity for the
production of quality eggs are two
of the outstanding requisites for a
prosperous. poultry business says Mr..
Wilbur. These two phases of the
business are treated in his publica-
ton.
In discussing the question Of
breakage Mr.. Wilbur goes on to say:
ITO avoid this condition one OF
two things is necessary. Either less
large eggs must be produced or they
must be graded and packed in con-
tainerS large enough to carry them
safely. 1t is not desired to recon-
mend the production of smaller
eggs of course. but big eggs which
reach the market broken are total
loss. Care must be taken to use
proper containers and to properly
pack them. The following is recon-
mended as the most satisfactory
method of packing eggs:
use standard egg cases in good
condition.
only new honey comb filters
should be used. They are made in
two sizes-standard "a inches deep
and extra deep 7-16 inches deep.
The six pad pack is considered most
satisfactory. In packing the case
place an excelsior pad but no fiat in
the bottom of the case one on top
and one under the top layer of each
compartment in the case. Never use
the fiat whenever a pad is used.
This allows the ends of the eggs to
become imbedded in the pad and
have full cushioning effect which
prevents Earring. Pack the eggs in
the case, small end downward. and
if there are long eggs save out those
which project above the filters and
place them on the top layer using an
extra deep filler. Never put the
large eggs in the corner cells. They
are the weakest in the case. Save
out all thin shelled eggs and use
them at home or sell them locally.
If there are many of these try to
correct the condition in the flock.
when all extra deep filters are
used it will be necessary to make the
case one inch deeper by mailing one
inch strips on the top of the ends
and center board to relieve pressure
on the eggs.
Cup flats now in quite general
use are considered superior to the
old type of straw board flats be-
cause they tend to prevent cracking
the eggs as they are dropped into
the filters and they also prevent
shifting of the filters in the case.
The content of leaky eggs run in the
groves between the cups and do not
soil as many other eggs. Cup flats
may be used over and over so long
as they are in good condition. When
cup flats are used the excelsior pads
may be omitted.
THE cases should be packed
tight SO that there will be a slight
bulge when the cover is nailed on
Nail the cover ON the case using five
nails in each end of the crate.
Never nail the cover in the center.
Second hand gift cases if used
should be renailed using three
penny fine cement coated fiat head
ed egg case nails and wired or strap
ped with fiat iron straps on the
sides and bottom at each end. The
top should never be strapped Or
wired.
when packing eggs for local
trade the one dozen egg carton us
ing the 2x6 style carton makes an
attractive and convenient package.
They fit into a regular egg case.
Sound packages and careful grad
ing and packing are essential in pre-
venting breakage and in getting
eggs to market in good condition.
Free copies of this publication will
be sent to any address upon APP
plication to the College of Agricul-
ture, Orono, Maine.