[Nhcoll-l] Antw: Mould on bird eggs

[Simon Moore]

Hi Vanessa,

I have found that brushing with ethanol (at about 70-80%, a traditional way) works well but do it with a soft brush obviously.  Also check for acetic acid smells as I have occasionally found acetic acid crystallising on the sheets of bird eggs, particularly in a cold environment (less than 10 deg C) and which removes the outer layer of the shell with the all-important markings.  Unsure of the acid source but likely a VOC from somewhere!

Polyester batting seem to work well in the cabinets and is inert to this kind of deteriogen, including  efflorescence.

With all good wishes, Simon 

Simon Moore MIScT, RSci, FLS, ACR
Conservator of Natural Sciences and Cutlery Historian.

www.natural-history-conservation.com




> On 19 Feb 2025, at 13:45, Joachim Händel <Joachim.Haendel at zns.uni-halle.de> wrote:
> 
> Hi Vanessa,
> I think the suggestions you have made are sufficient for the time being.
> Please brush off the eggs under a fume hood.
> Any use of chemical agents (chlorine cleaner) will damage the objects.
> 
> Pay attention to the microclimate in the cabinets. It is best to leave a gap of a few mm to the wall and floor (cabinets with feet) so that the air can circulate and prevent moisture spots.
> 
> It is important to monitor the climate in the collection, including in the cabinets and drawers. A temperature and humidity logger in the room with wireless sensors in some cabinets is ideal for this.
> 
> Good luck
> Joachim
> 
> 
> --  Joachim Haendel Center of Natural Science Collections
> of the Martin Luther University (ZNS)
> - Entomological Collection -
> 
> Domplatz 4
> D-06099 Halle (Saale)
> Germany
> 
> Phone:  +49 345 - 55 26 447
> Email: joachim.haendel at zns.uni-halle.de
> 
> 
> >>> Vanessa Pitusi <vanessa.pitusi at uit.no> schrieb am 19.02.2025 um 09:37:
> Hi,
> 
> I have found mould on some of the dry bird eggs that we have in our collection.
> 
> Is it enough to brush off the mould, change out the cotton that they rest on, and dry them out, or should they be treated in some way?
> 
> They will be moved into a new collection room after removing the mould.
> 
> All the best,
> 
> Vanessa 
> Sent from Outlook for iOS
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> Natural History Collections (SPNHC), an international society whose
> mission is to improve the preservation, conservation and management of
> natural history collections to ensure their continuing value to
> society. See http://www.spnhc.org for membership information.
> Advertising on NH-COLL-L is inappropriate.