Abstract: A feeding apparatus for transferring eggs from a pile of egg trays to an egg depositing position on a supply conveyor of an egg processing machine comprises at least three units which each comprise lifting and retaining heads for lifting all eggs from an egg tray and transferring the eggs to the depositing position and releasable grapplers for transportng the egg trays. The units move in a closed path between a first operational position where a pole of egg trays is located, a second operational position where emptied egg trays are received and a third operational position where the egg depositing position is located. The units are vertically movable at each of these operational positions between an operational level and a conveyance level. The grappler releases retained egg trays at the second position of operation, whereas the units retain the eggs for transfer to the egg despositing position.