| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| renren |
Posted - Feb 21 2007 : 1:13:40 PM
Hello, I was wondering if any one know how long chicken eggs can sit outside before they go bad? and do they have to be refridgerated? I see baskets to put eggs in so I did not know if you had to keep them cold. I was always told that. Any help on either subject would be grateful. Thanks 
To be like other farm girls and become there friends. |
| 18 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| smile |
Posted - Mar 30 2007 : 4:30:13 PM
I have been told that a "bad egg" will float when put in a pan of water. |
| lamarguerite farm |
Posted - Feb 26 2007 : 07:55:00 AM
We have a lot of rain and mud here during the winter, so even if I keep the boxes clean they get in there with their muddy feet and walk on any other eggs that are there(they all like to lay eggs in the same one or two boxes- I'll go down in the morning and find 6-8 eggs in one box). I always just wash mine off with luke warm water before I put them in the cartons. If I get behind on washing eggs, then I do the "float test" on them to make sure they are still good. I've been doing it this way and eating eggs that were dirty before I washed them for over two years and never had any problems.
Blessings,
Missy
If you have a dream, even if you don't feel qualified to accomplish it, just try your hardest.-Maggie Jensen
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| renren |
Posted - Feb 25 2007 : 5:01:24 PM
Thanks ladys for all of your help. And Tracey I will try the water test. Thanks again. :)
To be like other farm girls and become there friends. |
| Tracey |
Posted - Feb 25 2007 : 4:14:28 PM
I think it depends on the temp...three days is a rule of thumb, but honestly, I wouldn't leave an egg in 90 degree heat for three days and expect it to be good. Health dept is now saying you shouldn't leave them out at all...but I rarely listen to them, lol!
It's cold out here...rarely getting above 45, so I don't worry too much about how long my eggs are outside. I've only got one hen laying currently and it's rather hit and miss. I only check about once a week, to tell you the truth, this time of year.
Now...renren, the thing about your eggs is you may find one that's been sitting out for a week or more. As long as your weather hasn't been to warm, you can always rely on the water test to see if the egg is fresh or not. Just put it in a bowl of water. If it floats on the top, toss it out.
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| happymama58 |
Posted - Feb 25 2007 : 12:32:53 PM
I happened to mention to a friend after church this morning that we're getting chicks next month, and she said she & her husband always keep chickens. I asked about washing them and she said that what Mumof3 said is right. Her advice was to "clean" the eggs with a dry paper towel -- the slight roughness will rub off most yechy stuff. She said if you do wash the egg, use cool water, then rub a little bit of vegetable oil on the eggs (smear it all over very lighty). She said the oil acts almost exactly like the original coating.
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
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Please visit me at www.marykay.com/pmiinch |
| westernhorse51 |
Posted - Feb 25 2007 : 05:44:40 AM
Maryjanes Mag, "The Art of the Egg issue," is loaded w/ all egg info & very helpful. I encourage anyone w/ chics to get that back issue. I don't have chicks but get all my eggs from the farm down the road every few days & it really helped me alot. They are so beautiful also, different shades of brown, blue-green & cream colors. Who knew I'd get so exceited about egg colors!!
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
| Annab |
Posted - Feb 25 2007 : 03:40:27 AM
I think Babs said 3 days
If your hens have a nest box type area, you can try putting a weighted plastic egg or golf ball in there 'till they get the idea.
when we first started on our chicken/egg venture, we discovered a nest hidden with 19 eggs! Now the box is really the only place we have to look....well, sometimes I guess the urge hits too quickly and we occasionally find eggs on the tractor seat or beneath the foot pedal.
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| renren |
Posted - Feb 24 2007 : 5:47:26 PM
My real question was, How long can they stay outside before they go bad? I have acouple of hens laying in the yard, so its like an easter egg hunt everyday, they lay in diffrent areas. So if an egg is a coupld of days old, are they still good? not counting the summer time. Its too hot here. It would cook it.
To be like other farm girls and become there friends. |
| Annab |
Posted - Feb 24 2007 : 4:39:23 PM
I too have been in a quandry about washing eggs. We sell ours, and I'm not so sure "joe public" is so understanding. That being said, If the egg is really pookey I keep these types in a separate carton unwashed for our own use.
thanks for the tidbit about unrefrigerated too I learned something new! |
| EmmJay |
Posted - Feb 22 2007 : 08:39:57 AM
Hi Allison, sorry I am late with a response but was cleaning fish for hubby.
Eggs being left in the nest for a day or two might be fine, but it would depend on the temperature. During the summer months, I collect eggs 4 or 5 times a day. There was a case last year that my son missed some eggs for the day, and the when I collected them the next day, ewwww! I bring mine in and wash them in cold water and place them in the fridge. I have no complaints from anyone who gets eggs from me.
"Thank GOD I'm a country girl"
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| renren |
Posted - Feb 22 2007 : 07:49:01 AM
Thanks ladys your feedback is so helpful. I have learned thing I did not know. Babs, I like you web site with the eggs for sale. I used to have button quail from my Dad. They are so cute. Well, Thanks again everyone.
To be like other farm girls and become there friends. |
| babs |
Posted - Feb 21 2007 : 6:01:59 PM
To answer the original question... You can keep eggs unrefridgerated 3 days.
Also if/when you wash them, it's best (and) easiest to rinse a room temp egg with room temp water. Otherwise hot water creates a vaccum and the egg will suck the germs inside. Cold water is just.. well, cold.
Babs :)
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| renren |
Posted - Feb 21 2007 : 4:44:42 PM
I always clean my eyes before putting them into the fridge just because they have poop on them. There are days I am not home to collect the eggs so I was wondering how long they can stay outside in the pin? Anyone can raise Chickens even city girls. I have had mine for about 3 years now and even hatched my own. Its alot of fun. Enjoy your chickens and thanks for your comment. Allison
To be like other farm girls and become there friends. |
| windypines |
Posted - Feb 21 2007 : 3:18:55 PM
I gather eggs in the morning, when I feed, and in the evening. They are fine, at least we have not had any problems. I wash them, and put them in the fridge. I personally don't want the dirty eggs in the fridge, and sometimes they are dirty. Darn chickens. I need to fix my nest boxes so I can close them up at night, and keep the chickens out of them and keep them cleaner. Cleaning the coop in the morning, anyone want to help? Free eggs to all who help! |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Feb 21 2007 : 3:16:55 PM
I only wash the real yucky ones and use them right away..if you keep clean bedding in the hen house usually they arn't too bad. If it is rainy and muddy though out, alot of times you can't help the mucky eggs. I feel like if I gather them THAT day and they are dirty and wash them and use it that day it is okay..but I don't routinely wash mine.
As for refridgerating them. They are okay out of the fridge for a few days.
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
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| Mumof3 |
Posted - Feb 21 2007 : 2:51:09 PM
Patti- That is true. There is a coating on eggs that prevents bacteria from entering through the pores. When you wash them it comes off, leaving your eggs vulnerable. Leave them as they are- poop and all- until you are going to use them. :)
Karin |
| GaiasRose |
Posted - Feb 21 2007 : 2:50:29 PM
I always heard you shouldnt eat a dirty egg...because the shell is gas permeable. I am not sur ehow true that is, and hedwig hasnt layed anything dirty...she does get awfully broody over ONE egg though! It's funny.
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| happymama58 |
Posted - Feb 21 2007 : 2:42:42 PM
I'm glad you asked this because now that you did, I realize I had never thought about this before. Since we're getting chickens (for eggs) this spring, I need to know.
Also, another question. A friend who was a city person but know lives in the country has chickens. She told me someone else told her you shouldn't wash or clean off the eggs until right before you're going to use them. Is that true or is somebody pulling her leg? If it is true, why?
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
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Please visit me at www.marykay.com/pmiinch |
