how long can you leave eggs out unrefrigerated?

Molpet said:

I think you have something else going on.
are they stored pointy end down? also try upping the protein sometimes that makes a difference. I was giving a lot of garden scraps and did have a few runny yolks until I up the protein.
I recently had a broody kick a 3 day egg out, an hour after I gave the to her, I gave her a different egg and when I opened the kicked out one... it was a runny yolk and had a meat spot.
when it is below 80f, mine sit out on the counter for 2-3 months with no issues. You could put a carton in the frig and see if that makes a difference. ..
FYI commercial egg producers have 30 days to wash the egg, put it in a carton and refrigerate it, then it is marked with a sell by date for 30 days later... so the store eggs could have sat around for almost a month before they are refrigerated.
https://cooking.stackexchange.com/questions/6793/why-do-yolks-break-so-easily-sometimes

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Hi, thanks for posting back to me! I do store them in cartons point down, yes, and they are never more than 3 weeks old at most because I have several people taking them. I only recently learned of the counter storage options, so have only started leaving them unrefrigerated for the past month. I didn't have this loose yolk issue before, of course, it also wasn't as warm and humid out then either. I guess I should go back to washing and frigging, perhaps? I ate some this a.m. from the counter just to test them... all is well still in my belly! Higher protein than a layer pellet? I did just order some organic whole grain layer feed... they will be on that for the mornings, with pellets available in the evenings. I would think they're getting enough protein.. they do free-range too. I'll put them in the fridge again and see if that helps. I'm kinda guessing it's the warmth and humidity. What is a meat spot? They are fertilized eggs.. they do have the white circle on the yolks, is that the meat spot?

Newbiechickchic said:

Hi, thanks for posting back to me! I do store them in cartons point down, yes, and they are never more than 3 weeks old at most because I have several people taking them. I only recently learned of the counter storage options, so have only started leaving them unrefrigerated for the past month. I didn't have this loose yolk issue before, of course, it also wasn't as warm and humid out then either. I guess I should go back to washing and frigging, perhaps? I ate some this a.m. from the counter just to test them... all is well still in my belly! Higher protein than a layer pellet? I did just order some organic whole grain layer feed... they will be on that for the mornings, with pellets available in the evenings. I would think they're getting enough protein.. they do free-range too. I'll put them in the fridge again and see if that helps. I'm kinda guessing it's the warmth and humidity. What is a meat spot? They are fertilized eggs.. they do have the white circle on the yolks, is that the meat spot?

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the layer feed may be as low as 14% or as high as 18% .. I feed the 18% when I can get it.. feeding meal worms or BOSS (Black Oiler Sunflower Seed) as a treat (no more than 10% of their total feed) adds protein.
A meat spot is a red spot that is part of the hens reproductive system that flaked off.. ok to eat but not to hatch.

another thing is if eggshells are too porous they let too much evaporate.. but you need to candle to see that

also do the hens have access to oyster shells along with the feed? although if free ranging they usually can pick up extra calcium