Egg Float Test—Easy Steps to Tell A Good Egg From A Bad Egg

Not sure if your egg is a freshly laid one or if it's been hiding in the coop for weeks?
FLOAT TEST IT!!

These floating eggs are not fresh.


Follow these simple steps:
1. Get an egg.
2. Fill a cup with water.
3. Place the egg in the cup of water.
4. Observe the egg.

Floating egg = Not Good

Good eggs will sink to the bottom.

Fresh Egg Laid Today:



As the egg gets older it loses moisture through the porous shell and as a result the air cell grows bigger. The bigger the air cell, the more floaty the egg. So this is an indication of how old the egg is. It doesn't mean an egg that sinks to the bottom is a "good" egg though! Trust me I learned that one the hard way. It's only an indication of freshness/age of the egg.

Eggs that float can also sometimes be quite fine to eat, just a bit… well, not fresh any more.

Note: When in doubt just crack the egg in a separate dish.
If you are really in doubt crack the egg in a dish OUTSIDE!