Cold coop makes for cold eggs

[Tillie43]

Now that winter cold is approaching the fresh layer eggs don’t stay warm in the coop for long. Once collected I normally keep the eggs on my counter. This morning the temperature in the coop was 36 degrees and in the house it was 74. Since they are already cold should they be stored in the fridge or can I still keep them on the counter? Does it affect the egg quality to have them go cold then warm? Sorry but it’s my first winter with my ladies and everyone on BYC is so knowledgeable and helpful. Thanks.

 

[azygous]

That's an interesting question. While a part of my brain says it shouldn't matter, another part sort of agrees that eggs that cold should go directly into the fridge.

When I gather very chilled eggs, they go immediately into my refrigerator. But I will not insist this is something you must do.

 

[RoosterML]

I would not have the eggs go from cold to warm back to cold. Once cold I would keep them that way. Also eggs stay fresher longer if you keep them in the fridge.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I put mine on the counter, and they sit there until I get around to tending them. So vaguely frozen eggs will warm up, before I wash and refrigerate them. I haven't had a problem from doing this.

 

[twendt]

I put mine on the counter, and they sit there until I get around to tending them. So vaguely frozen eggs will warm up, before I wash and refrigerate them. I haven't had a problem from doing this.

Ditto

 

[feathermaid]

Normally I keep an egg carton on the counter and once full I put it in the fridge with a date so I can use or give away in order. But I think it's about the season to start storing in the fridge from the get-go.

There could be some debate that letting a cold egg reach room temperature will cause condensation and remove the protective bloom, which can let in bacteria... the same reason that washed eggs need to stay refrigerated.

I've heard that some people keep a heating pad under the nest box to keep eggs from freezing. This may work if you want to continue leaving some eggs safely out on your countertop.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

As long as the eggs haven't been washed, it is OK for them to be cold, then warm and then chilled again. However, it may be best to warm them slowly. Otherwise they will get condensation on them with that temperature disparity.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I wash all my eggs.
This time of year I collect eggs 3/4 times a day. I collect them in a pail with holes in the bottom to drain moisture. .
I hang the pail and let them come up to room temperature before washing. . Then dry and refrigerate. GC

 

[aart]

Otherwise they will get condensation on them with that temperature disparity.

Yup, that's the only real concern...depends on how warm and humid your house is whether condensation will form.
Hasn't really happened here, I monitored the first winter because I am insatiably curious

 

[chrissynemetz]

I agree, condensation would be my only worry. I let my cold eggs warm up in my mud room a bit before I bring them in and put them on the counter. I've never had any condensation problems. So far....