Did I collect the eggs soon enough?

[old biddy]

This evening I went out to collect my eggs and noticed that a hen was sitting in one of the nests and had also been there this morning. She was hunkered down like she had started going broody and had three eggs under her. The eggs were not there this morning so she has probably been sitting on them for about 8 - 9 hours. The eggs were very warm from her body. I collected the eggs but wonder if they are still viable to eat after being under her all day. I assume it takes longer than one day for the eggs to no longer be viable but just want to be sure and find out just when the process does begin for the chicks to start growing. Any suggestions?

 

[GirlsMommy18]

I still eat them. I haven't noticed any differences to any other eggs.

 

[Kris5902]

I’m pretty sure if you pull them the same day they aren’t a problem. The first day you’re looking at, if the rooster even did his job, a difference of a few cells... a “bullseye” vs a “dot” as far as the “embryo” goes to my understanding.

 

[aart]

They are probably fine.
When in doubt, break eggs one at a time in a separate dish and use your eyes and nose before putting int pan or recipe.

 

[50-45-1]

The eggs are fine to eat.
Think of it this way. That eggs has been forming inside the hen for over a day. A few hours after she laid it will not effect it.
Sounds like your hen may be thinking about going broody. You may want to think about if she is, do you want to get some fertile eggs and let her hatch, or methods to break her from broodyNess.
There is also the float test if you find eggs and wonder if they are still good. You fill a flat bottomed container with cold water, put one egg in it at a time. If they lay on there side on the bottom, they are fresh.
If they stand on there end (the air bubble is larger) they may still be good, proceed with caution.
If they float to the top, they are rotten. Do not crack open!
Give this test a try on some of your fresh eggs to see what its about.

 

[Peppercorngal]

This evening I went out to collect my eggs and noticed that a hen was sitting in one of the nests and had also been there this morning. She was hunkered down like she had started going broody and had three eggs under her. The eggs were not there this morning so she has probably been sitting on them for about 8 - 9 hours. The eggs were very warm from her body. I collected the eggs but wonder if they are still viable to eat after being under her all day. I assume it takes longer than one day for the eggs to no longer be viable but just want to be sure and find out just when the process does begin for the chicks to start growing. Any suggestions?

You can take the eggs away the same day and they are fine to eat. The bigger issue is what are you going to do with a broody hen? I say give her 3 eggs and let her "do her thing". If you do not want any more chicks give them away (it would be Easter time anyway!). I prefer to let nature take it's course with my chickens. Good luck!