Do you keep eggs that were in freezing temps?

[K0k0shka]

People freeze eggs on purpose. So, you can eat frozen eggs, it would just change the texture. However, with freshly laid eggs, I only eat if there are no visible cracks. Those are tossed or fed to the dogs.

It's one thing to freeze a clean, washed egg under home conditions, and a totally different thing for an egg to freeze in the nest, crack, and collect bacteria from the bedding, the dirty chicken a$$ and feet, etc. that get inside through the crack. It's not the actual freezing that's the problem, it's the dirty conditions outside and what gets in through the cracks if the egg cracks.

 

[K0k0shka]

I always thought eggs that froze had to be discarded because they had hairline cracks. But it just dawned on me that some people don’t live in Texas Surely people who live in cold climate don’t trash all their eggs. I got two eggs today that are super cold, it has been in the teens today. Can I keep them if there are no visible cracks? Or maybe candle them to see any smaller ones? Sorry if this is a dumb question!

I live in a cold climate where it can drop to single digits F at night. I try to collect on most days, but some days I forget. I would only discard an egg that had visible cracks, and any other eggs I just cook thoroughly like I would any egg. I have to say though, that in all the years of raising chickens in a cold climate, I have never actually had an egg crack from freezing.

 

[Folly's place]

We have had frozen cracked eggs, and we throw them out!
Mary

 

[Squawkers]

Thank you all so much!!! This has been extremely helpful. I see many people don't worry about them as long as they don't have visible cracks while others take more care and candle them or check temps. All are very good suggestions!!

 

[Crazy Maizie]

It's one thing to freeze a clean, washed egg under home conditions, and a totally different thing for an egg to freeze in the nest, crack, and collect bacteria from the bedding, the dirty chicken a$$ and feet, etc. that get inside through the crack. It's not the actual freezing that's the problem, it's the dirty conditions outside and what gets in through the cracks if the egg cracks.

Yes, and I didn't say to eat cracked frozen eggs.

 

[TexasBlues]

Y’all must be rich throwing out eggs

 

[Noraaaaa]

I always thought eggs that froze had to be discarded because they had hairline cracks. But it just dawned on me that some people don’t live in Texas Surely people who live in cold climate don’t trash all their eggs. I got two eggs today that are super cold, it has been in the teens today. Can I keep them if there are no visible cracks? Or maybe candle them to see any smaller ones? Sorry if this is a dumb question!

I AM AMAZING AT THIS!

You can keep them if there are no visible cracks! If there are: chuck them OR cook them for your chickens!

What happens when they are fully frozen the egg whites turn into an icy slime. Think of a clear slime and add some shards of ice. That's what it's like! The yolk turns cloudy and feels like cold, wet clay.

To prevent them from being frozen check for eggs 3 times a day! A good time set for this would be:
9am
1pm
8pm

 

[Squawkers]

I AM AMAZING AT THIS!

You can keep them if there are no visible cracks! If there are: chuck them OR cook them for your chickens!

What happens when they are fully frozen the egg whites turn into an icy slime. Think of a clear slime and add some shards of ice. That's what it's like! The yolk turns cloudy and feels like cold, wet clay.

To prevent them from being frozen check for eggs 3 times a day! A good time set for this would be:
9am
1pm
8pm

Thanks!! That description of the eggs frozen is helpful!!

 

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

I always thought eggs that froze had to be discarded because they had hairline cracks. But it just dawned on me that some people don’t live in Texas Surely people who live in cold climate don’t trash all their eggs. I got two eggs today that are super cold, it has been in the teens today. Can I keep them if there are no visible cracks? Or maybe candle them to see any smaller ones? Sorry if this is a dumb question!

I shouldn't, but those freeloaders haven't been laying much in the cold.

 

[Vicker]

I always thought eggs that froze had to be discarded because they had hairline cracks. But it just dawned on me that some people don’t live in Texas Surely people who live in cold climate don’t trash all their eggs. I got two eggs today that are super cold, it has been in the teens today. Can I keep them if there are no visible cracks? Or maybe candle them to see any smaller ones? Sorry if this is a dumb question!

I'm in North TX. I don't recall if mine have ever frozen to the point of cracking before I collected them. I keep ones that I suspect are frozen and just label them so I know they might have consistency issues when I go to use them.