Dumb egg questions

[cashela]

I now have a chicken that is laying eggs. How long can an egg sit outside and still be good before I bring it into the house and the refrigerator? I had some eggs that I didn't collect cause my turkey is stealing them and setting on them, I have four, my hen lays one a day. And my other stupid question is how long are the eggs good for once they hit the fridge?

 

[phaethona]

I've heard different times from just about everyone I talk to. I would collect daily, mainly to avoid breakage, etc. They can sit on the counter for about a week or so before they start to lose some of the nutrition, but I don't think they'll go bad for a while longer than that. you can put them in the fridge whenever you want, but the thing about it is once they're in the fridge, they need to stay in there until ready to use.

I don't have my own eggs yet but I only get my eggs from a friend's chickens, I just put mine in the fridge when I get them. that will likely change soon when I have more eggs than I know what to do with!

other posters, did I get it about right?

 

[Imp]

Quote:
They can sit outside for a few days, not ideal but happens sometimes. They are good in the refigerator for weeks, even months. If you are not sure how old they are you can float them in water. If they float they are old. I'd be a little concerned about getting some development if it is hot outside or the turkey is sitting on them.

Imp

 

[cashela]

Thanks.

What do you mean by development?

 

[Imp]

Quote:
In your signature you have a rooster.

Roo + Hen= Fertile eggs + Heat= developing chick

I wouldn't want to crack that into the frying pan.

Imp-

 

[Bantimna]

Quote:
In your signature you have a rooster.

Roo + Hen= Fertile eggs + Heat= developing chick

I wouldn't want to crack that into the frying pan.

Imp-

Me too

 

[cashela]

Oh that kind of development. Yeah I think my decrepit rooster isn't into doing the deed so to speak. It's a pretty sad thing. I got him for free and he had all sorts of issues, which is a shame because if it was normal he would be a beautiful bird. But he is completely happy to stomp around the yard. He has no toe nails and is a bit top heavy. He is some sort of mix breed as far as I can tell and I don't know anything about chickens. He came free with my turkey. He is just happy to be around I think.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
OT - Sounds like you have a very good heart for giving him a home.

 

[cashela]

Awww thanks

I am a sucker for animals. I was going to put him down at one point (actually had an appt with a vet cause I couldn't do it) but the night before I was going to do it I had put him on the lawn for a last harrah and he was sitting there eating the mosquitos as they flew by and I thought so what if he can't get around that well, he seems perfectly content and doesn't appear to be in any pain and my turkey's didn't pick on him. So his leg straightened out eventually and he slowly makes his way around the yard. I got him a chicken friend this spring on a whim at a chicken swap. He is still best buddies with my BBW turkey though. I often find him in the coop while she nesting and he is right by her side.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
That's so awesome. I wish I had the facilities to keep more than one roo at a time. I would have a rescue for roosters that no one else wants. You've earned some good karma.