/ Register

  1. If this is your first time on BYC, we suggest you start with one of these three options:
    Raising Chickens Chicken Coops Join BYC
    Not a member yet? join BYC here & then introduce yourself in our community forum here.

Egg Collection

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by 9ByDesign, Jan 9, 2011.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Jan 9, 2011 #1
    9ByDesign

    9ByDesign In the Brooder

    56
    0
    39
    Jul 31, 2010
    Wesley Chapel, FL
    Do hens ever lay after dusk/ before dawn? I am new to this and my hens just started laying.

    I live in Florida, so heat is a factor, though it is Winter now. I try to collect twice a day---will try 3 times a day in summer months. What I want to know...is how long can a freshly laid egg sit and still be ok? I mean, if they lay at dusk...and I don't find it until the next morning...how would I know and should I toss it?
     
  2. Jan 9, 2011 #2
    NonnasBabies

    NonnasBabies Muddy Acre Farms Premium Member 8 Years

    11,122
    1,430
    406
    Sep 20, 2009
    On the Farm!
    I've had some that I've seen in the nest box before daylight and I've also had one or two in there after dark. An egg is not going to go bad overnight. You have alot of people that don't even refrigerate their eggs and there kept in bowls on the counter!!

    ETA: I live in Louisiana so I know what you mean about the heat but I've never had a bad egg yet!! [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jan 9, 2011
  3. Jan 9, 2011 #3
    9ByDesign

    9ByDesign In the Brooder

    56
    0
    39
    Jul 31, 2010
    Wesley Chapel, FL
    ON the counter?! Wow!
     
  4. Jan 9, 2011 #4
    greenriver

    greenriver Chirping

    195
    0
    99
    Dec 19, 2010
    Wilmington, Il
    Eggs are good for many days without refrigeration.
     
  5. Jan 9, 2011 #5
    9ByDesign

    9ByDesign In the Brooder

    56
    0
    39
    Jul 31, 2010
    Wesley Chapel, FL
    Really?!
     
  6. Jan 9, 2011 #6
    Terri O

    Terri O Songster

    4,665
    27
    248
    Jan 2, 2010
    WI~chickening for 30 years!
    Yup--in European countries eggs are NEVER refrigerated. You shouldnt wash them either until right before using them. The hen puts a "bloom" on the egg that protects it so she can lay a whole clutch without them going bad. I would say you have 2 weeks before you would have to worry...dont leave them in the coop that long though or you might have some babies!!! [​IMG] Terri O
     

BackYard Chickens is proudly sponsored by: