egg expiration

[BLT79]

Sorry if there is already a post about this. I couldn't find one. We are going to be getting our first laying hens in August. I am trying to prepare myself with as much knowledge as possible. I heard that when you collect your eggs, you have to eat them in a certain time frame after washing them. So my question is, how long do fresh eggs last once they have been washed? How long are they good for prior to washing? What is the best way to wash them?

 

[ccammarata1]

I heard a month, and local stores sell egg wash. Eggs are porous so be careful with what you use. I dont think you have to wash them tho.

 

[shmccarthy]

ccammarata1 is right you don't have to wash them. I never wash my eggs unless they are covered in poop. I found that hot water works best if you must wash them. The hot water expels bacteria out of the pores, while cold water pushes it in.
I've heard eggs will keep up to 9 months, refrigerated.

 

[Kernel Cluck]

I never wash my eggs. And I have heard also from "others" that the eggs you buy in the store are often already several months old.

 

[Amastacia]

if there isn't poop or other grossness on them, i don't wash them at all and they last for at least a month on the counter (never had any longer than that yet). if they do have stuff on them, i remove it with a sanding sponge, but then they go in the fridge. i don't really know how long they last there, i haven't kept track yet. but they do last longer if you don't do anything to them.

 

[BLT79]

so they can even stay on counter for a bit? that's good to know! then I will rotate, eat what's in fridge, then counter ones go in. having them last at least a month is longer than the store bought!

 

[BLT79]

oh and thank you all for this information. one more piece of knowledge off my checklist. plenty more to go! haha!

 

[realsis]

hi I never wash mine either it takes off the natural bloom. so your chickens will be due to lay in August? my babies are due to lay about that time. mine will be 6months the end of July so right about then. then I have another due to lay anytime from here on out. my pullet started laying at 6months so I'm going by that. mine are all silkies and my pullet sure lays good for being a silkie. most days she lays every day! she might skip a day here and there from time to time but she's a great layer! opposite of what I've read about silkies not laying well. so how old are your birds now? we can wait for eggs together hope my babies start at 6 months like my pullet did!! good luck and best wishes

 

[BLT79]

Well we are getting our chickens in August. We can either get young laying hens, or young chickens that haven't started laying. I am going to try to get to the ladies house this weekend to have a peek at her chickens. She has Brahmas and Araucanas. I will let you know what we end up getting! maybe they will lay together!!

 

[SteveinMA]

I wash mine in warm water, sorry I just cant help myself. Then I date them with a pencil on one end, that way I can keep track of which is oldest. then they all go in the fridge. As far as age I don't know for sure but have heard it really extends their time by not washing them. None of mine last over a week to week and half though. I give away to friends and neighbors all that we don't eat, and that is the majority of them. I just love my chickens. 10 total, 6 Rhode Island Reds and 6 Plymouth Barred Rocks and one very majestic PBR rooster. All free range except at night.