Egg freshness

[laurenhope98]

How long do eggs last from when you collect them? One of my hens started laying yesterday and we have her 2 eggs unwashed and on the counter in an egg carton. Do they last longer on the counter or in the fridge if unwashed? And what are some of the best ways to store them to make them last longer?

 

[nuthatched]

In the fridge, they age more in one day on the counter than a week in the fridge.

 

[ChickyCh00k]

Eggs will last longer in the fridge whether they are washed or unwashed.

Unwashed, refrigerated eggs will be good for a couple of months. If you wash them first, it will be less (few weeks).

Unwashed eggs at room temp, I wouldn't keep more than a week or two. Washed, room temp maybe a few days.

I think it's best to leave eggs unwashed and refrigerated until you are ready to use them (unless they are very dirty - but if they are very dirty , you might have other issues that need looking into).

 

[ChickyCh00k]

If you are wanting to store a lot of eggs for many months, you can look into water glassing.

https://backyardpoultry.iamcountryside.com/eggs-meat/water-glassing-eggs-for-long-term-storage/

 

[Mrs. K]

If you are referring to freshness for hatching, up to a week old will be viable. Some eggs will be viable longer than that.