Egg shelf life in the fridge and the coop.

[BrandyM]

I just got my first egg today and am wondering how long they can sit in the coop undiscovered before they are no longer edible. Same question about eggs in the fridge. Thanks! - Brandy

 

[Kittymomma]

They can last for months in the fridge, as far as the coop goes it really depends on local weather conditions. You can always do the float test for any egg you're not sure about. Fill a container with cold water and gently place the eggs in it. Eggs that lay on the bottom are fresh, eggs that stand up are still good to eat, but I'd use them for baking (mostly 'cause I'm spoiled with super fresh eggs) and eggs that float should be tossed far, far away because they're bad. I don't do the float test until I'm ready to use the eggs because it washed the protective bloom off of them.

ETA: They'll be fine in the coop for 24 hours no matter how warm it is. The only time I'd worry about an egg getting ruined from a 24 +/- before it could be collected is in the winter where in some places they can freeze thru.

 

[mboreham1]

Growing up we never refridgerated eggs, ever, they last about a month or so, although i have eaten eggs that were closer to 2 or 3 months and have lived to tell the tale with no ill effects

 

[MimiChick]

Don't worry, they last a lot longer than you might think. If you're worried about collecting eggs as soon as they are laid, don't. They will keep just fine in the coop all day, or even overnight, if you can't get them right away. As far as in the fridge, I've heard you can keep eggs up to about 3 months refrigerated. After all, the eggs you get from the grocery store are already weeks old by the time you get them. If you're not sure, do the water test. If an egg floats in water, it's no good. If it sinks, it's fresh.
Some people don't even refrigerate their eggs, and they are fine for quite a long time (weeks, I think). So, don't worry and enjoy your nice fresh eggs.