Eggs for Days!

[TaylorB1216]

We have 3 Coturnix Quail that we purchased from a local farmer last year. Ironically, it started as a purchase for the purpose of training our bird dog puppy, as the farmer was selling the adult quail for $2/bird since they were older and unlikely to breed anymore.

The three females we have started producing eggs in April, that ramped up over the summer. They typically lay their eggs in a box that we put in their pen and fill with straw.

Last week, I noticed a lack of eggs, and I figured it was likely because the birds are closer to two years old, and the farmer suggested they likely won't lay consistently.

By chance, I noticed an egg tucked behind a log we keep in their pen. When I moved the log, I found an additional 11 eggs.

I'm assuming they've likely been there since last week.

I was wondering how long the eggs keep when they're not collected on a daily basis?
I don't want to waste them, but I also don't want to risk getting sick.
That said, I know fresh, unwashed eggs can keep un-refrigerated for some time.

Just looking for some opinions on whether or not they're still edible!

Thanks!
-Brooke

 

[DK newbie]

Depending on the temps where you live, I wouldn't worry too much. I collect eggs from my indoor button quail every two weeks or so and if I'm worried they might be too old, I put them in a glass of water to determine. If they sink, I eat them (even if they stand on one end at the bottom). If they float, I usually throw them out. But I did boil and taste a floater once and there was nothing wrong with it. It just floated because more water had evaporated from it. But if your temps are much above room temp, it might be different for you.

 

[ChickenLegs13]

There's really no set time but after about 20 days quality will decrease. They will either lose volume from drying out, yolks get runny, they turn black inside or they rot. But then again I have stored them for 20+ days then incubated them for another 20 and when eggtopsied looked as good as the day they were laid.

Smell them- a bad one will be obvious.
Candle them- if you see cracks cull the egg because bacteria may have entered through the crack.
Float or weigh them- increased air cell size will make them float or be light but doesn't necessarily mean they're "bad." If you're boiling them, cull the floaters.
The sure fire way- if I'm eating them, after I cut the end off I pour the egg into a separate container and visually inspect it before I put it in the skillet, cake mix or whatever.

 

[TaylorB1216]

Thank you! I will keep that in mind!