Eggs for Eating....what is the process?

[morsekathan]

I had this same question After reading lots and lots of postings, I concluded that there was very little you should worry about with your own chickens. Anything you're comfortable will probably be ok. I store my eggs in the fridge - but only because I have limited counter space and I'm used to keeping eggs in the fridge. I don't wash them because I'm lazy so I'm glad that it's ok not too! If they look yucky, I wash them before I crack them because I worry that the dirt might contaminate the egg when it's cracked. However, I rarely have a yucky looking egg. I eat the cracked ones as long as the membrane is intact - the eggs sometimes get dented if the chicken drops them too far when she lays - and I figure cooking will kill everything. And if I find an egg in the yard that I don't know how long it's been there, I eat it too. Well, that one I usually crack into a separate bowl and if it's good, then I eat it. It's real obvious if the egg is bad! I've only tossed out one egg in the year I've had chickens.

So welcome to the most fun you'll ever have and the best eggs you'll ever eat. Every day my chickens make me laugh and the eggs are so good - not to mention the beautiful orange yolks.

 

[Ixyavi]

I know you've mostly been answered but I just wanted to add something.

If you are unsure of how fresh an egg is, put it in a jug of water. If it sinks to the bottom and lays down, it's very fresh. If it stands on end but still touches the bottom, it's a little older. If it completely float's, it's not good to eat anymore.

=O I don't know exactly why, but this is how I was taught to check the freshness of eggs. It's especially handy if you find a sneaky hidden nest of eggs.

Also, if you do want to clean your eggs (some people feel better about it this way), if you lightly rub some mineral oil on them afterwards it helps keep them fresh longer. And clean with water warmer than the egg.

It's been a long long time since I've had fresh eggs though so people are probably different now.