First eggs and did not know

[Tucson 6]

Hi,
I am very new to this site and do not know a hole lot about chicken either.
Our chickens are about 6 months old and we are still feeding the chick starter grower. I read and was told to start mixing in the layer feed at about 6 months.

So here are my questions :
1) I opened the coop this morning and found 19 eggs.
I am not sure how long they have been in there. How do I know they are good to eat?

2) Should I start mixing in the layer feed right now? And is there any other food I have to give them? Currently, we are giving them some fruit and vegetables on the side.

 

[Choco Maran]

As long as they have not been washed they will be good for quite awhile, up to about three months or longer. They should be fine. I would start mixing in layer at a rate of 75 % layer to 25 % start just to use up the starter. They need the protein.

 

[Tucson 6]

Thanks for your quick response! I still can't believe we actually have fresh eggs now! We are beyond excited!!!

 

[Choco Maran]

Mother nature puts this bloom on the eggs to keep any germs or bacteria out of the eggs to protect the chick inside. If you feel more comfortable yes go ahead and do the floating test. Just remember once they are in water it washes the bloom off. You still have about three to four weeks before they go bad on you, and I'm sure they will be eaten by then.

I can't wait to get mine new chick and they start laying, but that will be awhile, I'm just getting them at the end of this month. Good luck nd happy egg hunting.