Found a Hidden Nest - Now What?

[Ravie]

I found a nest of 16 eggs. I don't know how long they've been there. Some were cracked due to freezing but many looked just fine. Of the eggs that looked fine, some went "thunk" when I shook them which I assume is a frozen yolk rattling about. I set these aside for use in dog food.

Some eggs were uncracked and felt solid when I shook them. Those I set aside for eating. The outside temperature hasn't been above 50 for many days and the nights have been at freezing or a few degrees above. Is there any possibility that the solid-feeling eggs are good for eating?

Is there anyway to tell if the egg is still good? Nobody sits on these so I know none have developed (yes, I do have a rooster).

Also, I replaced the eggs in the nest with golf balls. I hope the chickens keep laying in their golf-ball nests.

 

[Lesa]

With your temps- I don't see how they could be spoiled... I would try cracking them open and see what happens. I wouldn't do it over a fry pan- just in case they are icky...

 

[Fred's Hens]

They also make great chicken feed, shells and all, scrambled, no salt.

 

[BarefootMom]

do the float test to if they are spoiled- if the float they are spoiled.

and I would crack open in another container just in case.

I found a stash a few weeks ago and 8/10 were bloody and bad.

 

[Ravie]

Thanks guys. The floating idea is a good one. Am I right to assume that the eggs that went "thunk" are probably NOT good?