Found an egg outside,not in nestbox

[peepsbwithu]

My hens have been laying-a little-3 eggs so far from two of them. they have all been laid outside in little dustbathing holes or grassy nest areas that they like to hang out in.I found one this a.m., that I think was laid yesterday-because today, I think the same hen went back to that spot and laid one there again. Is the one from yesterday edible at this point? should I toss it? It was pretty hot yesterday, and I'm guessing it was out there since the midmorning. Also, we have been letting them out early in the morning to forage,so they have turned up their beaks so far at the nestboxes, preferring to lay outside. This is ok with us, but is it ok for them? It's actually like an egg hunt every morning-we rather enjoy it.

 

[scruga]

Mine are constantly laying outside. Yesterday I found 8 in various places and threw them out because I didn't know how old they were and it's been in the 100's in temp here for a couple of months. Now that I know where they're hiding places are, I know where to look from now on! My rule is 24 hours. If it has been there for 24 hours or less, it's fine. The biggest issue is heat. If you have cooler temps, they will keep longer outside.

 

[JeanR]

Remember, that if hens steal a nest spot outside--on the ground, especially, all the eggs may hatch after she disappears for her 21 days setting--regardless of the hot temperature. Her eggs did not spoil and did not start developing until she layed her clutch and began to SET! Well, most always, if something doesn't find her nest and eat the eggs and setting hen!! I probably would not eat the eggs myself, but will hardboil them for the dog==who loves an egg added to his dinner.