Found eggs in the yard...are they good?

[BarbC]

Hub was clearing some berry vines in the backyard and found four eggs that the girls had obviously laid at some point. We've had the hens since March and honestly didn't let them out of their yard for about three weeks to a month after getting them. I know you can keep eggs on the counter for long periods of time unwashed...but beings that these were in the yard (covered by berry bushes and somewhat insulated) are they safe to eat?

 

[junebuggena]

You can float test them to find out. Put the egg in a bowl/cup of water. If it sinks, it's still good. If it floats, it's bad.

 

[Mutt Farm]

Hub was clearing some berry vines in the backyard and found four eggs that the girls had obviously laid at some point. We've had the hens since March and honestly didn't let them out of their yard for about three weeks to a month after getting them. I know you can keep eggs on the counter for long periods of time unwashed...but beings that these were in the yard (covered by berry bushes and somewhat insulated) are they safe to eat?

I can't definitively say they are not safe, but it would not be good practice to eat them., If they've been laying in your yard since possibly April...humidity, rain, contaminants etc I'd pass.

 

[BarbC]

Thanks...I decided to take both suggestions...I floated them, not so good...tossed them...lol

 

[wyoDreamer]

actually, floating will only tell you if the egg is old. It will float if moisture has evaporated out and the air cell has gotten bigger. An egg can sink but still be spoiled.