Hidden eggs!

[Gdove419]

In the last 2, maybe 3 weeks, we have noticed a drop in eggs from our hens. We have 9, of assorted breeds. I had a feeling at least some were hiding eggs..today I found a stash of 16 eggs under a tree stump! So my question is, how do I know if these eggs are still good? It’s pretty warm during the day, 70-80’s here, but the area is well-hidden and shady. Are there any tricks to determine if they are still good? Thanks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Throw them out. Why risk getting sick over a few eggs?

 

[Thyme4Chickens]

Hahaha - sneaky hen(s)! I'd try the egg float test: https://www.fresheggsdaily.com/2012/10/the-float-test.html

 

[Gdove419]

None of them floated. Not even a little bit. I didn’t hear anything sloshing around in any eggs either. Right now they are in the fridge. I haven’t decided on eating them yet..my hubby is braver. He says they are fine and he will probably try them..

 

[Perris]

if they sink they are fine! Remember that people were eating eggs for thousands of years before fridges were invented , and lots of us keep them on the counter despite having a fridge The egg is nature's perfect packaging

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

if they sink they are fine! Remember that people were eating eggs for thousands of years before fridges were invented , and lots of us keep them on the counter despite having a fridge The egg is nature's perfect packaging

Except for when they are submerged in water, and the bloom is lost, or the outside temperatures get too warm, and the contents start to develop or grow bacteria, or dirt get pushed into the pores from condensation, which will feed bacteria.

I never understand people wanting to eat eggs no matter what when they are so cheap in the store. One bout of food poisoning or salmonella usually will change a person's mind.

 

[aart]

It's your risk to take.
Open each egg one at a time in a dish before adding to pan or recipe,
use your eyes, nose, and common sense before eating.

 

[Perris]

Yes once the bloom is washed off they should be refrigerated or eaten soon, But let me try to explain the mystery

I never understand people wanting to eat eggs no matter what when they are so cheap in the store. One bout of food poisoning or salmonella usually will change a person's mind.

I think most people on here raise chickens because they do not want cheap store eggs. We know our eggs have been produced in a much cleaner and healthier environment that those available in a store, and I trust the quality control tools nature gave me, referred to by aart above.

 

[CSAchook]

It's your risk to take.
Open each egg one at a time in a dish before adding to pan or recipe,
use your eyes, nose, and common sense before eating.

Also remember that the float test really only tells you how old the eggs are. Old eggs have big air cells so they float. But depending on the storage conditions, an egg may go bad before it gets old enough to fail the float test.

 

[Gdove419]

Thank you everyone for all the good advice! I don’t really think it’s a question of being cheap..I think it’s more about raising and caring for your birds and hating to throw out eggs, all the hard work you and your birds put in..my friend had to treat her birds and during that time she said it killed her to have to throw out their eggs.