how long before an egg is not good anymore

[DragonfyrNJ]

found another nest....she had 12 eggs in it.....they might not all be hers but seriously....do eggs need to be refrigerated right away to stay good? how long before I should just toss them?

 

[PhlyinPheBee]

Eggs can sit out on the counter for several days. I do not know how long outside though. It will depend how hot it has been and if a hen has been sitting on the eggs. I would not eat them but that is just me.

 

[BankerJohn]

fill a bowl with tap water with 5 or so inches deep. Place an egg in the bowl. If it floats, toss it - bacteria have developed in the egg and it is bad. If it sinks, you are fine and they can be eaten with no worries.

 

[booker81]

Do you have a rooster? I'd be more concerned of them being fertile and developing than if they are good or not. If they aren't fertilized eggs (ie no roo), then float them in some water. If they float, they're bad, if they sink, they're good

 

[pgpoultry]

I would also always break the eggs individually into bowls and smell them before use.
Occasionally a porous bad egg will have taken in water and will still sink when given the 'water test' even when rotten,

Sandie

 

[Montana-Hens]

If you feel uncomfortable about it, you can always cook scrambled eggs and give them to your ladies. They will love them.