How long do eggs last?

[six_eclectic_chickens]

One of our hens has been hiding her eggs. Today, I found her nest, with a full dozen eggs in it. I have tested them with the float/doesn't float method, and by that rule they are all fine. Are they all good? How long can eggs last out of the refrigerator? Can we eat them safely? Sorry for my ignorance in this matter but this is the longest it has taken me to find a nest and I am not sure.

 

[calichickies]

I'd have to say...
If in doubt throw them out.
Your health and the health of your family is not worth the risk.

If you're talking about hatching them, then I would throw them all in the bator because you have no idea which ones are the oldest or how long they've been sitting (assuming they are fertile).

Hope that helps a little.

 

[aggiemae]

They are probably safe to eat as long as they don't have any cracks and are cooked.

Crack then opened one at a time into a separate bowl just to make sure they aren't developing or bad then add them to whatever you are cooking. Unwashed eggs can be left a room temp for a week or so and remember that the eggs you buy at the store could have been laid longer that 6 months ago.

 

[six_eclectic_chickens]

Yea everything I have looked at says they are fresh (shaking them to see if they "slosh" etc.) We don't have a rooster so they won't be fertile and developing.