How Quick Need to Gather Eggs

[chrismid]

My two chickens just started laying and are doing it at odd times of the day. One generally lays around 10AM and the other at 2PM. Not a problem except that I'm not always there to get the egg. We're having 100 degree days here in Texas and I'm concerned as to how long they can sit out in the heat before they aren't good any more. Any help on understanding the parameters would be greatly appreciated.

 

[chickenmom1]

Same problem, but I just wait until 3 to gather. I think they are okay, never had a problem. I just get them into the fridge soon.
J

 

[Boo-Boo's Mama]

Should be just fine...if you are concerned put them in water to see if they sink or float. If they sink, fine for you to eat.

Good luck!

 

[gryeyes]

I gather eggs on weekdays after I get home from work, around 6 PM. It's routinely over 90 degrees here, and several days of 100+. The eggs are always fine.

Also, chicken eggs take about 26 hours to "be built" so a pullet will most likely lay a couple of hours later each day until it's too late in the day, at which time she'll start over again in the morning and the process will go through the cycle again. Sometimes there's a day missed during the 'start over' portion of the cycle.

Most eggs are laid between 9 AM and 4 PM.

My Cayuga duck always lays before 7 AM, though. Dunno what that's about.

 

[NewHen]

I don't think it's a problem...think of the egg inside the chicken with that body heat for 26 hours...a few extra hours outside isn't going matter.

 

[Dora'smom]

We used to gather at all times of the day to prevent any damage to the eggs in the nestbox, but now just do it in the evening, every day. It's funny to sometimes go to gather eggs and they have laid enough in the preferred box that they are piled on top of each other. We have oyster shell mixed in to their food, so there hasn't been any mishap with cracking or breaking.

 

[midget_farms]

As long as you collect the eggs every other day or so you will be fine.

As a chicken gathers a clutch of eggs they will not develop or spoil for a week. When she starts to set on the eggs they will begin to develop. Now the heat is an issue - under a chickens butt its 100 degrees. So if your coop is 100 degrees the eggs could begin to develop. But - after a day or 2 development is miniscule & you would never notice it.

If left for a week - you may see things in there you don't want to eat.

During lower temps (below 80 degrees) they will keep for several days. Below freezing they will freeze & crack.

 

[Jeeper1540]

i always make sure to get eggs around 2:00, thats when i usually let them out to free range.

this morning i found a chicken egg by the pool, that was laid yesterday, maybe a day before, but it sank in the water so i figure its ok

 

[D'Angelo N Va.]

oh please..LOL...I gather my eggs in the evening when I get home, usually around 7:45, and take them into the house wash them off they sit on the counters in cartons for another week sometimes before I eat them....always have and always will....as do most farmers. just think did the farmers have refrigerators many many years ago? NO...in other words....you are fine. LOL