Is it absolutely necessary to refrigerate eggs?

[tenderkat]

My 6 hens just started laying about a month ago. I like to keep the eggs out in a little basket on the counter, because I think they look pretty, and I am such a proud Mama!! I just realized that I've left a basket of about 10 eggs out for a couple of days. Are they still okay to eat? Do fresh eggs absolutely have to be refrigerated? If not, how long will they stay fresh?

 

[KnitswithChickens]

Check out these posts - I think you'll find your answer here.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=252658&p=1

 

[Centralflafred]

You can always check them by doing the float test on them to see if they've spoiled.

I was taught that a room temperature egg(s) will make a better fluffier omelet if that's what you want to make with them. The French don't chill their eggs, or so I've been told.

 

[KnitswithChickens]

I'm from the UK originally and we never refrigerated an egg but mum kept them in a ceramic chicken on the kitchen counter. Of course, there was barely enough room in our tiny fridge to even put the milk