Just found eggs

[LTapley]

Ok so I am new to keeping chickens and my girls have just started laying eggs. I found one yesterday in one of their nest boxes. Today I go go out to clean the coop and when I open the side door there is a nest of 13 eggs that I didn't know was there! I have been checking the nest boxes but didn't even think about checking any where else. So here is my question. Since I didn't even know they were there I obviously don't know HOW long they have been there, so is it ok to use them? How long do the eggs keep? It's been hot here like 87-88 degrees, will this make the eggs bad or are they still good to use? I am lost right now, please help! Thanks!

 

[sealer39]

I’d toss them and start fresh. Or, put some of them in your nest boxes to try to encourage them to lay there. Put something (like a upside down bucket, rocks, anything) on the nesting site in the coop to discourage them from laying on the coup floor.
We had an EE that started laying outside behind a bush. When we finally found the nest there were about a dozen eggs in it. She didn’t get to free range anymore until she learned how to use the nesting box. If memory serves, it only took a few days to get her in the habit.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I obviously don't know HOW long they have been there, so is it ok to use them? How long do the eggs keep? It's been hot here like 87-88 degrees

I would not eat them, in the 80s and probably hotter in the coop. Chuck em!!! GC

 

[CJLR]

I would throw them out but if you really want to keep them you could do a float test by filling a clear container with water and dropping the eggs in it if they float or stand up they are bad
But if they sink to the bottom they are good

 

[HuffleClaw]

I’d toss them out.

The float test is nowhere near reliable 100% of the time.

 

[CookieChookie]

I wouldn’t eat them but this is what I’d do - Crack them open, one at a time into a cup then transfer into a bowl before cracking the next one into the cup. (You’ll soon know if they’re bad.) Then scramble the good ones and feed to your girls. They’ll love you forever.

 

[LTapley]

Thank you everybody, I appreciate the help!